Skating down memory lane

I thought I'd have a bit of fun in this post and share with you a quirky look. I am wearing my own designed black and white jacket whilst attempting to skateboard. My husband and I treated each other   to skateboards on our first wedding anniversary. I had finally learnt the basics but then decided to challenge myself further and skate in heels...now that's another story. 

The jacket was designed about five years ago when I was experimenting with the idea of weaving fabrics strips together. I used this same method with other samples including a dress and a suit, which I'll share with you in future posts. The jacket is a lot of fun and I have been wearing it consistently over the past five years.

I've teamed my own designed jacket with a 'Sunny Girl' striped body suit, a vintage pair of red shorts which I bought on 'Etsy,' and a tartan red bow tie from an amazing little shop in Richmond called 'Exentrix.' They stock local Melbourne designer samples as well as having a variety of accessories from Japan. I bought this bow tie in 6 colours and love wearing them with buttoned up shirts or even as a headband. The shoes are from a department store in Vietnam. They look 1950's vintage, which I love. The glasses were bought in a shop on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The shop reminded me of the Australian chain store, 'Dangerfield.'  Finally, the skateboard is a remake of a 1980's Powell Peralta board, the 'Caballero' addition, which we bought from Mordy Surf in Camberwell.

I'd love to know what you think of this outfit. Please feel free to comment directly on my post at the bottom of the page, or even 'Hype' (like) my look by clicking the 'Hype on LOOKBOOK.nu' icon. This is really helpful in creating more exposure to my blog. Thanks for your support! xox

Check out my small video link. Enjoy and thanks for sharing!

Music: Morning Runner - Gone Up in Flames.

MY 2011 FALL SHOE FETISH

For those of you who know me, know that I have a love for shoes just as much as clothing. I wanted to share with you my 'wish list' from my favourite shoe designers 2011 Fall Collections. I not only appreciate the beauty of these shoes but am fascinated by the incredible interplay of colours, materials, texture and architecture used to create them.

Please feel free to comment directly on any of my posts at the bottom of the page, or even click 'Like' on the posts you like best.  This is really helpful in developing my Blog. I have also added a new icon called 'Hype on LOOKBOOK.nu' on the right hand side of the page. This enables you to 'Hype' (like) certain looks I have posted so far. The more 'Hypes' I get, the better exposure to my clothing label and blog. I would love for you to continue supporting me in this new venture like you already have done so. 

Thank you so much!!!

Now, back to shoes... My favourite collection this year so far is from Aperlaï. I love how each pair makes an individual statement. The use of colour is just brilliant. I can imagine myself wearing each of these designs with black stockings throughout winter. Oh, if only...

These incredibly fun Miu Miu shoes are to die for. I love the combination of sparkles with matt pastel colours and black suede. I never get disappointed by Miu Miu.  

Here I've selected my favourites from the Bally Fall Collection. These shoes are classic in style however they each add a modern twist through colour and fine details. 

They just remind me of a perfect snowy winters day. 

I had to share with you the perfectly slanted heel from Arfango's fall collection. This subtle change to the heel shape creates a dainty and elegant finish. Love it!

These Alexander Wang shoes combine a vintage style with metallic colours which just makes them all that perfect for winter. I want them all!!

Brian Atwood has found the ideal way to create a feminine heel with a raw, hard edge. 

These shoes look fashionably dangerous. 

Images courtesy of  style.com

I hope you enjoyed sharing my favourite shoes from 2011 Fall Collections. 

I'd love to hear what your favourites are. 

Wishing you all a Happy Easter!

Competition Winner Announced plus Old Sample Out Of The Closet

Well... today is the day I announce the winner of the "Wrap Me Up" Dress competition. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for supporting me by following my blog and entering this competition. Please don't forget to keep viewing 'Dusty Petals' as I will be sharing many more of my designs combined with my continuing purchases and vintage finds along the way. If you missed out on this competition never fear as I will be holding many more in the near future. I will also be previewing my first samples for my next collection in the coming weeks. So be sure to keep following and please feel free to introduce your friends and family who share a love for fashion.  To view the winner of the competition scroll down to the bottom of this post.

