The FiFi Report 305

Economy class
Witchery:
This week there are not so many new pieces but there are the key pieces to buy for winter.
My picks are :

• The fabulous tweed boyfriend jacket. It is just like one you borrowed from George Clooney but just a little more tailored to fit a woman. Love this with skinny black jeans and over the knee boots. Cool. Not feeling like you can rock the skinny jeans? Then wear this with any trousers: Peg legs work and so do harem style. I think a more narrow cut works with the volume of the jacket don’t you think? $229
• You need the grey zip front wool jacquard jacket or is it a cardigan? It’s more like a cardigan that is groovy (and not something Michelle Obama wears. If you know what I mean.) This is loose and great for the muffin top situation. I like it in the dark grey and I think you can wear this over white Tee or a soft light grey Tee. Great for work because the sleeves are ¾. Depending on your work of course. $229
• You could also buy the knit pleat front gilet. It’s a sleeveless cardigan as well and perfect to layer over a long sleeve Tee or knit. Love the zip because you get a V neck rather than a horrid scoop. $129
• Love the camel coat which I probably mention every time. But camel is the new black or navy and you got to get it. I like it because it’s not too heavy and wintery which means you can keep wearing it into spring. Love the idea of camel back with denim and so toss it over jeans and Tee. You can also wear this with chinos or over a LBD. $399
• In accessories you want the very Givenchy style bag called Bonnie in black or cream with the long strap . I like it because it has no obvious hardware (Wel,  there is a silver zip ) and it’s a little more structured than a slouch bag. $279
• Love the Alexander Wang style bag with zips $269 and the fab brown suede over the knee flat boots $329! Go Robin Hood!

Betts shoes
It’s always worth popping in here to check out the boots and shoes if you are on a budget.
My picks are :

• The fabulous flat, long over the knee boots with a round toe. Just be careful with over the knee boots so that you don’t look like Puss n boots. Maybe ditch the cape and the sword. Love these boots with a cute bell skirt or with a pencil skirt, Love with skinny jeans and a groovy sharp shoulder blazer. If you have got great legs you could do over the knee boots with shorts and opaque hosiery. If you don’t have great legs then have heels surgically attached to your feet. $119
• Love the plain black patent heels. They are classic pumps with a hidden platform with a pointy toe. Perfect for an every day shoe for work. I like patent because it lifts all the dark colours and then works really well with brown or caramel. Oh, and bright colours if you have them.
• We all need short ankle boots this winter. THE shoe of the season. By now we have got used to the idea that they cut off your legs and make them look shorter. Just like we got used to the idea that low rise jeans make your legs look short and loose tops make you look pregnant. Funny how you get used to fashion. Love the short black fabric/almost faux suede ankle boots with a cone heel . With a hidden platform the heel is not too high. $119
• For a great day shoe (if you don’t want a boot) is the black suede shoe boot with a cut outs and a patent platform. These will work with black opaques and all your fav pieces in your wardrobe from jeans to chinos to a pencil skirt. $129.
• Also love the simple chic ‘MO’ black suede shoe/ boots $129 or the plain leather ‘Curly’ shoe boots: they are quite flattering because they are cut at an angle to slope down at the ankle so you don’t get that cankle cut off situation. They have 3 buttons on the side but that’s it. Simple. Not scary at all. $139.

French Connection:
I like French Connection because they always seem to do great fashion pieces that are still a little classic.
My picks this week include:

• The black (or navy) boiled wool jacket with silver and brass studs scattered on the hem and shoulders. It’s like a cardigan jacket with hook and eye $199. Sounds tacky but don’t worry it’s not. As if I would recommend anything tacky. I like this jacket because it’s short and cropped for casual easy dressing. Not too structured. The studs are cool for this season and will joosh up all the basics. Just ditch studs on your boots and shoes and belt. Too much.
• It seems there are stripes everywhere this season. I see the stripes Tee in just about every store. But I like it. So much easier to wear stripes than florals that tend to make everyone look old. Please ignore that stupid concept that stripes make you look bigger. Maybe if you are really fat - I said the word “fat” sorry to swear at you- but otherwise anyone looks great in stripes. I like the black and grey wide stripe sweater cotton dress. A sweater dress as in it’s the shape of T shirt but it’s a sweater. Great with boots. Could be slightly clinging in the knit so put down those hot chips. $119
• Also in the stripe department is a cute navy and white stripe boat neck Tee $49. The boat neck works a treat under a blazer. Which is how you should wear it. The tailored blazer will give you shape. Thank you.
• You want the cute grey marle bomber jacket with military style epaulettes with silver zips. It’s a sharp shape so will be flattering $149. I love grey and it looks fabulous with silver , also with brown and camel. Keep the bottoms covered in black or darker colours and you can rock a lighter colour at the top. This will work over a tee or a dress.
• There is a poncho and cape moment happening. It’s that Boho Gypset look. GypSet is like the Jet set but just a little more gypsy Boho. Anyway I love a poncho and I want the knit light grey ( or black) poncho top I spied here . It’s not strictly a poncho because it has holes in sleeves. If you get what I mean. Looks fab over a white Tee or tank and with skinny jeans. Great for traveling. Great for eating croissants.
• On sale I spy a white shirt dress on sale $49. It has waist detailing which means that it Is not too loose and shapeless. Also on sale is the Roland Mouret dress inspired fitted sleeveless sheath dress. On sale for $199 in grey or black.

