Brand New

I hope everyone had a chance to stop by the new Fifi's location this weekend and for those of you who did not let me just say: it is fabulous!  I myself had only seen pictures of the new location and was blown away by how much space there is and how spread out the store is. I want to applaud everyone who had their hand in creating this beautiful space. And let me just say, the dressing rooms are amazing! I also snagged a beautiful Banana Republic dress and Ann Taylor shoes for work. Score!

Here is something else you may want to know about the about the new store, especially if you consign on a regular basis.

Now that the doors are open at the new shop our consignment will be taken around the back. Please pull around the shopping center and look for the bright pink door (You can get there by using the Knox Rd Entrance to Fresh Market). That is where you will drop consignments off. We do ask that you wait for your consignments before you shop so that when we are done sorting your clothes you can park in the front of the store. We know it's different than what you're used to but we appreciate you working with us!

Now that the new store is bigger and better there will be a chance for lots of new inventory to be on the floor, including men's items. Which means you will always be able to find exactly what you are looking for and I am better something you didn't even know you wanted/needed. That is the beauty of consignment.

 Over the next few posts I am going to give you some practical ways to take your current wardrobe into fall and of course what to be on the look out to add to your closet from Fifi's.

But for now I just want to encourage you to check out the new space! Don't know where the new shop is? The address is 20601-18 Torrence Chapel Rd. Cornelius, NC 28031. It is in the same shopping center as Fresh Market & Stein Mart. Just look for the Fifi's sign and all the beautiful items on display in the window.

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!

Renewed

I read on Twitter the other day, that 2012 is half-way over! It is not as though that is huge news but it was kind of a smack in the face. With 2012 half-way over that means fall is quickly approaching even though with this heat we may never get there. However, it will come...you and your wardrobe need to be ready, it is never to early to start thinking about it. A tip is to prep your closet for new items by going through your wardrobe and really ask yourself, "am I going to wear this again"? If not take a good look at the piece, is it in good condition and is it still on trend/style? If it is, then why not take it to Fifi's new store location and consign it for the fall. That way you can turn what is currently into your closet into something brand new.

I hope everyone is getting reved up and excited about the new store! It is going to be a beautiful place and the unique thing about it is so many of the pieces and decor that has gone into the new space have been refurbished and made new. It is the same idea that goes into you shopping at Fifi's taking what was someone else's great piece and making it your own.

Here is a sneak peek at some of the renewed pieces you will find at the new store.

  

Once you see these incredible pieces you will be able to admire them in a whole new way because you will know that they are reclaimed and made new again. Just like you will do to your closet when you visit Fifi's. I am always finding incredible pieces for my wardrobe, I never leave disappointed....or empty handed for that matter.

We cannot wait to unveil the new store and all that is to come. And before I leave you I am going to let you see a few of the amazing items already in stock for when the new store opens.

 

Shoes and bags...oh my! And a new men's section is being added as well. Mark your calendars for the opening, you won't want to miss it.

What do you mean by "Young Men's?"

Here is the second part to our guide. This will help guide you to know what we are looking for when we say Young Men's clothing. We're not trying to be ageists at FiFi's, but we wanted to try and carry brand for the 18-30 year old guy who is looking to be sharply dressed without spending a fortune (which is just what us girls want too, right?)

Here are some looks and labels to help set you on the right path. We are looking for names like this:

We also are looking for labels like:
Polo by Ralph Lauren
Lacoste
Pac Sun Labels: Volcom, O'Neill, Hurley, Volcolm, Billabong, FOX, DC, Quicksilver, Young and Reckless
Vineyard Vines
Southern Tide
Fossil
Gap
Lucky Brand
True Religion
Brooks Brothers
Levis
Greg Norman 
Guess
Tommy Hilfiger
Calvin Klein

We are accepting "athletic wear" but this is limited to tops and zip up sweat jackets...no tees, shorts, pants or real workout wear..mostly the lounge lines by Nike, Adidas and UnderArmor


These are some looks that we are going for:

We are not really looking for this:

Though the man in the suit may be Mr. Right!

Not so much on the dress pants either

Not too many jackets either, unless it can work like this:

This would be an okay jacket. It's different than just your black sports coat and makes an outfit with jeans look finished. We can only look over and let you know if we can accept it or not, but if it's within 3 years style and has one of the labels we are looking for it may be a yes!

Here is what we are looking for...

Hey FiFi's Fans! I know there have been a lot of questions as to what we are taking and looking at for fall consignment. I thought sharing some names and pictures would help you.

Here are some examples of old labels we do not accept in the store. Brand labels get redesigned every time a design team changes or when a stores re-brand their image.

 To the right are examples of Gap, Liz, Talbots, and White House. These are labels we do not take simply because of their age (even though they are the names we want). So if we ever turn something down that has the name we are looking for, it may be that the specific label it has is not what we are looking for. To the left are new examples of Talbots we are now NOT accepting for fall 2012.

This is the NEW chicos label we are searching for (Updated within last 2 years)

This is a newer Coldwater label. The older ones are green. This is a cream label with tan printing

This is the newest LOFT label...also within the last 2 years

Now, lets talk about looks: What is Fall?

YES: We want Pants

NO: We do not wants capris/shorts

YES: We want short and long sleeve blouses

NO: We dont want Sleeveless

YES: We want cardigans

NO: We dont want heavy sweaters

NO: We don't want coats

NO: We don't want sandals

Yes we want your closed toed shoes

That is all for now. I will add more about mens and juniors. Stay tuned!

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.