Silverstring Online Blog

I love Italy all your senses are heightened. The food is so fresh the wine is locally produced and the gelato is there to be licked any time of the day. The soft sun makes everything romantic and first century architecture is truly sensory overload. The Italians are such beautiful people and this beauty transfers into their products and designs. I have a weakness for Italian shoes and on my recent trip have collected over thirty pairs and am now forced to buy another piece of luggage. The thing with Italian shoes is that even the cheapest pair with no known label has the ability to melt a women’s heart. Scarpe that word creates and excitement within that is only experienced in the greatest of passions.

On my recent visit I discovered yet another wonderful product directly out of Italy. A stadium size display of handbags (borse another word that is beginning to effect my insides) was just on the out skirts of Milan for all to view. Being a practical handbag user I felt that only one designer bag, meeting all requirements and looking fabulous was necessary. I was so wrong!! There is a handbag for all occasions and sometimes even two the handbag in the handbag. These Italian handbags that I discovered are not well known in the southern hemisphere but dearly loved in Europe. They are designed and made in small factories through Italy often run as family businesses. I had walked for miles and achieved my daily cardiovascular requirement at the same also while viewing Italy’s finest art. It was like the modern Sistine Chapel or the Vatican. Being a girl that now has a separate piece of luggage for her shoes, I was not able to purchase yet another suitcase for these amazing handbags so I have imported them here to Australia for all lovers of Italian handbags to enjoy.

I have picked a few of my favorite handbags and accessories from beautiful designers such as Gilda Tonelli, Ripani, Di Gregorio, pH+39 and Tavoni. I hope you enjoy the introduction of these wonderful borse as much as I have.

Sabrina Silverstring

These days hats are more edgy than in Elizabethan times. Perhaps it was the Royal Wedding, maybe it was the pretty summer styles, or possibly just the return of the sunny weather that has made us ladies love the return of the hat. Whatever it was, hats are cool again. I think the revival has come courtesy of a few very talented, thoroughly modern milliners like Rae Copeland of Rae Copeland Hats. Now hats are on everyone’s wish list.

Ms Rae Copeland is one of the most talented milliners on the Australian hat scene at the moment. This very talented creative lady draws me into her original, classy, fresh millinery designs.

How long have you been designing and making hats?

I discovered my love of millinery in about 2004.

How did you discover this love of headwear?

Luckily the women in my family have always kept beautiful headwear from across the generations, I was fortunate to have had wonderful guidance and inspiration in this fashion area.

Inspiration for your designs?

Everywhere! But more particularly, texture, seasons, colour and surroundings. The ebb and flow of life

Favourite hat or fascinator to make?

I made the cover of Style Magazine twice with two of my favourite pieces: an Easter feather creation and a great fruit headpiece.

Tips for wearing a hat:

Try on different styles, sizes and shapes in a range of colours before making a choice.

What’s “in” for hat wearing this season?

Hats are making a huge comeback in preference to fascinators. Colour blocking has made a big splash during the racing spring carnivals. While it is very bright ahead of the traditional black and white, really there are no rules. Just think Mad Men – lady-like vintage with gloves to match. Meanwhile, hair styles are very neat, cutting a chic silhouette. Opt for a chignon or a low ponytail. Race day weather changes fast so a light spritz of hairspray keeps strays in place.

Have you done your bit for Breast Cancer yet? No? Well, there’s still time.

As October’s pink shades fade, you can still do something to raise money for breast cancer. Take a trip to the grocery store or your local department store, and there is a parade of pink products donating part or all profits towards a breast cancer charity.

Most women have been touched by breast cancer in some way. In fact, one in every nine Australian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer by the age of 85. As the women affected by this terrible disease grows, so does their need for help, support and ongoing research in hope of a cure.

Sexy bras, nail polishes, moisturisers, bottled water, jewellery. It’s all gloriously pink. There are so many chic buys and major bargains that support the fight against breast cancer. Each of the clever items supports research, detection and treatment.

