Dusty Petals: February 2012

Saturday, 25 February 2012

Floral Fantasy

After watching hours of Fashion TV previewing both Milan and NY 2012 Spring Fashion Weeks, I noticed a common trend amongst designers....Floral prints. Models were dressed head to toe in floral prints including roses, daffodils, daisies and orchids. That's right, it's time to add some flower power into our wardrobe. I'm sure most of us would already own a floral item as florals (like stripes) have been a popular fashion theme for spring and summer for decades. However, designers such as Mary Katrantzou have taken the feminine floral prints that we are used to seeing and reinvented them through colour blocking and bold geometric contrasts.

Mary Katrantzou
A selection of Mary's Spring 2012 Collection

Images courtesy of Google Images

Below are a few pieces from Mary Katrantzou's collection designed exclusively for Topshop.

Images courtesy of http://flowerona.com

In my look below, I went a bit floral mad and teamed a vintage floral shirt with a cute floral skirt. Being quite petite I always choose to wear small prints as you can see below. It is better for my proportion. Taller girls can wear larger prints. I've accessorised with an Alannah Hill floppy felt hat, vintage brooch and belt, floral rings from Friperie Vintage ( http://friperie.tumblr.com/ ) and Nine West shoes.

Also check out a couple of 'Floral' inspired looks I styled for you at the bottom of this post.

1-VANESSA BRUNO ATHÉ Cornflower Jaquard Coat $495.00 http://www.stylebop.com

2-Hobbs Beresford Vest Top, White, $43.00 http://www.johnlewis.com/250237/Product.aspx?source=63325

3-Special Someone Necklace, $19.00 http://www.modcloth.com

4-Balenciaga Leather Platform Sandals, $345.00 http://www.mytheresa.com

5-Floral Printed Trousers, $84.00 http://www.warehouse.co.uk

Paloma Pearl Clutch, $88.00 http://www.coast-stores.com

1-Wool Blend Coat, $160.00 http://www.yesstyle.com/en/info.html/pid.1030324052

2-Mary Portas The White Shirt, $105.00 http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk

3-Furnish Your Feet Heel, $42.00 http://www.modcloth.com

4- Paul Smith Black Skirt | Floral Print Skirt, $280.00 http://www.julesb.co.uk

5-Marimekko Mini Unikko Silmalasikukkaro Black and White Purse , $19.00 http://www.crateandbarrel.com

Celebrities Celebrate The Floral Trend

Floral At Fashion Week

All Fashion Week pictures courtesy of Google Images
Above looks: (Left to right): Blugirl, Jason Wu, J. Crew & Prabal Gurung

Enjoy the last few days of Summer.
I look forward to sharing some fun Autumn looks with you all soon!

Tuesday, 14 February 2012

Red Lipstick...My new best friend

It wasn't until I was living in New York that I really discovered my love for red lips. There were a couple of gorgeous girls working with me at Isaac Mizrahi who painted their lips in perfect deep red lipstick. I was inspired by how this simple addition created a mood of elegance and gave an edge of seduction to a conservative outfit. I know there are several rules as to how to wear red lipstick, such as, not overdoing dark eye make-up or ensuring your skin is clear, as red lipstick tends to highlight any red blemishes. Don't let these and any other rules you may have read about scare you off. I suggest you visit your local make-up shop to get some advice as to what shade of red lipstick best suits your complexion and then go from there.

What I particularly love about red lipstick is how it automatically adds something new to your outfit. You may have worn your skinny leg jeans with a white tee shirt many times but I assure you, when you add red lipstick to this casual look, you've already created a new and eye catching look. We can't forget one of the best advantages of wearing red lipstick....making your teeth look incredibly white!

Below I have styled 3 outfits that I think work best with red lipstick. I'm wearing Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pure Shine Sheer Lipstick in all three looks.

RED LIPS WITH A WHITE DRESS

The first piece I suggest to team with red lipstick is a white dress. It could be a formal white dress or even a summer day dress. The combination creates great contrast. Check out a similar look to my own that I've styled from online shops for you in 'Red Lips Look 1' (below my look). This way you can recreate the look if you like.

