Grand Opening!

Have you visited the new Fifi's location yet? If you have, isn't it absolutely marvelous? I have been at least once a week since the new store opened. And for those of you who haven't...what are you waiting for?! I think everyone needs to put on their calendar Fifi's at 7pm on September 27.

This event is not only a grand opening party but it is for a good cause. There will be not just one non-profit organization but three. That is a chance to not only have a good time seeing models and having a chance to win during the charity raffle but all of the proceeds will be going to these three charities.

That Thursday night promises to be a good time as you have a little nosh and a drink with your girlfriends. What could be better? Oh, how about you add some models and a charity raffle. Raffle items include: gift cards from Ava Lilly's, Fresh Market and some are for massages. There is has also been a donation of a gift basket full of goodies worth up $200! And many more area businesses have donated. You cannot go wrong there!

Now you know all about the event, there is one more thing I need to tell you. There will be live music by Carey Sims. I just finished up listening to his music...and it is really good! Just another reason you should not miss this event.

I think this even is exactly how I want to spend a Thursday night. Join me on Thursday, September 27 at 7:00 to celebrate the grand opening of Fifi's with an evening of charity and cocktails. This is one even you do not want to miss. Here is the link where you can buy your tickets online or just visit the Fifi's store.

See you there!

New Adventures

Can you believe that the new store will be opening in just a matter of weeks? It is getting really exciting around Fifi's. What else is exciting is the GREAT sales that are going on up until July 31st (the last day at the current location), there are pieces that are up to 80% off! Amazing, right? You definitely do not want to miss out on an amazing new piece for your closet at a fraction of the rack price.

The new dressing rooms

With August around the corner that also means school is about to begin. Are all of you parents rejoicing that summer is coming to an end? I know that you are probably gearing up to get your little ones new clothes for the new year...but what about you? And with the new shop opening up in August you will be able to experience a whole new Fifi's but still get great steals to spruce up your wardrobe.

Look for pieces with lace to add a surprising element to your work outfit. It beats just wearing a regular solid color top under your blazer and then you can taken it from work day to evening with by taking off your blazer. Easy breezy.

Also try wearing bold colors to the office. It is so easy to just migrate to black, grey, and navy when buying work clothes, I do it to often. However,  how much more fun would getting dressed in the morning be if you decided to wear a fire engine red top with that suit or even a red skirt?

Take those small ideas for your closet ladies and get your shop on at Fifi's!

Summer Essentials: Life's A Beach

Diane from The Chic Life

How are all my lovely fashion and Fifi's lovers doing this week? Is summer treating you well? I hope you are all enjoying vacations and time in the sun. How is your summer wardrobe holding up? Well there is still time to perk it up and make additions to your beach bag. Of course you can find those additions at Fifi's just like Diane at The Chic Life, who made a major score this weekend. What has been your recent score? Send me your pic and I will feature you on the blog. Don't ya want to show off your fab find?

Now onto the real important stuff...what to pack for that the beach. As I have mentioned in Fun in the Sun post and Summer Essentials you are going to need a few basics like the flat sandal, sunglasses, maxi dress, and a great hat. It is time to add to that list.

Every beach trip needs a beach bag or just an oversized bag that you carry around all of your beach essentials and goodies but can double as your handbag for times out to eat and the summer nights. You can always carry an extra bikini for a late night swim.

Why just get a beach bag...when you can carry an over-sized handbag?

The beautiful thing about the beach is being able to walk off the beach slip on a tunic and be ready to for the next adventure for your day. And no one is going to judge you because of it, we all want to be comfy and relaxed...no need to be fussy. Grab a tunic throw it in your bag. Put it on. Seat yourself on a deck with a drink. It is as easy as that. The great thing about a tunic, it can be an official tunic, or it could be an over-sized top or a short summer dress. Make it your own and find it at Fifi's.

How easy would it just be to just throw one of these on?

