Italy and Style

I have just returned from a trip to Italy, and had a wonderful time, as ever. Here are a few pictures that really capture the elegance and style of a beautiful, and very sophiscated country.

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas!

Miss V x

Cologne and Cotton

Everyone likes to take a little time to get lost in beautiful shops, and this is what I did when I re-visited my much loved haunt of Cologne and Cotton. After a few years spent close by to the Kensington store, this shop is a place I like to come to look at the gorgeous soaps, perfumes and cottons that this store encapsulates. The items in the shop are quite unique and all of a very high quality, and the presentation of the shop is of a significant level of sophistication. The staff are welcoming, allowing you the space to look around but on hand should you have a query. In my view this is a fabulous place to pick up gifts, as everything is something you would want to receive! If you have the chance do go in if you see a Cologne and Cotton. It certainly won’t be long till I return !

Miss V x

Montage

Manicure! Barry M in Vivid Purple

Literature

NYC Kiss Gloss in Sugar Hill Shine, MAC eyeliner in Engraved, No 7 brush

Miss V x

Stunned by The Phantom Card

Of late we have seen just slight glimpses of good weather. And every time we do, it’s a cause for celebrating. Not long ago I had a thoroughly enjoyable evening at Pepper Dining, a fabulous Indian restaurant with very good food. A little group of us had a very nice meal, but the evening was made perfect, all thanks to a bit of plastic. The highly acclaimed Phantom Card.

This card is causing quite a stir among twenty-something’s who enjoy sophisticated evenings out in so many different lovely restaurants, but are also wise with their cash, and I was excited to put it to the test myself. Now I am NOT someone who is easily swayed. Nor am I someone who tends to go along with such offers, because I always think they are a bit, well, naff. Somewhere there will be a catch, or the deal is never really that good. But this card is genuinely different.

With the Phantom Card, you sign up for a year’s membership that becomes your hot ticket to eating out and socializing at great venues for dramatic value. A one off payment and say goodbye to big bills and dampeners on your evening. Let’s get real – these economic times make going out harder, as we are watching what we spend, and spending less time going out with our friends and having a good time. It doesn’t have to stay like this. It’s time for us to have some wonderful food, glam up for some very exciting restaurants and do it all over again a week later. Because with this card, you can.

If you don’t believe me, then take a look for yourself. Here is a snapshot of my bill. The bill would have been £54.10. I paid £35.93. I know what you are thinking, I literally jumped for joy right there (don’t forget that often when using this card you are in rather lovely places, so proper behaviour is still your responsibility!)

The amount that the card is protecting you from having to pay is just unknown with any other discount scheme.  It is the evolutionary accessory that I now absolutely adore.

Plan ahead, get the card, spread the word.

We like to spoil you here on She Thinks She Speaks. Enter the very exclusive SHETHINKS code for £15 discount on membership. 

Miss V x

Paul Smith Black Label

A lot of fashion is very quick, very bold and very 'in the moment'. This dress is eternally fabulous.  Every woman needs a LBD...this time its blue. 

Blue Capped Sleeve Shift Dress , Paul Smith Black Label £295 Liberty London

Miss V x

Dandelionhead Jewelry

Simplicity is at the heart of great jewellery. Raw talent and a story to be told won’t go unnoticed.  Katharine Irwin, founder of Dandelion head, is an ingenious new designer with some real flair – headlining with her own dandelion hair.

Dandelion Head is jewellery with sentimentality. This is evident from  Katharine’s first collection. This collection is influenced by her grandmother, who in humble circumstances fashioned  beautiful clothes by hand along with her sisters.  Her gift to her granddaughter,(someone who clearly has already been gifted with her grandmother’s eye for design), was a jar of buttons.  I too, was given a jar of buttons by my granny. But while when I was small I would pretend these fastenings were currency for my ‘shop’ , Katherine these days put’s her materials to much better use. The earrings have a wonderful antique feel to them, each a one of a kind set, with many different designs to choose from.

This more vintage collection is diversified by the flash of colour of her eclectic “All the colours” collection. It is daring in colour but feminine in design. True to her own wardrobe, Katie comments on this collection “the buttons and flowers I wanted in as many colours as possible, as sometimes you just want a matching shock of colour to coordinate and not be a statement”.  They give off a hint of illumination that cannot help but catch your eye. Her jewellery in this and her Little Animals Collection are absolutely lovable, proving  jewellery doesn’t always have to be taken seriously – a great philosophy from someone who is serious on talent.

Friends, family and fond memories are the reasons behind Katie’s latest  Nautical Collection and Tea Party Collection .This collection of all ships and sailing things is a popular collection for Katie, and it is easy to see why with its sailor mood. Katie’s tea party collection is my favourite – I love the miniature tea cups and tiny dolly dishes, a thought Katie had had when salvaging her much loved doll house as a gift for her niece. It is really encouraging to come across such a passionate and gifted artist as Katie is.  A designer to take note of – I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot of her. If you are interested in Katharine’s  jewellery ,  then make haste to  Dandelion Head Facebook Page.

Miss V x

Jubilee Style

Oasis Cut Out Dip Hem Belted Tunic from Asos 

Aroma Carvela Kurt Geiger 

Hepburn bag Aspinal

Miss V x

Alice Dellal

A new monthly addition to our blog is going to be letting you guys know who we think is rocking the moment. After reading about her InStyle this April, we think Miss Dellal is taking our hearts and Chanel, by storm.

via Janet Kim from catwalkqueen.tv

via Annabella Zaklit from racefashion.blogspot.com

Miss V x