Look gorgeous while giving back! A few to look out for:

OPI - A SHATTERING PINK RIBBON PARTNERSHIP

Nail polish experts OPI celebrates their seventh year partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation with the limited edition Pink Ribbon Shatter. Hottest shade to be seen in this month!

PANDORA 2011 Pink Ribbon Limited Edition

When you buy anything from Pandora’s Pink Ribbon limited edition jewellery collection, 15 % of the retail price goes directly to the NBCF. This year, the theme is the ribbon itself, repeated and set in gold and silver.

DOVE PINK

Dove Pink is proud to be a platinum partner of the NBCF. Now in its sixth year of support, the Dove Pink product range aims to build on the $700,000 raised since 2006. The range includes deodorants, beauty bar, body wash, hair care and body lotion.

CLOVER HILL

Woolworths offers a Clover Hill Flowers exclusive "Pink Ribbon Bouquet" proudly in support Cancer Council’s Pink Ribbon Day. Two dollars from the sale of the Pink Ribbon bouquets throughout October is donated to Pink Ribbon Day.

BIG W

BIG W stores across Australia have been proudly supporting Pink Ribbon Day since 2004 by selling Pink Ribbon Day merchandise. All funds raised go towards reducing the impact of cancer in the community.

BOBBI BROWN Pink Ribbon Collection High Shimmer Lip Gloss and Lip Colour

In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics continues to empower women and provide them with the necessary tools to go from pretty to pretty powerful. While keeping up the tradition of natural beauty, Bobbi Brown offers a Limited-Edition Lip Set featuring a Bellini High Shimmer Lip Gloss and Pink Lip Colour.

As Bobbie Brown says: "When you feel good about yourself there's no limit to what you can do — and that's pretty powerful."

So give a little this October, you’ll look fabulous and receive by giving.

I’m a little bit excited. This weekend I’m hosting a “Girls Night In”. No boys allowed.

We are going to indulge in delicious French champagne, culinary delights and dishy, girly chitchat. We may even braid each other’s hair and watch 80s hit, Pretty In Pink. Ah the possibilities!

There’s something about the womb of female friendship that is so empowering. Whether it’s high heels or our flannelette pyjamas, Girls Night In is about accepting each other for exactly who we are and what we are. And ultimately celebrating our inner “woman-ness”.

But more than that, Girls Night In is a women’s cancer fundraising initiative where money raised goes to the Cancer Council. And with October being the official month of breast cancer awareness, what better time to host the night?

Our lives are so full and so busy, it is sometimes hard to find the time to just “be”. It shouldn’t be, but it’s a rare treat. Time spent with girlfriends is special. Whether we end up laughing or crying – or indeed both! – I am embracing this night as a great excuse to catch up with my girls and reconnect in the name of a good cause.

Girls Night In started as a relatively small event where friends got together at home and donated what they could to Cancer Council for their research, prevention and support programs. Since then it has grown. Big time. Girls Night In now raises over $4 million every year.

So this weekend is my ‘Girls Night In’ in honour of my beloved female friendships as well as honouring loved ones who are battling the disease.

No boys. No dress code. No expectations. I can’t wait.

Sabrina x

I am having a mammogram. Today.

I must confess I’m a little nervous. I have never had one before but from what I can gather they aren’t necessarily nice. But then again nor is breast cancer. So a mammogram it is.

Booking in for a mammogram couldn’t come at a better time. It is breast cancer month across the world and it is time to be breast aware.

Internationally October is recognised as Breast Cancer Month. It is a time when breast cancer organisations team together to raise awareness and funds for research into the disease. Throughout the month activities and information will be available highlighting the importance of research.

Breast Cancer foundations across the world fund research into all aspects of breast cancer including prevention, diagnosis, treatment and support. It is through this research that we can hope to find a cure for breast cancer.

Wherever you are get involved in one of the numerous breast cancer events on this month. Get informed and take part in a bit of fun while raising much needed funds for such a worthy cause.

