The FiFi Report 268

Want a new wardrobe? Love shopping but don’t have the time or the know how. Never fear FiFi is here! FiFi can take you shopping and voila! A new you and a new wardrobe in just hours.

Be one of the first 5 people to book a personal style session with FiFi and you will receive a fabulous free deluxe sample from Bobbi Brown plus a free makeup application!
Email FiFi@FiFi.com.au or find out more information here.

Economy Class:

Witchery
It’s a sea of cream, brown and taupe… Oh and navy is here. That’s nice. My picks:

• The very easy to wear silky navy drawstring silky parachute pants. These are great if you can’t do the low crutch harem look — what?! You are not wearing that everyday? I like the drawstring waist. I like the idea you can wear navy and black. Wear with heels. Unless you are on holidays. I like the idea you can wear them on the couch in a couple of seasons, $149.
• Love the chic navy/black trim chiffon dress. I call this a dressy dress, it’s sleeveless and has pretty black lace edging on the shoulders and has a self tie. It’s a work to dinner dress and will look hot with black opaques and layers of black jet necklaces, $129.
• For a fresh white shirt look you should check out the white drape front shirred blouse with poet’s sleeves and a deep V neck. It has a waist (unlike some of us). It’s very 80’s style Donna Karan (not that I would remember.) This would look great with tough skinny pants to make it look modern. You could wear with short shorts and heels too and tons of Chanel pearls, $139. That’s the price for the shirt not the Chanel.
• Buy the basic black summer dress (I see has already nearly sold out of the Witchery website.). It’s what I call a handy dress. It has a simple rib cotton tank top (that’s bra safe) with the skirt bit in a silky tiered skirt that you know will hide a myriad of sins. Like all those shoes you are trying to smuggle into the house, $169.
• If you want prints and colour then buy the hippy dippy purple/cream/blue paisley print dress. It has big poets sleeves (of course it does, it’s a hippy dress) and a belt. It’s gathered in the front. You need to toughen it up with gladiator heels and another big tough leather belt. Or it will look BoHo NoNo. Add a blazer or a leather jacket and you have the look. The messy BoHo works in Ibiza and on Kate Moss… $169.
• Check out the navy and white graphic print loose top, like a kaftan, that looks so easy to wear: read not tight. Toss on with your shorts, with boyfriend jeans and heels. It’s very summery. I am still in my sweaters and scarf, $129.
• Love the white tank with cute white petals sewn across and down the front. This is simple and chic and perfect to toss under a blazer, $79.
• In accessories you want the gladiator flats with silver studs $129, the cream vintage leather style Prada-esque bags, $329. Plus there are great rings here too for about $19. A big dramatic over sized ring is hot.
• On sale: You want the black double breasted cotton belted trench with very Burberry style lining. It’s a classic and if you can’t afford the $1700 for the real Burberry version then this is yours for about $130. I think it’s a good length and not short and mingy. Also buy the fabulous navy twill short fitted and tailored peacoat with big round silver military buttons: this is a great buy chic de chic $130ish, plus the sequin blazer is a must now $129. Then grab one of the navy and white stripe hoodies in very fine cotton now about $50.

Sportsgirl
It’s looking very Sass and Bide in here. Dare I say… lots of ripped denim, glitter and studs. It’s very Mad Max kind of messy look. If you are under 25 you know what you want to wear otherwise here are my best picks to sneak in to buy:

• The very chic (and Oh so easy to wear at any age) navy and white wide stripe long cotton maxi dress. It has wide straps and a V neck. You need this to toss on when the weather gets warm. It’s super chic $129.
• If you like bright colour then checkout the orange or magenta (I can’t say hot pink it hurts) silky Kaftan tops. One shoulder is a thin ruched strap and the other sleeve is Kimono style. This will look great with a summer tan and white skinny jeans, $149. Also the same colours are in a long, loose racer back tank. If you have to wear brights always wear it back with pales and taupes and creams. To tone it down, $89.
• So if you don’t have an ounce of fat on your gorgeous body then you must slip into the black stretchy Herve Leger inspired bandage dress. So eighties. I didn’t try it on but it might suck in all the bits for you like a vacuum. Or is that just in my dreams? $129.
• Buy the fabulous black/grey sequin beaded mini skirt, $149. It has sheer chiffon trim. Love this with a white tank and a blazer and stomp-a-licious heels. Or with a loose, just ‘thrown it on casually’ grey marle tank. Oh add monster shoes.
• And I think you should have the black sleeveless vest: it’s a hot buy for summer and this look is pretty sophisticated, $179. This vest is tuxedo style meaning it has thin lapels. Wear over a grey marle tank with peg leg pants a la YSL. Or belt it in and wear over a dress.
• In accessories there is a fab black glomesh bags $49, a mad kind of faded denim quilted Chanel style bag $49 (Bless) and some cute grey suede flat multi strap gladiators, $99. Buy the classic round toe platform pumps in cream, $129. They have a hidden platform like Harry Potter. And cream will make your legs look longer.
• Love the black patent wallets for $19. Like a clutch but you can put the Black Amex somewhere perfect for evenings out. Just like the Smiggle pencil case.

Sussan
Looking more fashion every time I sneak in here. Keep calm: it’s more fashion in a wearable way for the Sussan customer. My picks are:

• As I tweeted yesterday, I am amazed that I see a Rick Owens inspired cream leather jacket. How do I know it’s Rick Owens? Because a friend of mine has the exact jacket and it looks awfully similar. She has exquisite taste and she has it in black. As I often say you have to have an eye to copy the right thing: I have seen some stores copy the wrong designers (Roberto Cavalli anyone? ewww). This jacket is in a beige concrete colour with silver zips and loose collarless lapels. It’s pretty fabulous though you might start coughing in economy when you see the price. You will wear next winter so don’t panic. Or you might live in Melbourne which means it’s still cold. $399.
• Buy the cute brown and cream print maxi dress in a cotton jersey. With a ruched top to flatten the boobs and shoes string straps, $69. I can see the maxi dress will be everywhere for summer. This is a good thing. Just wear with flats or nothing. And never wear walking the streets: it’s poolside or beach or at home. You are not Rachel Zoe.
• Love the white grandpa long shirt. I think this is beach shirt, $69. It’s in a loose shape and has casual fold up button sleeves. Looks more expensive than it is.
• Check out the African style brown and white print silky kaftan tops. I like kaftan tops here because they come to the knee: I am so not showing any flesh above the knee to anyone if I don’t have to. Great to toss over the bikini, $99.
• There is also a navy classic kaftan top that has a smattering of bronze sequins that is a handy piece for weekend dressing, $69.
• If you are scared of sequins — and so you should be — then I insist you buy the fabulous black cotton tank with matte black discs all over the front. The sequin discs are about the size of a 20 cent coin and I think it’s very Marni inspired, $99.
• Oh and did I see a snazzy black stretchy tight bandage skirt a la Herve Leger? Cool. $69
• Love the silver lurex tank in a shiny stretchy fabric, $39 and the faux snakeskin patent clutch a la Prada is a fabulous buy, $89.

Business Class:

Country Road
Love the racks of pale colours: they look so fresh and lovely after all the black of winter… My picks are:

• The sensational (very Lanvin inspired) navy and black one should ruffle top, $199. The same version in a dress arrived in store last week and it’s fabulous. The black ruffle sits on one shoulder and it’s very dramatique. Looks like the black and navy trend is finally happening big time. Extends your wardrobe by 50%.
• Check out the grey silky pants with an elastic hem, $179. When is a harem pant not a harem pant? When it is a parachute pant. When is a pant singular and plural? Who knows… when is a shoe a shoe? Love these pants with killer heels. Not to be worn with ugg boots or those horrid Crocs. No wonder they went out of business. If you are shocked about uggs keep reading The FiFi Report there is hope for you. Tip: when the pants are loose and baggy keep the top snug and chic or you might look like a mess. Sorry.
• But if you are a crazy fashionista then buy the black harem pants. They have a mildly low crutch and an elastic waist in a cotton, $149. An instant wardrobe updater: Love them, wear them, thrash them and say good bye next year.
• You want the cream cotton bomber jacket in cotton, $179. It’s in a colour called nougat and looks delicious. It has silver zips and a loose shape. Seems these jackets are everywhere for summer. It’s like a hangover from the sporty luxe trend. Of course if you were sporty you wouldn’t have a hangover. Hic.
• One of the key pieces for summer is the sleeveless vest. So handy you can layer it over anything and it will give you a little more tailoring and shape. Buy the black tailored vest here: it goes up at the back and is longer at the front, $199. You know how to wear this because I told you sportsgirl.
• Also invest in the black dinner tuxedo jacket with small thin lapels, it’s called a waiter’s jacket. This does not mean you can keep pouring yourself another drink. Wear with skinny jeans or over a dress. This rule applies to all jackets, $199.
• Buy the grey simple Tees: they call them a scoop neck but no they are not! Here’s the scoop on the scoop: It’s Ok if the neckline is low and round but the fabric must come right in where the neck meets the shoulders. That’s the ugly area that needs covering, $34.
• In the dress department you want the black (or is there navy?) structured, folded, origami style dress with a frayed edge. Handy little number to throw on with black opaques and heels, $249.
• In accessories: buy the navy suede heels with black trim, $229, fabulous. And you want the over sized clutch in vintage leather in grey …plus love all the flat gladiators, $129.

Cue
Lots of new pieces instore: I was in there when they were unpacking. I love that. The good news? It’s shoulder pads galore. Hot. (Get used to it). The prices are getting up there so now they are in Business Class. My picks are:

• The fabulous black silky jersey top with a crossover front and cap sleeves with the shoulder pads, $158. When you wear the pads you will see how they give you a small waist. This is a great top and you will wear it with everything from jeans to a pencil skirt to shorts. There is a dress version of this top too which is pretty fab as well, $269.
• Buy the very Balmain black brocade single breasted blazer: it has serious shoulder pads and one button, $395. Don’t worry you won’t look like Lady Gaga. Remember sequins and brocade and evening wear fabrics should be worn in the day with denim, with Tees, with cotton to tone it down. To take the glitzy edge off it. This jacket will work with a basic white tank or grey marle tank. Don’t wear with sequins or shiny unless you want to be.
• Love. Love. Love (because I am a fashion editor) the black sheer leggings covered in black/bronze and silver sequins: not scary they are chic and the fabric is lovely. Wear under a long boyfriend jacket. Only for the brave who can carry it off, $249.
• If you can’t rock the leggings then you can buy the fabulous tank top in the same black bronze silver sequin fabric. Love it, $159. You know the sequin tank is hot because I told you months ago. Layer over a white tank and wear with baggy boyfriend jeans. For a fab work to dinner look try the sequin tank back with stone or grey chinos. With your Louboutin.
• You want the black cotton dress with exposed silver zip all the way down the front: it’s sleeveless and has high neckline, comes in at the waist then flirts out into skirt with lots of back pleats. This is the perfect day dress for summer and I might get it myself, $315.
• Check out the (very Victoria Beckham does Roland Mouret) grey twill sheath dress. It’s so much like the one Elle is wearing in this week’s Squawkbox. It has cap sleeves and a bit of peplum around the hips. But you can see this is a good thing, $199. It has a hidden zip down the front. It will suck you in and give you shape.
• Buy the simple Balmain-esque black single breasted classic blazer with a serious shoulder pads. It must be a copy. It’s the jacket of the season so why not? It has ¾ sleeves which is good because the look is to have pushed up sleeves, $269.
• I see a gold jacket and a lot of cobalt blue which Lady Gaga will love…

Max&Co
I love this store: the cut and the fabrics are fabulous quality and you can’t beat the prices for what you get. My picks are:

• The divine tan leather jacket: it’s cut like a double breasted peacoat with lots of brass buttons but the tan brown leather is wrinkled and vintage style. It’s quite gorgeous. Wear now, wear till it gets too hot, wear into next winter. Wear it to bed, $1050.
• There is a sweet navy and black small print 40’s chiffon dress: it has a wrap and tie and short sleeves. But we don’t do very sweet so you need to toughened it up with serious gladiators and a leather jacket. You could even add a big fat black belt. Don’t wear with flats or pearls unless your name is the Duchess of Kent. $485
• There is another dress in a pretty small floral print in a soft pink: very 40’s and BoHo with short sleeves and a ruffle, $545. Please apply the same rules from above.
• Adore the dark blue (almost fake denim) cotton blazer with puff shoulders and 2 drape front pockets. It’s short and tight and will look fabulous over everything you own. Except with jeans. Oh god. You are not a country and western singer. Wear it back with black or prints. You need a blazer to wear right now to take you through to summer, $520. There is also another denim jacket with an orange stitching which is cool too.
• Please buy silk leaf camouflage print dress in brown, khaki and cream. It’s really a shirt waister dress with its cream own belt. I suggest you whip that fabric belt right off toot suite! Then add you a big wide brown leather belt to toughen it up. Love this print: it’s a sophisticated and not too tricky to wear like all those hippy dippy florals that make anyone over 25 look like the Queen Mother. (And she is dead.) $375.
• Love the white old fashioned lace poet top with wide neckline and poet’s sleeves. It’s chic and easy to wear and so nice and summery. Maybe I could wear now in front of the heater, $295.
• I see a rack of pastel and purple which I will ignore…
• Love all the bags: they are great prices from about $300 and the grey gumboots $185. Check out the beige suede wedges with a peep toe and cross over strap and not too high, $375.

First Class:

Collette Dinnigan
It’s really her season because it’s all about lady like draping and very feminine dressing. And, of course, lots of jewel embellishments and lace… My picks are:

• The pretty pink and cream print English garden dress with short cap sleeves and a 40’s style with a tie waist and a flowy skirt: it’s very good for the races or some kind of occasion dressing. Unless you want to do the English gardening in it. Maybe just sit in the English garden and have some tea (or a Gin and Tonic). $890
• Buy the gorgeous, slinky oyster satin halter dress with 2 wide straps: it cinched in the waist and is perfect for cooking chocolate cake. Or roasting beetroot. Who can wear a colour like that? This is definitely another party dress. $990
• Love the black trapeze dress with wide straps and gold embroidery stitching along the bodice, then it falls into a swing shape with a few ruffles and tiers on the hem. It’s short and sexy, $1290.
• You want the divine black sheer lace tank with a racer back with raw edges and a cream under bit. It really is beautiful and you could wear this for dinner with wide black tuxedo pants. Or just try it back with jeans and heels, $740.
• There is a pale oyster chiffon tank with satin trim with amazing serious big silver studs all over it down the front. It’s very Burberry inspired and I love it. Tough chic, $850.
• Buy the amazing black and gold sequin lace mini dress: oh la la that is a party dress and it’s fabulous, $2400.
• There is also a rack of fabulous back dresses on sale. Quite fabulous some with jewels and embroidery and beading…

Poepke
This store always has fabulous pieces especially from Dries and Ann Demeulemeester …I see there is a rack on sale for 50% off… Yes, please! My picks are:

• The amazing Dries black blazer with incredible gold swirl sequins details over one pocket. Now on sale about $1188.
• There is a fabulously over the top (but somehow very wearable because it’s Dries) gold blazer. Now on sale $713
• Love the Dries sleeveless drape silk graphic print dress in black and browns. It has an interesting print of grey squares along the bottom. Now about $1148.
• For fabulous colour (and who does it better than Dries) buy the purple silky chiffon top V neck top now on sale $538.
• Also check out the Dries teal blue silky harem pants now $488.
• Love the Ann Demeulemeester black silky trench now on sale $873. You always need another trench.
• You want the Ann D black classic trousers now $473 and a gorgeous black slouch cardigan now $548.
• Plus there is new season Rittenhouse and Bassike (which I love) and amazing computer prints scarves by a new local label called Trust Fun $450. Check out the site here and you can see the incredible prints.