So you know to pack your oversized sunglasses and handbag, swimsuit, sandals, maxi dress, big hat, and tunic. What more can a girl need? I would say an easy tee and a pair of classic shorts.

How comfy are these looks?

Well there are the basics for your summer beach trip! Head to Fifi's and get all packed up. Until next week my fashionistas.

Summer Essentials: How To Pack

As we continue into sweet summer time (can you hear the Will Smith song in your head now? Or how about the Kenny Chesney one?) we are all planning and dreaming of the beach. Even with mini trips on the weekend the biggest dilemma is always, how do I pack...what should I wear? 


Let us start with the hardest question (in my opinion): How do I pack for a trip? I found this great resource on Pinterest that led me a blog called A Pair and A Spare. The author of this blog talks about packing light and we all know we want to pack light going to the beach. That is the hardest thing for me because when I try to pack light I always end up forgetting something. What is great about this infographic it gives you a break down even to your shoes. 

So here is the breakdown of how you should pack according to this inforgraphic and I hope you find it as helpful as I do. I am so grateful to have stumbled across it. 

Step 1: Check the climate & culture Obviously a big factor in your packing is going to be your destination. 

Step 2: Gather basics As in everyday life, good basics are the foundation of a versatile travel wardrobe.

Step 3: Add key color palette items Choose a color palette for a few additional pieces. This reduces the likelihood of having mismatched outfits. Depending on what I have in my wardrobe I usually add a maxi skirt (great for travelling), long sleeved shirt, a few mini skirts and a pair of shorts in my chosen color palette. You can of course choose a couple of colors for your palette, just try to make sure they are all compatible.

Step 4: Rationalize Shoes Shoes are the most bulky part of your luggage and if you can restrict the number of shoes you take with you, life will be much easier. But you don’t want to feel like you lack shoes either – I usually take one pair of classic black patent heels (maybe a second pair if I am going somewhere dressy), a pair of ballet flats, ankle boots, a pair of comfortable shoes like converse and a pair of gladiator sandals.

Step 5: Complete with Accessories Pick accessories that you can use with multiple outfits and occasions with will cut down on how much you need to pack.

Hope this helps when it comes with packing your bags and jet-setting to your summer vacation. Next week I will post on the best items to take with you to the beach. And of course if you don't have these summer packing essentials I suggest you head to Fifi's immediately! This way you are getting fabulous designer pieces for a faction of the price and you won't be cutting into your vacation piggy bank. 

Summer Essentials: Fun in the Sun

I missed blogging for you all last week. I hope you all had a really fabulous Memorial Day and were able to look great while enjoying your long weekend.Have you picked up any summer essentials from Fifi's mentioned in the last post? Please post them and share. I am back with some summer essentials for your wardrobe be sure to hit up Fifi's this week to add to your closet.

Flat Sandal
Flip-flops are great and so are wedges but sometimes you need a bit more dressy than a pair of Rainbows and well sometimes you need a pair flats to wear...especially when that summer dress is already the perfect length and you don't want it any shorter.

Sunglasses
This is a no-brainer, as I mentioned in an earlier post Fifi's carries designer sunglasses. So ladies ditch those generic superstore sunglasses for a that designer pair you've been eying for a fraction of the price. You will not regret it.

Juicy Couture $60 per pair

White Pants
Who remembers the White Hot post? It was all about what else but wearing white this summer, easy enough. Well if you don't want to wear all white at least wear a pair of great white pants (or shorts) and pair it with a brilliantly bright top.

Okay ladies I want to see your summer looks! Tell us what you bought at Fifi's and how you wore it for that perfect day in the sun. We want to see you in that great find!

Summer Essentials: Kick Off

If you don't know already this weekend is Memorial Day weekend. Yay for a long weekend! Along with the Memorial Day weekend comes the kick-off of summer. I am sure most of you have time by the pool planned, along with cookouts and if you are a race fan the big race as well. I am personally hosting a cookout at my home, so along with creating a menu I'm thinking about what to wear. I'm a fashionista, what do expect?

