The FiFi Report 324

Economy Class:

Ninewest
Head here for great shoes at good prices:
My picks are:

• The fabulous patent black or orange T bar kitten heels sandals : They even have a back zip so you can get out of them quickly. Love the small kitten heel: Very Celine inspired. You can wear with everything from jeans to sexy skirts or shorts. Love in a bright orange for instant injection of colour. $159
• Wedges are big news for summer and also into next season. Meaning? This is a trend that is ongoing so you should invest now. The good news is that they make running around and shopping so much more comfortable. Check out the brown and yellow stripe wedges, also in fabulous pink and red fabric (above). They have wide straps and it’s just a great way to add colour and fun and texture to anything you own. Even last season’s daggy pieces.. $149
• Buy the fabulous black sandals with a mid kitten heel: yes! Another shoe that means walking won’t be torture. They have the all important kitten heel and a T bar with a small sliver buckle on the ankle strap. Chic de la chic and perfectly in tune with this season’s minimalist look. Trust me they will work with everything you own. $139
• Love the idea of a plain nude flesh colour peep toe heels. This non colour seems to lengthen the leg as it’s more or less the same colour as your fabulous long legs. Ha. Also you want these heels because they have an ankle strap which seems to anchor the foot. And the peep toe heel is about as trans-seasonal as you can get. Love the stacked wooden stiletto heel $159. Browns and soft blush pinks are THE colours for next season so invest now ; great colours that will work with brights or white. Or your entire wardrobe of black. Phew.
• It’s all about the tan accessory this summer: whether it’s a bag or a shoe. You must buy the tan woven leather platform: you can see the heel is not so high and the chunky look with work with heels or skirts. That ankle strap with the cross over strap is very YSL 70’s and that is the HOT HOT HOT reference for all the designers for summer 2011. LOVE. $169

French Connection:
I see quite a lot of stripes and navy and of course some cheap but chic pieces on sale.
My picks are:

• You know this season is all about skinny cargoes so I suggest you try on “Becky’s bonanza pants”. What a name! I wonder what happened to Becky when she wore these trousers? Oh la la…a bonanza whatever it was. Anyway you want them in Khaki : they have stitch detail on knee, and seams down front and back of legs. Wear with a black blazer and a grey tee and heels. Wear with all black. Wear with bright colours. That’s why we love khaki: it’s a versatile colour. A must for summer. $129
• You want a blouse this summer and I like the navy silky oversized shirt with 3/4 sleeves: It has side pockets and button neck front opening and is very loose and floppy. A bit like your thighs. Anyway. You can wear navy and black together so this is great with skinny black pants. But remember with any top that’s oversized you need to balance it with something narrow or you will look like the fatty arbuckle Michelin Man. If you got the legs baby then try this with shorts and heels. For moi I would wear this belted with skinny chinos and stomping heels. $119/.
• Stripes were all over the runways for next summer 2011 (PRADA!!)so why not get into that trend right now.? I say get ahead and rock the latest look this summer. You want the navy and white stripe long sleeve Tee: it’s very narrow and fitted and will work with looser slouchy navy silky pants and then ruched up around the hips. You could wear this over skinny jeans. Or I love the idea of a cute little flirty skirt peeking out the bottom: It has subtle shoulder pads which will always be flattering. $79
• There is a cute long sleeve top on sale that is grey marle and has an asymmetrical zip : it’s like a biker jacket in cotton : Love this with kkaki cargoes and heels over a white tank or just for weekends or jogging; You may as well look fabulous darling. on sale $59
• There is also a stripe grey and black short sleeve jersey fitted dress that is on sale : it has a back zip detail and shoulder tab detail, finishes mid thigh. It’s so chic with wide shoulders …layer a blazer over it or just wear with heels. $119 on sale.

Just Jeans:
Head here for basics and cute casual numbers.
My picks are :

• We all need a utility jacket to toss over jeans or chinos to add a little tailoring. it’s a great replacement for a blazer.  I think you need the navy cotton canvas military style jacket. It’s also in grey and cream. I like the buttons and the very fitted shape : it will look great undone and tossed over a grey tee. Love it over a white shirt with the cuffs hanging out. Wear with light grey skinny cargoes or with a pencil skirt. Perfect with jeans for casual dinners with George Clooney. A great buy. That’s the jacket not George. He’s not for sale. $89.95
• Denim on denim is a huge trend but I must say I think it’s very scary to carry off. Sure, the models can rock the look but they are wearing Chloe. and young and skinny mutations of the species. But you can still get the look by wearing a chambray denim long sleeve shirt. Wear it with a camel skirt or pants a la Chloe or just try a denim shirt with khaki cargoes. You can also wear a denim shirt with a leather skirt. yes, you can. $59.95
• I am always on the look out for casual dresses and I like the grey marle jersey dress here with a drape hem: It’s got a very flattering V neck and has two front pockets. It’s flattering because it is a fit and flare shape so it will give you a waist but then skim over the fried mars bars sitting on the hips. Love this dress with a blazer and heels. You could add your own little tan belt too. Also in black you will be relieved to know. It might be a little short for some people who like more coverage. $69
• The hot jean look du moment? It’s all about the new flares. But you knew that because I told you all about it a few weeks ago. So you must try on the Calvin Klein Jeans high waist dark blue denim bootcut classic high rise zip jean. They are a great cut, with a flattering high waist. Wear with a cute thin belt in tan and also with tan wedges. Toss on with a white equipment shirt. Love it because they have no obvious stitching and so are very plain and chic; almost like a black pant. $140
• Yes, you will be happy to know that the skinny cargo pants are back instore here and they are pretty cool. You want the dark grey or the green khaki. Of course. You know skinny cargoes are the new jeans. Wear with a glitter top, with a floppy shirt or with a sexy Balmain blazer. They have a good cut with a side zip at the ankles and don’t be scared of the pockets on the side they can be flattering. Just make sure you wear with heels or else you will be a dag. We can’t have FiFi Report readers being that. $79.

