8 Essential Items for your Wardrobe!

Many women don't know wear to begin when building a wardrobe. The best thing you can do is start with the basics. Here is a little guide of the 8 things every woman needs in their closet..and some examples at FiFi's:

 1)The White Tee Shirt Every man can tell you they love a woman in a white tee shirt and jeans. We don't know why it gets them going, but add some heels to the mix and you have them drooling.

 The white tee shirt is a blank canvas. Throw on a cute jacket for a date. Wear a colorful cardigan for work. Layer with a scarf or statement necklace. You cannot go wrong with the white tee.

2)The Little Black Dress. Yes, still a classic. This one below from Loft has some cute stones on top to make it a little more than just your plain LBD, but its still a classic shape. The LBD should be figure flattering and simple. You can find one to flatter any shape of your body. They are so easy to dress up or down, which makes it necessary to have in your closet.

3) The Classic Pump. You can do this in any color, but the classic pump will always have room in your closet. There is something so chic about a 3" heel (even high for those with a send of adventure and tolerance to pain) It's just enough height to elongate your legs and give you lift, but low enough to still be comfortable. This will always be the beloved heel of fashion.

 4) The ballet flat. This little shoe has become a staple to any girl's closet. So much cuter than a sneaker, but more comfortable than a heel, the ballet flat offers the working girl or mom a chic option that is easy to get around in. They give any outfit with jeans a feminine edge. A must have for anyone on the go or just for a date night around the city. These gold Antonio Melanis are a perfect example of a chic option, but these Black Jessica Simpson's give a little bit of edge to the soft shape of flats.

 5) Dark Denim. This wash will never go away. Dark fabrics always have a slimming effect. Dark wash denim make a great base for any outfit. Pair them with a nice blouse or a classic tee, and the dark denim look amazing no matter what. Find yourself a classic fit that is not the "in" trend. You want them to last you a couple of seasons. If you take care of jeans they can last for a long time. Do remember to update them every so often though, you don't want to get stuck wearing ultra low rise when you should be wearing mid-rise or vice versa! These are a nice pair of Ralph Lauren jeans.

 

6) The classic Black Pant. These are Ann Taylor black pants. Always a class fit. Find a pair of black pants that fits you well. These will last you a long time. Do not get a trendy waist line or one with many buttons, just a simple black pant. This will work for many occasions, just pair with a nice blouse and you are ready to take on the world. J Crew and Banana Republic make great black pants with a variety of fit.

 7) The White Blouse. Now this is a little different than the white tee. Everyone needs a white blouse again to use as a base for the times you may need to look a little more professional, or even to dress up a casual days. White blouses look great with jeans, belted, with riding boots, With black pants, under vests, under sweaters; the white blouse is an important staple. This one here is from Foxcroft, but we have great blouses from The Loft, White House Black Market and J Crew.

 8) The black cardigan. Simple and easy, the black cardigan will shine in your closet. Put this over your white tee or blouse with dark denim and you are good to go. Just add accessories. Or wear it button up. Cardigans make an outfit complete. They are great to wear to work on a day you want to wear a dress, or even a tank top. They work over tee shirts paired with a great necklace. They go with anything! You must, must have a black cardigan. This one below is from Talbots and still has the price tags on it. It does have a little addition with polka dot ribbon, but it is still simple enough to work. We always have black cardigans in from Banana Republic, J Crew, Talbots, Ann Taylor and more.

 And there you have it, the 8 things every woman should own. You can find them all right here at FiFi's for the fraction of what you pay at the mall. Ask any of your sales associates to help you in finding your outfit today!

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!

Wear Your Wine

Actually no lady wants to look like a sloppy wine drinker, not classy! But why not wear the color of your wine this fall. Sounds much better, doesn't it? According to the all-knowing and all fabulous Nina Garcia the It Color this fall is burgundy.

Two things: 1. You cannot go wrong listening to Nina Garcia, as I said she is all knowing and all fabulous. 2. Burgundy is a beautiful and deeply rich color, who wouldn't want to wear it? You know what, I am going to break the rules and throw a third point in. 3. What a great way to buck the neon colors in fall than with wearing such a deep beautiful color than burgundy.

When getting ready this fall, I am still in love with layering. I suggest looking for something similar to this cowl blouse. It is easy but beautifully comfortable.

To continue the trend of colored pants instead of opting for the pastels of spring or the neon colors of summer, try a wine colored pair of skinnies.

When it comes to dresses be on the look out for a great dress that you can wear with some killer boots.

And as always if you don't feel like you can pull of this color trend as a piece of your wardrobe then accessorize with it.

Until next time my fashionistas! I will see you at Fifi's.

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: 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!

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

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