Let's talk about some great ways to kick-off your summer with pieces you won't regret buying.

The Maxi Dress
You want to be cool and breezy but don't want to have to worry about the hassle of a short dress at an outdoor party. I usually have a hard time finding a maxi dress that will fit my short frame but I found last year, and I love it. It is such an easy thing to just throw on and run out the door.

Summer Hat
So, I realize that this may not be at the top of the must have list but it really is a great investment. I bought a white floppy hat last year and I am not looking for another to add to my summer hat collection. It is great for laying out or heading to the beach...it just tops off your look with an effortless look. Plus it is a great way to protect your scalp from sunburn without putting any product on your glamorous beach hair.

Classic Pair of Shorts
What a great way to show of your legs than in a pair of shorts and wedges...show off that tan you are working on. Or in my case, the tan I will never have. It doesn't matter tan or not a guy cannot resist a great pair of legs...or legs...so show them off in a really cute pair of shorts. And when I say cute I don't mean those denim shorts you've been toting around for the last several years.

Summer Dress
We all need a summer dress. Something short. Easy. Cute. Perfect to go run errands (like to Fifi's to do more shopping) or to be outdoors enjoying a drink and burger with friends. The perfect summer dress will take you from all that to even dinner out on a patio.

Those are the summer essentials I am going to cover for your Memorial Day weekend. I hope you all have a great long weekend and you kick-off summer with a bang. Next week I will cover a few more essentials...

If you are wondering what to pair with your shorts because you don't feel like wearing a dress this weekend think thin tees or flowing tanks. And if you are going to wear colored shorts - try colorblocking - or you can just wear a neutral. It is summer time enjoy the bright colors of the season!

The Glam Squad

There is a big event going on at Fifi's this week! Have you seen the Facebook event page for the Makeover Event & Donation Drive to benefit the 2012 Sandbox? If you haven't go now and RSVP to go! You don't want to miss this event. What is the event exactly you ask, here is some information for you:

Nadine Marino, The Glam Squad Makeup Team Lead of The Sandbox, is on a mission and on May 16th from 10am to 6pm at FiFi’s Fine Resale, you can play an integral role to her success! Nadine is looking for people whose ‘face she can borrow’ for a complimentary makeover to enter the Mary Kay Before/After Makeover Contest! The consultant with the most customer entries will receive a $5,000 donation to the non-profit of her choice. THREE entrants will be chosen as the Grand-Prize winners receiving a $2,500 shopping spree in the form of a VISA gift card AND a $5,000 donation to the charity of her choice. That could be a combined potential of a $10,000 or more donation to The Sandbox! There is no purchase necessary, however, The Sandbox is seeking donations of gently loved purses, shoes and jewelry to outfit the young ladies for the ‘An Evening of Believing’ prom - The prom for 150, 13-21 year old teens and young adults whom have cancer and/or life altering illnesses and their escorts. We hope you can embark on this journey with us and impact the lives of those who need our help the most!

This even will take place this Wednesday! So get involved. It is for a good cause! And if you are wondering what The Sandbox does, well I can tell you all about that as well. The Sandbox creates community for families whose children have cancer or other life altering illnesses.They assist patients and their families with a wide spectrum of offerings and services, so they can focus on the two most important factors – Believing and Healing! They restore belief and positivity, supporting them emotionally and financially, during the most tumultuous time of their lives. What a great cause, right? So now you know what the event is and who it is benefiting - why wouldn't you want to go? Plus it is at Fifi's - you cannot go wrong there! 
If you cannot make the event but are interested in donating to The Sandbox, visit their website and lend a helping hand however you can. It is so important that we do what we can as a community. Support your local businesses and support families within your community. 


Remember last week the trend was stripes? Did anyone find any great striped pieces to wear this summer? I saw a slideshow on 6 great ways to dress up a striped shirt and just had to share it with you all. 


