Dressing up your one-piece swimsuit

Hi everyone! I hope you are all enjoying wrapping up your final week of work for 2012.  You may have noticed the growing popularity of the traditional one-piece swimsuit. The Bikini seem's to be taking second place amongst designer's swimwear collections this season. One-piece swimsuits are celebrated with a vintage feel combined with innovative back designs. While the one-piece swimsuit leaves a little bit more to the imagination, they can create a very sexy and provocative look. Also a big plus is that one-piece swimwear complements all body shapes; thin or curvy. You can't go wrong.
What I particularly love about this popular swimsuit is how it allows you to move from the beach/pool  to a night out. They look so chic styled under high-waisted skirts or shorts. Then, simply add a heeled sandal and you're set for a warm summer night out.
I have styled some one-piece swimsuits looks for you below. You will have noticed I did share more than one, one-piece swimsuits from Zimmermann's collection. I absolutely adore their vision this year. A couple of great brands for sandals that allows you to move from the beach to a night out are  Funkis or Swedish Hasbeens. I know they are a little pricey, but they are incredibly comfortable and come in a variety of fun styles and colours. Don't despair there are imitations out there if you are on a budget.
Happy Christmas to all of my Dusty Petals followers. Thank you for such a wonderful year and for your amazing support.
xox

Karen Floppy Hat

We Are Handsome The Vacation Scoop Back One Piece Swimsuit

Miu Miu Cat eye glittered acetate and metal sunglasses

Xhilaration® Palm Tree Print Tote

Dark Universe Print Elastic Skirt

401 very high clog Annika Funkis

HOUSE OF HOLLAND ‘Peggy’ Round Acetate Sunglasses

Zimmermann The Vase One Shoulder 1pc

MBaoBao Contrast-Trim Dotted Tote

My Bonnie Black Rose Skirt

Ilona Heels

Croft & Barrow® Packable Chain Visor Hat

Ted Baker Nautical stripe halterneck swimsuit

HOUSE OF HOLLAND ‘Cagefighter’ Round Metal Sunglasses

Mel By Melissa 'apple Ii' Jelly Sandal

River Island Navy Belted Shorts

Accessorize Stripe Anchor Embroidered Tote

Prada Oversized Cat's-Eye Sunglasses

Zimmermann Flourishing Bow 1pc

Melissa Sky Peeptoe Heeled Sandals

Finders Keepers Graphic Print Skirt

ASOS Leather And Suede Drawstring Bag 

Prada Cat eye acetate sunglasses

Zimmermann Zoe Perforated 1pc

Straw Studios B11032

Dark green Skater Skirt

Braided Sky High Swedish Hasbeens

Thanks for stopping by!
xox

Band Tees

Hi everyone! Hope you've had a lovely week. I know I've said this before but I love how an individuals fashion style enables everyone to express their true persona, interests  and even their mood.  Some days I want to dress girly, with soft colours and floral prints, other days I might want to represent a more edgy look by adding studs and leather. Although these elements might seem contrary, I think it's important for people to experiment with different styles while maintaining their own identity.

Today I wanted to share ideas on how you can dress up your favourite band tee. Band tees have the ability to make everyone feel effortlessly cool. Chuck on a 'Kiss' tee with some skinny leg jeans and heels and you're dressed for a night out ready to rock. However, I believe you should buy tee shirts with bands that you actually love and know. There is nothing worse than seeing someone wear a band tee who you know can't even name any of their songs.

I think the best way to glam up your band tee is to tuck it into a tailored pencil line or fitted skirt and tie in the edgy feel with statement heels. You can always add a splash of sequins/metallics to create a rock glam finish. 

Below I styled my Guns N' Roses tee shirt (that I have cut off the sleeves) with my new floral jacquard skirt from Zara (Hong Kong), H&M sequins cropped jacket and Nine West heels.  

I have styled some looks below based around four of my favourite music artists. I have attempted to recreate both punk and glam rock looks. I hope they inspire you to express your interests and add it to your style. Who knows it could be the start of a "Rockin" new relationship?

Parker Cluster Beading Jacket

Purple Rain Prince T Shirt

Adorned Golden Chain Necklace

SQUARE JACQUARED BOX BAG

Floral Pencil Skirt

Closed Toe Stiletto Heel In Black

Mural Sequin Bomber Jacket

Beastie Boys Tee Shirt

Silver Pyramid Ring

Facial Type Studded Twistlock Black Bag

Kelly Wearstler Shark's Tooth Organto Skirt

Ko Fashion Iris Raspberry Heel

Pink Asymmetrical Leather Zipper Chiffon Coat

Red Hot Chili Peppers T-Shirt

Blu Bijoux Graduated Bead Bib Necklace

Leopard Paillette Stud Bag

MINI SKIRT WITH LEATHER FRILL

Jeffrey Campbell 'Don't Even' Pump

Stylish Genealogy Earrings in Noir

Guns N' Roses Rock Band Sweatshirt

Glamour School Bracelet

FRANCHI Caterina rosette clutch

Stars and Hype Skirt

Sheepskin Closed Toe Stiletto Heel In Black

Dressing for the festive season!

