Flower Power

While New York Fashion Week is going on, strutting the trends for fall 2012, Fifi's is stocking the store with everything you need for your spring wardrobe. When it comes to spring it is easy to want to just throw on open toed shoes, shorter sleeves, and to be relieved to be wear dresses and skirts without having to wear tights and boots. The beautiful thing about spring is more than just shedding the heavy layers of winter...it is the blooming of bright colors and the revival of blooming floral prints. Don't fall into a rut this spring, here is one way to brighten up your wardrobe with one of the many trends for spring.

The classic floral print the perfect way to usher in spring, except now you don't have to do the typical or the expected...you can mix it up. Or if you would like you can keep it classic. That is the wonderful thing about floral print and it being a classic trend, it is the way you mix it that makes it this year's trend.

I am about to show you some great examples of the floral print trend, but remember the rules of consignment shopping and use them as inspiration the next time you are in Fifi's.

Let's start with floral print pants (and though printed pants are a trend in themselves we will start slow) get the bold pieces out there. You have to be brave to wear a floral pant. You have to be bold. You have to remember you look good even if people don't understand the trend.

Runway DKNY

Or maybe a pant is just a little bit too much print for you to sport, there is always the option of a pair of shorts with the floral print. That gives you the option to wear the trend without it being so overwhelming.

Cacharel Floral Shorts 

 Of course what is a spring wardrobe without a selection of floral print dresses? From casual to dressy this trend will take you from the backyard BBQ to the spring weddings. Find your voice among the options make it your own.

Keep your fashion eyes open for beautiful floral prints. Until next week my fashion lovers.

-Jennifer from My Fashionable Affair 

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

Looks of the Week: Great with Jeans

I spent another fabulous morning at Fifi's on Friday and picked out two great outfits that would look great with a good pair of jeans. I am a sucker for a good pair of dark wash jeans that fit well, because with jeans you can dress them up with a pair of pumps or go casual  with a pair of flip-flops and a sweatshirt. Of course I did not pick out pieces to pair with flip-flops, these are work worthy pieces.

JCrew Jacket - Size 10 ($90)
Banana Republic Blouse - Size Large ($24)

What is better on a dreary winter day than a beautiful bright coat? Everyone will smile your way when they see this coat, you are guaranteed smiles and compliments in this yellow, blue and cream combo. I'd recommend a dark wash jean and a tan boot.

I have to admit every time I go into Fifi's I obsess over this jacket and I am always so surprised it is still in the store. It is such a rich and beautiful velvet jacket with a bold color. To keep this look from being too dark against a pair of denim I paired it with a cream colored tank. Shoe wise I would suggest pairing it with a gray or if you want to be bold a deep purple or rich navy (be careful with the navy though, you don't want it to get lost in the dark denim).

There it is ladies my pick for this week! Go in and see what you can find at Fifi's and share them with me at myfashionableaffair@gmail.com - I would love to see what you bought. Next week we will be exploring the spring trends and I will be sharing with you a spring find I bought last week. Eeek. Get exciting because I can't wait to wear this new top.

Until next week! Happy shopping.
-Jennifer

These Boots Were Made For Walking

I hope you ladies made it to Fifi's last week in time for the jacket sale and got yourself a great deal! Even though it has been unseasonably warm, doesn't mean you should be romping around in sandals in January...we don't live in Florida, and you are not on vacation. I have picked some amazing boots to keep you fashionable and cash in your pocket.

Sam Edleman Size 6.5 $80    Gucci Size 6.5 $70 (20% off)    Anne Taylor Loft Size 8 $40

Let me just say the Sam Edleman & Gucci boots are absolutely gorgeous in person. Gorgeous. I tried on the Gucci ladies and the only reason they are still they is because they did not fit me. So someone please scoop  them up.

RCR Luxe Size 6 $26    Nine West Size 8.5 $30   Banana Republic Size 8 $28 

I am normally a heels gal, but there is something about those RCR Luxe boot that just intrigue me, it makes me what to wear a silk pleated skirt with those boots. The total opposite of what is expected. Next up, the over the knee (thigh high) Nine West boots, they are too-die-for.

Top: Prediction Size 7 $15    Bottom: Casedi Size 6.5 $40 (20% off) 

Lastly everyone girl needs a pair of booties and though these two pair could not be any different they will definitely will had some pizzazz to your wardrobe. The Prediction pair will add that shimmer you are looking for to any outfit and the Casedi pair will make you walk on the wild side.

That is our post this week ladies, take your pretty little feet over to Fifi's this week and slip them into something you can't resist!

Until next week,
-Jennifer at My Fashionable Affar

JACKET SALE!

It is officially cold in the Carolinas! Very cold. If you are in need of a new coat then let me just tell you that this jacket sale at Fifi's is the place you need to be. I bought a new BCBG Max Azria long black coat, I've been wanting one forever. It was a great price, and it wasn't even on the sale. So, ladies you need to go and buy buy buy, because there is a LARGE selection! You won't regret staying warm in something oh-so-fashionable.

Aren't these gorgeous coats?
Some coats are up to 75% off! 

Everyone needs a trench.
My fave is the ski leopard print. 

See ladies and these is just a sampling of the selection of the jacket sale.You won't be disappointed.

Until next time my Fifi loves!
-Jennifer of My Fashionable Affair