I want to hear from you ladies and your shopping questions. Having trouble wearing a trend? Looking for a way to put together that perfect outfit? What was your best recent Fifi's find? Get involved! I definitely want to hear your questions, finds and give you any style advice you need. My email address is myfashionableaffair@gmail.com - email me and get your questions answered on the blog! 

Line Up!

Did you hear the news? That Fifi's will be moving into a bigger location in August! I am just thrilled, and I am sure you are as well.

This week's trend we are going to explore is stripes. I know that stripes can tend to be a bit of gray area for some since it can lean towards making one look wider on certain body types...and plus no one wants to look like they are an escaped convict. So let's see how we can take a scary trend and make it look chic.

I think the important thing about stripes to remember is try not to look too patriotic. You don't want to walk around looking like a relic of the American flag. Not a good everyday look, nautical is great (take the red striped top in the left hand corner) but no one wants to look as though they are celebrating the 4th of July everyday. The great thing about a striped top it is not an all over graphic look and you can control how and where it hits your body. Keep that in mind when purchasing your next striped item.

I am going to repeat myself a lot in this post. Especially when it comes to body types and how to wear the stripes. The thing to keep in mind with stripes and dresses is the width of the stripe and trying ton dresses in which the stripes go in different directions so your eyes do not go to one section of the body (ie the hips). Also, choosing a dress that has just one strip of stripes will still incorporate the trend without it being overwhelming. If you like the dress don't fear the stripes just try it on! You may end up loving it on!

And for those of you not ready to line up, here are a few great accessories you can wear instead. This way you can be bold with your stripes and colors and work up the courage to wear a fabulous striped item by the end of the season. You won't regret it!

Orange Crush

I hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather we have been having in the Carolinas and it has inspired your spring wardrobe. This week's post is on trend with the color orange and falls into bright color family, so if you were a little afraid of wearing yellow or if it just isn't your color...no worries I have some pieces that just may inspire you. I am not just going to show you orange but also some great color combinations (that way you can work the color blocking trend we talked about last week).

I went the the Bobcats game tonight so I am really feeling the orange and blue combo but there are plenty of combinations you can do with orange this spring.

Navy & Orange

If you loved the yellow post and really want be bright and bold I would dare you to try pairing yellow and orange together to make a bright statement. And the below are two totally different looks but you will see that the color scheme is the same and though the pieces  are extreme, it is all about making it your own. I will say this - I am not a fan of matchy-matchy. So please mix it up.

Bright & Fun! 

The final orange color combo for today's post is my personal favorite and one that I plan to wear a lot this season is pink and orange. I am in love with this combo and you are about to see why...and I hope you will fall in love with it just as much as I am. If not, well you can pick another color combo to love! ::wink::wink::

The perfect girly combo!

I hope these three combinations helped you see ways to use orange in your everyday spring wardrobe. Just in case you are just aching for a bit more orange and don't know what kind of pieces to pick up, I leave you with a collage of orange to crush on.

Til next time my fashionistas,
-Jennifer

Block Me

Happy Monday my fashionistas! I hope that the losing of an hour hasn't left you sluggish today, and if it has no worries I have a few looks to get you back in the game and geared up to want to shake up your wardrobe. The color blocking trend is hot right now and is so easy but can be intimidating when you are mixing colors. I will be the first to admit that mixing is hard for me, especially when it comes to mixing prints. Just have to find what suits you and to explore the colors that look good on you and that you love. For example I have this amazing pair of pink pants - the first time I wore it I did a graphic top with black shoes; the next time I wore it I paired it with a black scoop neck top, an orange heavy beaded necklace with orange pumps. Totally different look.

Thankfully when it comes to dresses you can find a dress that is already color blocked for you. Then you can use those colors for inspiration later.

If you aren't ready to take the plunge with head to to color blocking or if dresses are not your style; here are a few tops that could help you show off the trend.