In the meantime you are able to examine yourself or see your doctor and have them examine you for signs and symptoms such as:

• A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area
• A change in the size or shape of your breast
• Nipple discharge or tenderness, or the nipple inverted into your breast
• Ridges or pitting of the breast (a bit like orange peel)
• A change in the way the skin of the breast areola or nipple looks or feels (warm, swollen, red or scaly)

Did you know that once you hit 40 you are entitled to a free breast exam?

I am having mine today. When are you having yours?

Ciao bellas,

Sabrina

by Penelope Green

I love to read. Anything... Anywhere... Anytime. I know you understand what I mean.

In the winter I love to snuggle under the covers with a good book. In the summer I sit under the oak tree with a glass of homemade lemonade and lose myself in the pages of a romance.

I have just finished a great read and I want to share it with you.

As a lover of all things Italian it was a given that "When In Rome – Chasing La Dolce Vita" by Australian author Penelope Green was next on my Spring to-read list.

This story is set through the eyes of the Authoress, Penelope Green. Green leaves her native Australia for Rome armed with a one-way ticket and little idea of the Italian language or culture.

Refreshing, witty and inspiring, I didn't want the book to end.  OMG aren't those always the best books?

Here's a quick précis…

With her thirtieth birthday on the horizon and her safe and comfortable life in Sydney outside her front door, Penelope Green decided it was now or never.

Undaunted by the fact she spoke absolutely no Italian, had no job, no friends and nowhere to live - and armed only with an Italian/English dictionary, irresistible optimism and a fair dash of bravery, she was determined to carve out her own slice of la dolce vita.

Both frank and funny, Penny tells how she plunged into the deep end of Roman life from her first giddy Vespa ride to daily struggles with the language and culture (not to mention a few lecherous locals), to seeing in her birthday with a kiss from her lover under the floodlit Colosseum.

I bought "When in Rome" on a whim at an airport and from the first page I was hooked. Such a great and honest account of the struggles the history, the beauty, the food and not to mention the Romans.

It makes me want to pack my bags and head off to Rome!

If you feel like a Roman holiday without the air ticket this is a must read. Enjoy.

Buon Giorno sweeties!

In the same way that most people can recall the first time they met the love of their life, I remember the first time I visited Italy. I encountered a delicious sensory overload from the fine art to the luscious food, from stunning countryside to the flamboyance of the fashion. Italy (sigh) is one of the greatest sensorial pleasures on earth!

Each time I visit (and I try to as often as I can – after all, it is research!), I pop on my ballet flats, a flippy skirt, wide brimmed hat and… just walk. Soaking up the streets ambience.

I wander the cobblestone alleyways, stopping occasionally to idle over an espresso and people watch, which I recommend as a “must do” when in Italy! On display is generations-old artisans producing some of the finest leather goods in the world. Seriously. Shoes, bags, scarves, oh my. I “researched” all day and into the night! Looking through dark workshops where these artisans have been hand making their wares was truly divine. The permeating scent of leather was intoxicating and the charming old men tinkering in their studios are the epitome of fine Italian artists.

During my latest “research” trip I have sourced some amazing goods make sure you check out some of my lovely latest finds at www.silverstringonline.com You won’t be disappointed!

My favourite for Spring is the Gilda Tonelli Ines croc-printed Italian clutch. It takes me from day to night and back to day again. Just gorgeous!

Until next time, ciao bellas!

Sabrina x

Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons. See photo gallery for details

Steal the show with a splash of bling. Katy Perry, Jennifer Lopez and Anne Hathaway are just a few celebrities who know how to sparkle on the red carpet.

CLASSICS ON THE RUNWAY

Jasper Conran Womenswear Spring/Summer 2011 London Fashion Week

9 fabulous looks showing off this season's favourite wardrobe essential. Neutral pumps are so versatile as they go with anything. Try a pair with your favourite jeans, black shift dress or shorts. The thing that you will love most about your neutral pumps is that they are very flattering - a neutral pump will elongate the look of your legs.