Business class:

Sambag
It’s always good to pop in here and get some ballets flats, totes and check out the clothes too…
My picks are:

• In the bags you should check out the “Celia Indigo Denim Mini Satchel”: it’s very Lanvin inspired and very cute to wear tossed across the body. The small bag is a big trend. Is than an oxymoron? Also in other colours. $220.
• Another bag you should look at is the Domi Steel Grey Stingray Leather Clutch: a clutch is most important what with Christmas parties ( yes, I just said it) or for casual dinners out. Love the grey textured sting Ray. Bless it. At least it gets to go to some great places. $220.
• Also check out the fab “Paris Choc Snake Skin Square Jewel T bar flats” Again we love a jewel on the toe and the textured brown snakeskin is perfect to add a little je ne sais quoi. Which is French for throwaway chic. $190.
• In the shoes you should buy the Black Glomesh flat sandals. With double ankle straps but a single strap over the foot they add a little bling but not too over the top: remember with black you want texture, shine, embroidery or something exciting happening. Tres chic for you also in silver or bronze and why not? Perfect for summer weekends and long maxi dresses. $150.
• In the clothing there are a few loose tunics dresses with wide scoop necks that are a bit oversized but great for the beach $70 but I love the cashmere contrast hoodies $260, the divine V neck cashmere sweaters $240 and the track pants $220.

Marcs:
I must say Marcs is looking a lot more fashion which is good. Sometimes some of these stores can get- yawn- boring if they are too classic or too casual. It’s tricky to get it cool without being too scary don’t you think?

My picks this week are :

• The fabulous stone twill trench: how could I resist? How can you resist? It’s chic , double breasted and on sale ! was $299 now only $199. You do not need instructions on how to wear a trench. Oh please. Just buy it.
• Love the cream or taupe silk sleeveless tank: It’s the perfect neckline and not a low ugly scoop but a chic round neckline: it has cute button epaulettes details on the shoulders . It’s the perfect little tank to wear under a blazer with skinny cargoes or chinos. It’s loose but not too oversized either. Love this. $159.
• Check out the fabulous black and white stripe very Givenchy style jacket: $259. it’s in a floppy jersey so it’s not too tight or structured. I like the way they have shown it here with the short denim shorts $129: That’s they way to wear it otherwise it will look like you are off to the races when you are off to a bar. The shorts have an eighties paper bag waist which some of us might remember …they are cool but must be worn with heels or else.
• Love the utility green parka. : yes, there are many around and as I mentioned each week it’s a two season trend if you are lucky. Just buy one and rock the look. Wear later for bird or train watching. Or camping. Not. $199. I like the way this jacket is slightly smaller so it’s not as sloppy. As shown here you must wear tossed over a dress : the stripe one is cute non? The model can wear flats with it. Bless the mutation of the species.$129.

Sass and Bide:
You can always rely on sass and Bide to get the look happening for the season in their own inimitable way…
My picks are:

• The fabulous black leather mini skirt with zip pocket detailing. As I have mentioned many times leather is a huge trend and can work for summer as the wonderful Phoebe has told us at Celine. You can wear this skirt with a soft pretty blouse or something that softens the hardness of the look. I know a lot of the designers including Celine has mixed leather and lace but that is very tricky to pull off. Don’t try it unless you are actually wearing Givenchy or Celine. Love this skirt back with a grey marle tee. $490.
• Check out the fabulous leather jacket with a high collar: so chic and great for wearing now until it’s way too hot. Good for Tasmania or Wellington. $990. it’s not cheap and maybe a Rick Owens original will be cheaper!
• Love the sass and Bide Vie black and white stripe poncho : it’s asymmetrical with a cute one-sleeved look. In a soft floppy knit it’s a fabulous piece to wear tossed over skinny black jeans or cargoes. It will work the black leather mini as well. Perfect for wearing out for dinner with it slightly slipping off the shoulder. Just don’t drape the sleeve in the béarnaise sauce. $260
• Buy the cute Ikat tribal print dresses : go for the red and cream print ( or black and cream ) one shoulder dress $340 or try the black and white tribal print bustier $220. Print is great for summer if it’s graphic and tribal. Keep away from big bright florals or anything that is overwhelming. It’s way too tricky to get it happening and you want to make life easier right? You want to get dressed quickly without fuss non? Toss on these cute tribal print dresses with serious heels and grab a bag and off you go.