And if you are ready to stop being a wallflower or if your style is naturally loud and colorfully, then you are ready to fully embrace color blocking use these looks as inspiration...and remember to always make it your own.

I hope that this post not only brought you some color into your Monday but gave you some inspiration. I would love to hear all your Fifi's find and inspiration. If you want to take your look to the next level here is a slideshow on colorblock makeup.

Enjoy and until next week!
-Jennifer

Mint Isn't Just For Girl Scouts

I missed writing for you all last week. I hope you were able to find some fabulous things at Fifi's while I was gone. This week's spring trend is the color mint, a light pastel green. It is an absolutely beautiful color that I would encourage everyone to try. It isn't a color you usually find in everyone's closet and that is why I am loving it this season. Here are a few celeb and runway looks showing of the mint trend.

A refreshing color isn't it? I hope that the above provided for some inspiration, but if you need a little bit more help here are a few more suggestions to let you find your way in the mint trend. One of my favorite ways to add a little flash to an outfit is with a blazer.

I have an addiction to dresses. It's bad. Even if I don't know when I will wear the dress, but I fall in love with it...I can't help but buy it. Addicted. Here are a few mint dresses for you to fall in love with this season.

Since we cannot wear dresses all the time. Though I kind of wish I could even if it was extremely overdressed for the occasion. See, I told you addicted. Here are a few options besides wearing a dress.

Finally if you aren't ready to fully embrace the mint look, maybe you can start small with a few accessories.

There are always ways to make a trend work. Remember, to make it your own. Once you do that you have to own it and work it.

Until next time Fifi Fashionistas!
Jennifer

Brighter Than Sunshine

Along with floral prints for spring comes along bright colors and yellow is a big hit this spring. Now ladies, not everyone can wear yellow...so don't force yourself if your skin tone just doesn't allow it, we don't want you walking around looking ill in that bright yellow dress. Always remember to dress for you and not for the trends. If one trend doesn't work for you then go to the next there is an array of colors on trend this season, we are just starting this one (there are more to come, like blue and mint!). Just like last week, I am just going to show you some lovely examples that will make your fashion heart pitter patter like you are falling in love all over again. You will think that you are falling in love with summertime.

Since yellow doesn't work on everyone, lets start with a few accessories that will be your POC (pop of color) in your outfit. It is important to have a contrasting coloring in your look, even if it is your handbag....or even your earrings. That pop!

If you are planing on wearing a yellow dress, then you need to own it. Yellow is bright. Yellow is bold. You are going to get attend in a yellow dress, so make sure you feel amazing in the dress. Or in any piece that grabs attention, because people will be lookin'.

Here are a few top choices in yellow, I would suggest wearing them with anything from white to navy. Mix it up. Be brave. Be bold. You are wearing yellow, remember.

And remember the best accessory this spring is to smile bright!

-Jennifer

5 Rules of Consignment Shopping

I was trained from a young age to shop for a bargain and though I may not have appreciated at the time; it has made me a pro shopper as an adult. Many people find consignment shopping overwhelming, intimidating, or they simply don't know where to start. Now that Fifi's is accepting and selling spring items there is no better time to start stocking up for the new season.

Here are some tips when it comes to consignment shopping:

1. Give yourself plenty of time
   This is essential especially if you are a first time consignment shopper or even visiting a new store. As I mentioned most people can find consignment shops overwhelming. The great thing about Fifi's is that they take the time to not only organize by size but by color as well. It cuts down on the frustration.
2. Try It On
   If you find something that you like and it is one size smaller or bigger than you normally wear - try it on! Because consignment shops take in many different brands and styles, you maybe surprised at what fits. So don't be afraid to take it into the dressing room. My rule of thumb is this: What is the harm in trying it on?
3. Shop Often
   Don't get discouraged if you don't find something the first time you shop. Go back! The great thing about consignment shopping, is that the merchandise is changing daily...literally daily. Also, you may have missed a great item the first time - trust me this has happened to me.
4. If You Love It...Buy It  Simple as that. Buyer's remorse runs deep with consignment shopping because there is not a duplicate of that perfect dress. I am guilty of breaking this rule. It stings when you lose that perfect dress or pair of shoes. Only thing you can do is learn your lesson for next time. 
5. Think Outside of the Box
   This rule should really apply to shopping in general. I get a lot of fashion magazines in the mail...a lot! And I am always drooling at the items in Vogue and Harpers Bazaar that I cannot afford - so I have learned to use those runway and designer pieces as inspiration for ready-to-wear (in my closet). If you see something you love in a magazine, cut it out and put it on an inspiration board. Or if you find it online, pin it on Pinterest. Remember this: its not going to look exactly like it is pictured in the magazine and that is okay; make it your own and work it! 

Once you become comfortable you will make your own rules and become your own shopping pro! The wonderful thing about Fifi's is the ladies there are always willing and helpful. Looking for something particular? They will be more than happy to help you put that perfect look together. 

Buckle up ladies because next week we begin looking at all the spring trends. 

-Jen from My Fashionable Affair

Where Are You Winter?

It has been an unusually warm in the Queen City this winter and we all know it makes us stand in our closet with a question mark above our heads of how to dress appropriately for the season. I am a firm believer in wearing a dress with boot and a coat in the cool of the morning. Once you get to the office, the coat comes off and you are appropriately dressed for the rest of the day as it warms up. Here are some great weather appropriate dresses to carry through are spring like winter.

Left: Molly (XS) $40    Middle: Micheal Kors (M) $40 (50%)    Right: Banana Republic (8) $28

Left: Sigred Olsen (L) $28  (50%) Right: Banana Republic (S) $28 (50%)

All of these dresses have great arm lengths and are perfect for wearing boots. Though Fifi's is closed on 1/31/12 get in on 2/1/12 for the first day of the Winter Sale! The first day of February is also the first day Fifi's will begin taking your spring items. So gather them up, drop them off, and shop shop shop! 

Looks of the Week: Touch of Pink

I personally am a lover of pink, but to be honest I have not always been and I realize that not all women are. I wanted to show a few looks with a pop of pink while mixing it with a pattern and darker colors (other than black). That way those who may not be comfortable wearing a pink dress or fully floral outfit of pinks and reds this may help you ease into that. This also may give girls who love pink just a little too much (you know who you are) mix it up a little bit.

I paired this Ann Taylor Loft (size 8) floral skirt that has green, navy and cream tones with a pink top also by Ann Taylor (size 12). The great  thing thing about pair pink with this skirt is the not only the unexpected factor, most people would be gravitated toward the same color scheme as the skirt but this skirt screams the need to have a contrasting color. So give it what it wants! Please. If your office is chilly, like mine is...like most are...I would suggest a cream color cardigan to bring that the cream in the skirt.

My fave combination of colors is navy and bright pink and when I saw this cardigan by Pretty Good (size medium) with the lazy and the nautical inspired button, I just knew I had to find something pink to put it with. Red is always the classic combination and it is a great combination, you cannot go wrong. Except just like the outfit before why do the expected? When doing the unexpected is so adorable and fun! 

I have to say that even though I put together both of these looks, I am in love with all of these pieces! And they are both ADORABLE! So go and buy.  

I know I said we would exploring spring trends this week, but we will be putting that off one more week. However, get your consignments ready because Fifi's will start taking spring consignments on February 1. I am going to fulfill my promise and show you my find two weeks ago to add to my spring closet. EEK!

This sheer Diane Von Furstenburg is amazing and I just fell in love with it when I set my eyes on it. It fits perfectly and it looks great with the pair of purple shorts I bought last year. There are all sorts of amazing pieces in Fifi's so come in today and find yours! 

Until next time Fifi shoppers!

-Jennifer of My Fashionable Affair