I thought I'd post along with the announcement of the winner one of my first samples made.  I recently found a box filled with my first designs and thought I'd share some of them with you. The dress I'm photographed in below was designed in a time where I was obsessed with fine details, especially frills. I never included this in any of my collections but am considering reviving it soon. Let me know what you think, I'd love to have your feedback. 

I'm wearing with my own designed dress a vintage necklace, Tony Bianco shoes, ring from a market stand on Broadway in NYC, leather cropped jacket from 'White Suede.' Enjoy!

Finally, the winner of the competition is.........

Congratulations Rebecca Anderson! You will receive an email shortly.

Sandy Skirt

The wind was blowing freezing cold air, tiny droplets of rain were beginning to fall and I could see goose bumps appearing on my arms. This wasn’t going to deter me from shooting this ‘Friends of Couture’  skirt on the beach. I was determined.  I thought the beach would be the perfect setting for this soft, sand coloured ensemble.

Teamed with the skirt I’m wearing a satin printed singlet which I picked up in a small shop in Phillip Island called ‘The $10 dollar Shop.’ What a bargain, it actually only cost me $5. The coat is one of my own designs. It is part of a suit I designed. The matching dress is in the same fabric as the fun polka dot lining which you’ll notice in the pictures. I’ll share the matching dress with you in a future post. The belt is vintage and the necklace is from good old ‘Diva.’ It shows, you don’t have to spend big bucks to create a stylish look. Shoes are from Nine West. I hope you enjoy it! 

Also, don't forget to enter the competition to win one of my designed dresses. Winner is announced Sunday 17th April. See earlier posts for information. Please make sure that you 'follow' my blog through signing up on http://dustypetals.blogspot.com/ as well as through http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/2478400/dusty-petals to ensure your entry is received.  Not long now. Good Luck. 

Thanks for sharing. 

Competition Update! Only 5 days to go!

Thank you so much to all of you who have 'followed' my blog so far. I really appreciate your support. I understand some people have had difficulty entering the competition by adding comments to my posts. The settings have been updated so you can go ahead and comment on your favourite post as of now. I'm sorry to have inconvenienced you.

Not long until the winner will be announced. Good luck!!!

Competition To Win Exclusive Designer Dress

Hi everyone, I'm so excited to hold my first competition to help promote my new fashion blog 'Dusty Petals.' You have the opportunity to win a ‘Wrap Me Up dress’ from my Queen Of the Sky Collection,  in your own size. The dress was inspired by a beautifully wrapped present.

To enter this competition, follow the steps below.

1. Visit my blog at http://dustypetals.blogspot.com/

2. Click on the Eiffel Tower picture to redirect you to the 'Bloglovin' website.

3. Select 'Sign up for Dusty Petals.'

4. Sign Up.

5. View all 5 existing posts including Introduction, Sequins On The Foreshore, Raiding Mum's Wardrobe, Retro Floral Shirt and Hell's Kitchen.

6. Write  a comment underneath your favourite look explaining why.

7. This competition is open all week. All followers will go into the draw to win. Winner will be announced Sunday 17th April through  http://dustypetals.blogspot.com.

8.   Post the link http://dustypetals.blogspot.com/  to your facebook page to receive double entries into this competition.

Good Luck!

Hells Kitchen

I am so excited to share with you one of my favourite vintage items bought so far. I found this 1960’s cape at the 'Hells Kitchen Flea Market' in New York City, I love that place! It was really love at first sight for me and the transgender stalker following me around, eyeing off everything that I was trying on. I eventually won the battle. I was fixated on wearing it home but considering the 40 degree temperature I forewent the choice due to my husband explaining the possible health ramifications.  I particularly love the four layers of ruffles around the collar and hemline. Very fun!

I am wearing a navy and white striped knit dress underneath the cape. I colour coded my wardrobe and when I saw these two hanging next to each other, I thought it was a match made in heaven. Now, I’m not a Geelong football fan but I did purchase these fun stripey, navy and white knee length socks that I haven’t been brave enough to wear as yet. But, I always dare to be brave on Dusty Petals.  The Nautical theme brooch is from Sportsgirl. I hope you enjoy the fun and quirky look. 

Thanks for sharing.