Giambattista Valli

images courtesy of telegraph.co.uk

A 30 minutes chronograph sub-dial at 3 o’clock position, a 12 hour chrono at the 9 o’clock position and a  small seconds counter is displayed at 6 o’clock position all in the shape of a heart. Whilst the date appear at the 12 o’clock position in a tiny heart.

Similarly to last years Valentine’s piece Blancpain have kept the pristine, pure white subtlety. The bright white alligator strap and mother of pearl dial only further enhances dazzling red of the ruby heart at the sweep second hands.

The Saint-Valentin Chronograph 2012 has a Caliber F185 mechanical movement, is self-winding and has a sapphire glass caseback.

The use of hearts can sometime get too cliche or overkill but Blancpain  use plenty of hearts but still make it look elegant, beautiful and wearable. I love this piece. Hint to my secret lover out there??!!

Blancpain Saint Valentine 2012 Chronograph

Happy New Year!

A big thank you for all the support this year. It has been really inspiring to receive your comments and compliments and I am grateful that I can reach others! So a big thank you to all.

Wishing you a healthy, happy and prosperous year for 2012.

Lots of love

Ven

xoxo

My favourite theme for New Years Eve is the ‘Roaring 20′s’… and the outfit is the 1920′s Flapper.

I find this era fascinating, especially the women and the fashions of this time. Women had redefined modern womanhood and defied the normalcy of their time. With this, the Flapper was born, a confident breed of women that broke away from traditions, were dancing at jazz clubs, driving, smoking, drinking,  flirting casually and generally enjoying their new self acclaimed freedom.

I love the fashions and style of this era, not just for its glamour but for the women’s liberation from social norms that it represents. The strikingly short wavy hair, strings of pearls and jewels, large feather hair pieces, heavily beaded dresses and the bold and vampy make-up. There is something about the look that was so decorated and over the top that made the women so expressive, commanding and almost intimidating for their time which all serve their desire to make a statement and show the world (the men) their defiance.The Flapper is iconic, and we love her!

French Connection Winter Bex Beads Dress - Nude £92.50

Topshop Ribcage Body Chain £42.50

Topshop Knitted Turban £10 Pin a feather and some jewels to the side to complete the look

Back seams tights are a saucy modern addition to the vintage flapper look. Wolford, Trasparenze and Pretty Polly are good brands for seamed tights.

*

The Great Gatsby Movie

The Great Gatsby film is being remade by Baz Luhrmann (Austrailia / Romeo & Juliet) starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan and Toby Maguire. An all-star cast and an amazing director, its set for 2012 – I cannot wait!

300 Greatest Swing Era Songs List

http://www.digitaldreamdoor.com/pages/best_songs-swing.html

*

1920′s Radio 24/7

An online radio network dedicated to 1920′s music – 24/7 online streaming of big band, blues, jazz 1920′s music. LOVE! (Perfect for your 1920′s parties)

http://www.the1920snetwork.com/

I’ll be entering 2012 as a Flapper girl for sure

xxx

images via tumblr. I do not claim to own any of these images.

A few days until Christmas and if you are like the men I know, you haven’t done your Christmas shopping, and you’re panicking! Well breathe a sigh of relief as here are some gorgeous gifts ideas for your other half that will get you in the good books…

Jasmin Rouge Eau de Parfum Decanter (250ml) £270

Sensuous, spicey floral with a musky and rich Jasmin. An erotic, decadent and glamorous scent. In an opulent, stunning bottle! Go on, treat your lady this Christmas…

Mulberry Tillie Wide Bracelet £200

The must-have Mulberry Tillie bracelet that every girl wants! Carved with the labels signature Trompe l’oeil buckle and is adjustable.

Flowerbomb Limited Edition Eau De Parfum (50ml) £76.00

Flowerbomb, the girly and delicious fragrance loved by many of us. This Limited Edition Flowerbomb by Vikto & Rolf in a beautiful bottle is just waiting to be placed on our dressing tables!

Alexander McQueen Classic Skull Scarf in Pink & Fuchsia £165

Don’t ask. Just buy. You’ll never understand! Silk chiffon Alexander McQueen scarf in this gorgeous fuchsia will surely score you some brownie points!

Tory Burch Robinson Continental Wallet £200

A classic Safiano leather wallet with leather lining. In a gorgeous hot orange colour with gold Tory Burch logo / zip details. A must-have wallet from Tory Burch. Also available in Dusky nude, Raspberry and Black.

Yves Saint Laurent Belle du Jour Clutch £380

Patent Leather must-have YSL clutch in a deep burnt red framboise colour. LOVE IT

Marc by Marc Jacobs Leather Satchel £440

So chic and cool with interesting colours fuchsia and pinky red – the most harmonic contrasting colours I’ve seen go together! This is on my wishlist for sure and a star buy at £440!

Laura Mercier Crème Brûleé Body and Bath Trio now £25.00

Smells good enough to eat – this Crème Brûleé Body and Bath Trio is just divine and Laura Mercier’s bath products are of great quality.

Michael by Michael Kors Hamilton Large Wallet in Ostrich effect £125.00

Super girly wallet with a gold clasp and padlock. Got to love some Michael Kors.

Aspinal Slim Pocket 2012 Diary in Lizard Print Leather £29

Enter 2012 in style… and well, organised.  Love these lizard print style diaries from Aspinal

Juicy Couture Hardcore Mesh Chain bracelet £90

Gothic & glamorous – there’s a bit of rockin every girl – perfect to add accessorise some edge to any rock couture outfit! A perfect gift.

Related articles

• Grazia Daily Gift Guide – Mulberry’s Rose Gold Tillie Bracelet! (graziadaily.co.uk)

Please click link below to vote:

http://pdnedu.nielsencontests.com/bin/Rate?image_id=2003600239

I love this photo – It captures an interesting moment backstage during a Fashion show. The models are lining up to walk and you can see some of the models have taken off their shoes for just a few minutes of rest! 

xx