Business Class
Country Road:
Always great buys here every week. Looking like it’s for the young and groovier because there is now Trenery catering for the over 40’s. This is a good thing.
My picks are:

• The chic white and grey long sleeve cross over tunic dress. Very clever. It’s a trick and looks like a top and skirt. The top is white cotton long sleeves cross over Tee and the skirt is grey jersey. Joined together by a black grosgrain waist band. Great under a coat and with boots. oh and I am pleased to announce that white next to the face takes 10 years off. $129.
• There is a cool over-sized, black sloppy shape sequin tee shirt. It has cap sleeves in black and the sequins are only on the front. Which is probably good because in winter you never see the back anyway. Always have jacket covering it up. By now you know you can wear sequins in the day and with jeans. $99.
• If you want a pencil skirt then try the black gab pencil skirt. It has a zip fly at the front and side pockets which makes it little more casual. You could wear that on weekends as well as to the office. So trans seasonal which is why it’s a winner. $159
• Of course the boyfriend jacket is a huge look for this season and so you must try on the black and white tweed peacoat. It’s big and long to cover muffin bottoms and it’s a great look over anything basic. Wear it over a leather skirt, a flirty skirt or yes, you guessed it; Skinny black jeans. So very eighties inspired: if you remember you did leggings under a big jacket. Of course I have only read about the eighties. I don’t remember a thing. $399.
• Love the ruffle dress with belts and gloves $229 and you want the lovely cream pleat front blouse too. $129.
• In accessories you can’t go past the zip messenger bags ; so very inspired by Alexander Wang. The idea is that you wear them on the shoulder but they are a little short to wear across the body. BUT if you grab a belt you can just get it to buckle together and Voila! A bag perfect for traveling with zips and pockets. And chic. $289.

Max and Co:
Love this store. The quality is fabulous for the price. And they work in the European season so there is already summer arriving instore. For anyone who wants to invest in a peacoat or a leather jacket or a puffa jacket,  this is THE place.
My picks this week are:

• A stripe Tee! Mais oui, it’s all we want. This is very Petit Bateau inspired and in a lovely cream and black ( or navy) stripe with a boat neck Tee. It has cute press studs along the shoulder. And look at the price $150. Woo Hoo.
• I see a trench and I must stop and touch it. Ok I must try it on. I love the trench in a blue denim: So cool , it’s double breasted with about 8 silver buttons down the front. It’s knee length with a back belt and inverted pleat. Love this. Will I ever go to Trench rehab? I don’t think so. Wear with everything. Nuf said. $495
• Love the short grey wool melton bomber jacket with brown leather buttons. It’s got a wide cross over shape at the front so it just seems to do it up at the waist. What can I say? I love a grey peacoat or a bomber and this season they are everywhere. Happy. $655
• If you are after a serious winter coat - you might live in Melbourne, Wellington or in the country. Stay calm and buy the fab black and white mohair belted coat. So chic over basic black, stripes ( yes!) or even over florals. There is something cool about mixing it up. $1195
• Speaking about florals there are a few pretty print dresses here that are long sleeve and just right for winter. In small floral print ( not that over the top Dolce & Gabbana full on Rose print. Relax. $400
• For a flitty skirt you can’t go past the black and white A-line tweed skirt with cute zips. It’s a skating skirt so could be a little young for some. But it has a handy rib knit waist. Great with over the knee boots and a biker jacket $295. No photos sorry!

Mimco:
The jewellery here is fabulous. Love the cute evening bags and the other accessories like the zip gloves…

My picks this week are:

• You want the fabulous over the top necklace with many diamantes in layers upon layers and then it has an additional pearl necklace attached with glitter brooch. Oh la la ! Amazing and pretty over the top. Love the idea of the jeweled necklace with a stripe Tee or with a grey marle Tee. Obviously you can wear it when you go to the Opera or a party with a fabulous dress but I am here to tell you things you don’t know. Wear jewels with jeans and a trench. $$$
• My other pick for the necklaces is a fabulous silver multi chain chunky necklace: again fabulous for day. It’s funny how there is serious gold hardware on all the bags this season but there is a lot of chunky silver chain necklaces. Not sure about mixing silver and gold. Anyway this silver necklace is just right for day or for weekends with jeans. It’s a statement piece but that’s what we all need non? Everyone will look at your jewellery and not notice the daggy pants $329
• In the shoes I do like the black or brown mules/clogs with a stiletto heel and stud details. A bit expensive for what they are.
• In the other accessories you must buy the short black zip gloves: very groovy and perfect for this weather. Isn’t it exciting to be able to finally wear gloves. Bring on Winter and all those fabulous cold weather clothes.

First Class
Parlour X:

I had a lovely time when I dropped in to Parlour X and drooled over everything! From the Balenciaga bags to the Alaia and the fabulous Isabelle Marant. Breathing in all that gorgeous quality and beautiful clothes always makes me feel better.
The great news is that it’s available to buy online now so you don’t need to leave home (and the comforting arms of George Clooney). It’s bananas. If only Rachel Zoe was with me…

My picks are:

• The Balenciaga bags. of course. We need and want one . The prices are great from about $1500.
• Love the Balenciaga leather graphic print, wrap mini skirt: right off the runway. $1995. I die. i die.
• You should get in there and try on the green print Balenciaga Silk Tank  on SALE for an outrageous $345. is this less expensive than the copies? Me thinks yes!
• In Alaia you must have the black knit flip skirt with a kick at the knee. (I will need a kick at the knee if I keep spending.) $1495.
• Drool over the black Alaia Knee Length Dress - on SALE now for $1495.
• Adore the Comme des Garcons double breasted navy blazer with tortoiseshell buttons. $1055. I don’t need to tell you how to wear any of these. If you shop here you should just know.If you don’t then I suggest you quietly send me an email and I will secretly help. Bless.