The FiFi Report 378

This week’s FiFi Report is all about party dressing! FiFi’s favourite fabulous finds for looking chic de la chic.  Whether it’s for a serious black tie event or just for a low key drinks with friends it’s all here. You can pick from cheap but chic to the outrageous gold slinky Lanvin dress from Net a Porter. I die ! Accessories next week….

Lanvin from Net a Porter
I am not suggesting that everyone rush out and buy this little number (£1,237.82!) but what I love about this dress is the way it’s worn with flats as you can see here. The shape is loose but the fabric and the gold are over the top. My point?  Crazy shapes, fabric AND colour =  too much. Dress down the glitzy glitter with casual flats. Go for luxurious fabrics in simple shapes ( and chic colours). That’s what effortless style is all about. Tip: Open a bottle of Dom Perignon with this dress.

Country Road:
The drape goddess dress is still cool and perfect for summer parties. This dress (below) has a slight drape with a casual shape, and the draping seems to skim rather than cling. Which is always welcome by the Almond Magnums resting on the hips. I like this 100% silk Country Road dress because it’s not completely black. The taupe colour blocking works a treat next to the face. Plus I like the simple shape and the red halter detailing on the neckline. It could be slightly too short for some but try a bigger size: sometimes there is not much difference in the fit but the length is longer. Perfect with heels or flats. Ditch any other jewellery except a chic cuff. $299. Tip. A Caprioska is all you need to finsh the look.

Arthur Galan.
It’s time to try rocking a dress in a blush colour. (You will blush when you wear this cute dress). It’s a fabulous dress with a very Chanel style halter neck chain. I like the draping as well. It’s stunning. The good news is that it also comes in a few colours - I am pretty sure in black. So stop hyperventilating.  It’s a good length for those who are not on friendly terms with their knees. It does go up a little at the front so pay attention when you sit down. And for those who have big boobs and can’t wear a bra with this dress? I am sorry. I suggest you down a few Cosmopolitans (and go back to the sequin tops). Bless. About $650.

Willow:
Perhaps you are off to a slightly more jooshie black tie party where you really need to dress up a little more. Willow is the place to go to buy a fabulous dress. I like this grey silk tulle chiffon dress. What a beautiful neckline : it’s really a simple shape but the draping adds that  little je ne sais pas. It’s easy to wear. Just add serious stomp-a-licious heels and a clutch bag. Again ditch any jewellery except a stack of cuffs. Earrings are not right at all. And a necklace? Are you serious? No, darling, No.Tip: This dress will match Yule Mule Vodka crush. $950. That’s for the dress not the drink.

Sportsgirl You gotta love a sequin tank. It’s the fast track way to looking glamorous in 5 seconds. Throw it on over a white tank ( to get white next to your face and take years off) or just wear on its own: Talk about instant chic. Love this little number from Sportsgirl. It has those peek a boo slits on the shoulder so it gives a little coverage but otherwise its very simple.  Toss it back with slouchy peg pleat front pants or just wear the gorgeous gold glitter with stone cotton chinos or rolled up jeans. If you want to wear a skirt you could try the gold sequins with a simple black pencil skirt. Tip : French champagne works well with this top.   $103

Seedheritage:
We are loving a sequin beaded top for party dressing. I already mentioned this little grey silver sequin tee from Seed. I mention it again because after doing much shopping research I do think this sequin tank is definitely one of the best. And darling you know how seriously I take my research. I am Dr.FiFi with Phd in shopping. This is one of my fav tops.  It has long sleeves but it’s not going to keep you warm. No sirreee. It will give good coverage of the muffins arms. Plus you can wear over a flesh tank or a white tank. Or, hey go crazy and try it over a gold bra. Oh la la. George Clooney will love it.$299.  You can also but the grey or black stripe sequin tanks here for $79. Shut up: that’s a great price. Tip: A Peach Bellini is perfect with this top.

Portmans
I always find Portmans seems to do great sequin tanks. How chic is this little top below right? I like the slightly halter /cut away neckline ( tres flattering in that it’s not a wide scoop but cuts into the shoulders at the bottom of your neck which makes your neck , yes yours, longer. This is a good thing). This tank is two layers so the inside layer is a race back jersey tank and the outer layer is lovley chiffon sequin fabric.. Wear as instructed above. Love with silver T bar flat sandals and grey chinos. Love with seriousky jeweled heels. Love for $59. Tip: Love with a Gin and tonic and a dash of lime.

Witchery
It’s all about colour blocking and bright colours this summer. That’s great for the beach.  But really- I ask you- is there anything chicer than a black dress? Answer: if it’s good enough for Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany it’s good enough for me. So I am pleased to reveal a lovely black silk dress at Witchery. It’s in a divine black silk and it has a cut away neckline which is tres flattering. It’s very long so you want to cut it off to the knne. It has a cute black matching silk sash but you could add your Gucci belt if you so desire. This is a great day to evening dress. Wear it with wedges or flats, with sparkles or tan accessories. Add a clutch and yes, you may wear earrings with this little number. Keep the neckline clean. Tip: A fig martini will work wonders with this dress.$289

Scanlan and Theodore:
This is the place for a fabulous selection of dresses for the party season: I have chosen this shot of a black lace dress here ( because that’s all that is available in the photos online ) . A Little black lace dress- LLD - is the hot piece for next season so you should invest now. The thing about black is that you should always look for textur,e shine or embellishment. Something that makes it a bit more interesting than the garden variety Black dress. Look for new shapes too. One shoulder, cut outs or strong architectural shapes. Please don’t be afraid of black. And just ignore all those fashionistas on TV who go on about black being boring. Oh please. Colour looks good on TV and those people have NO idea. Or taste. Head to Scanlan and Theodore and you shall go to the ball. In black. Smiling. With a glass of Bollinger in your hand.

Ck Calvin Klein.
I love this store. The cut, the fabrics and prices are fabulous. It’s simple and chic. It’s glamorous. It’s understated style with a capital C.K. I am sorry to say it’s very frustrating trying to find a photo online of anything  instore so I have used a shot from next winter’s collection but you get the idea.  (Which makes me think it’s time to go in shopping armed with a camera). I confess that I have looked and looked at many stores as I am a conscientious FiFi and want to find the best for you dear readers but there is nothing ( apart from Max and Co) who compare. in terms of cut and fabrics for the price. Sorry but I looked at a few Australian designers which I will not name but most of their black dresses are more expensive and just bad copies Oppsies.. I insist you head here for fabulous party dresses. They don’t look so incredible on the hanger s,o darlin,g just get int there and take your clothes off and try them on. There are black and grey and brights as well.  Tip: A Campari and Grapefruit juice are ideal accessory. Any time and any where. The dresses start at about $350.