Hello my lovelies! As you all know 'T'is the season to be jolly' and what better way to be jolly than to dress up and feel beautiful. As I mentioned last Christmas on Dusty Petals, I love to celebrate Christmas through my style by combining the colours gold, white, red and green. Your outfits don't have to scream 'Xmas' but this can be highlighted through fun accessories and of course a bit of sparkle. It certainly wont be difficult to find glitzy pieces with the current metallic and sequin trends.  

I have styled some Christmas themed looks for you below, considering the different functions you may be attending. I encourage you to be brave, bold and striking in your style during the festive season. Amongst all of the chaos and planning that surrounds this time, try not to forget how much fun and playful Christmas should be. 

Good luck with your Christmas shopping and why not write your own Santa wish list and leave it around the house.  

PALEARI NEWS drop earring

Red Valentino Bow Neck Jersey Top

Holly Ring

Topshop GENIE GLITTER BOW POINT HEELS

'ALANNAH HILL' I'LL TELL THE ANGELS SKIRT

Elegant Dark Green Pleated Clutch Bag

Blu Bijoux Black And Crystal Studded Earrings

Alannah Hill COME BACK! COME BACK! DRESS

Black gem chain belt

Rhinestone Hasp Closure Hard Case Clutch Bag

E! Live From The Red Carpet Open-Toe Sandals

BRIGHT GREEN GLITTER CHRISTMAS TREE STUD EARRINGS

Kate Spade STRIPED CAROLYN DRESS

Sara Designs Teal Green Crystal Necklace

Rebecca Minkoff Clutch Bag

Mimco RANI POINTED COURT

Arrow Charm Bracelet

WITCHERY LACE PEPLUM TOP

ALANNAH HILL FOLLOW YOUR HEART HAT

Topshop RULE STRAPPY BOW SANDALS

RED VALENTINO printed skirt

Moschino Love Moschino - Red Satin Twistlock Clutch

Illamasqua Limited Edition Nail Polish Duo

CAMILLA AND MARC ARISTOCRACY DRESS

PALEARI NEWS beaded necklace

Satchel Shape Hollow Out Cover Pattern Rhinestone Clutch

Ted Baker OAKER - Origami bow platform shoe

JUKO Headband With Woven Ribbon

ETRO Red And Sand Striped Silk Top

Betsey Johnson Rio Cherry Drop Earrings

Grace Silk Satin Rhinestone Women's Clutch Bag

KENZO A line Skirt

Faith Azriel Gold Glitter Bow Flat Shoes

Thanks for visiting!

Get the K-9 Look

Hi everyone! This week I wanted to share with you my two greatest loves; dogs and fashion. What better way to do that than to combine the two together. Dog inspiration seems to be saturating fashion. Dog breeds of all kinds can be seen printed on all sorts of apparel including silk blouses, knitted sweaters, shorts, dresses as well as all accessories. Being a dog lover I was quick to jump on this trend. 

Dogs have been an important part of my life from a very young age. Now, I am blessed to have two beautiful dogs named Marlon & Brando. They add so much love and joy to my life and always make me feel special.

I have put together a fun dog inspired outfit. I have referenced the pieces below in 'Get My K-9 Look collage.'  Every time I have worn this dog sweater I have had people approach me in the street and comment on how much they love it. Dogs seem to put a smile on everybody's face, even simply as a print.  I styled my dog sweater with these new green dog printed shorts I got from Oasap.com   They can look so chic dressed up with a high collared silk blouse tucked in, worn with a fitted blazer or alternatively they can be dressed down and styled with a simple white tee. 

I love to show who I am and what I love through what I wear.  I particularly enjoy putting together  playful and fun looks.  Having someone comment and smile at something cute you are wearing is a great way to engage with people. So why not add some cute and quirky dog inspiration to your looks? Check out the K-9 look collages that I've put together for you below. 

Faux-Leather Buckled Backpack

Dog On It Sweater

Diva Chunky Chain Golden Collar

Oasap Kissing Dog Belt

Oasap Fawn Printing turned Cuff Shorts

Swedish Hasbeens Braided Sky High heels

Dalmatians Earrings

Joules Marsha Dog Print Jumper

Nail Rock Black Polka Dots Nail Wrap

Blue Velvet Snake Print Envelope Clutch

Cream Spot Flock Peplum Pencil Skirt

Promise Shoes Romania

Constant Companion Ring in French Bulldog

Ted Baker London Intarsia Sweater

Bite Beauty Lush Lip Tint Lipstick

Nine West Fairgame Heels

Striped Belted Pinstripe Jersey Pencil Skirt

Red glitter bow earrings

Cher Backpack

Hobbs Lulu Jumper

Scottish Terrier Scottie Dog Earrings

Topshop Tartan Zip Shorts

Red and Purple Colour Block Strap Heels

Dogeared Dog Bone Charm Necklace

Weekend by Maxmara Fagus Sweater

Kevia Gold-plated crystal ring

Seychelles Freesia Flat in Red

Velveteen Green Spot Short

Paul Smith Leather Doggie Bag

1-Angry Dot Mesh Detail T-shirt

2- ASOS Regal Dog Necklace

3- Marc by Marc Jacobs Shorty iPhone 4G Case

4- Asos Exclusive Dress In Dog Print

5- ASOS Sausage Dog Ring Holder

6- Altruette Dog Charm For Charity

Yottoy Genevieve & Madeline Tote Bag

Here are my boys Marlon & Brando!

Thanks for visiting!