1-SHISEIDO The Makeup Perfecting Lipstick - P13 Red Cool 4g/0.14oz $23.00 http://au.strawberrynet.com/makeup/shiseido/the-makeup-perfecting-lipstick/7

2-French Connection Lace Dress $121.65 http://www.asos.com

3-Pour La Victoire Sandals - Neysa X Band $210.00 http://www1.bloomingdales.com

4-Because You Can Bag $60.00 http://www.modcloth.com

RED LIPS WITH SKINNY LEG JEANS

Another great look to wear with red lipstick is a simple white tee shirt and skinny leg jeans. It will instantly create edge to a very simple look. See the look below.

1-Studded Cashmere Biker Jacket Black $520.00 http://www.crumpetengland.com/

2-YVES SAINT LAURENT Rouge Pure Shine Sheer Lipstick - No. 01 Red Strass 3.4g/0.12oz $28.50, http://au.strawberrynet.com/makeup/shiseido/the-makeup-perfecting-lipstick/72090/

3-MICHAEL STARS White Short Sleeve V-Neck Tee $75.00 http://www.stylebop.com

4-Navoh 'Toni' Clutch $92.00 http://shop.nordstrom.com

5-Jair Black $110.00 http://www.vincecamuto.com

RED LIPS WITH ALL BLACK

Adding red lipstick to an all black outfit allows you to remove any guilt from not wearing any other colour. You don't always have to add red somewhere else in your outfit to help tie in your red lipstick. It can certainly be your statement and stand on it's own. Below, however I added red nail polish and red shoes with my all black look.

Check out Red Lips Look 3 below that I've styled for you.

1-Juicy Couture Guipure lace dress $310.00 http://www.net-a-porter.com

2-YVES SAINT LAURENT Rouge Pure Shine Sheer Lipstick - No. 01 Red Strass 3.4g/0.12oz $28.50 http://au.strawberrynet.com/makeup/yves-saint-laurent/rouge-pure-shine-sheer-lipstick/43397/

4-Madi Jacket $335.00 http://www.lkbennett.com/clothing/jackets/JKMADI002COTTONMIX

5-Giuseppe Zanotti Cindy Koka suede pumps $260.00 http://www.theoutnet.com

6-Contrast Trim Buckled Clutch with Chain Strap $89.00 http://www.yesstyle.com/en/info.html/pid.1025022732

WOMEN WHO DO RED SO WELL

I hope I've inspired you all to take a chance and explore the world of red lips. It's a lot of fun.

See you next time.

xox

Thursday, 9 February 2012

Love is in the air...

Valentines Day is just around the corner and I don't know about you but I'm getting a little excited. I know the day can be seen by some as a Hallmark money making ploy but I like to see it as a time to remind your partner about why you are together and to bring back those romantic sparks that sometimes get hidden behind the stress of daily life.

Below I have styled some Valentines Day looks for you all. Now you might look at these ensembles and think they're not traditionally 'sexy' looks. To me sexy isn't about showing too much skin or wearing things too tight. To me, sexy is about feeling confident in yourself and secure in your outfit. There's nothing more attractive than seeing a woman walk tall, head up high and proud. Confidence is the perfect finishing touch to an outfit. I incorporated some fun heart themed items of clothing in some looks and added a splash of red in others. One thing I do suggest girls is to wear some fun and flirty underwear under your Valentines Day look. It doesn't mean you have to show it off, but who says you can't look sexy for yourself???

Before you check out the Valentine's Day looks I've styled, I have prepared a short Dusty Petals video blog expressing my deep love affair for shoes. I'm sure many of you ladies can relate to this love that no man will ever understand. I had a lot of fun making this. I hope you enjoy it!

DUSTY PETALS VALENTINES DAY

VIDEO BLOG:

My Love Affair With A Shoe

MY VALENTINES DAY LOOK!

1-BOW BACK VEST $38.25 http://www.topshop.com

2-Apple Pendant Necklace $20.60 http://www.oasis-stores.com/Apple-Pendant-Necklace

3-KG by Kurt Geiger Hot Wide Strap Chunky Suede Platform Sandals, $100.00 http://www.johnlewis.com/231305101/Product.aspx?source=54836

4-Navy Crepe Shorts $47.00 http://us.missselfridge.com

5-Ollie & Nic Delicious Apple Basket Bag $59.00 http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Ollie+Nic+Delicious+Apple+Basket+Bag

1-Peter Jensen Exclusive Colour Block Heart Ballet Pump $155.71 http://www.asos.com

2-Dansk Heart Cut Out Crepe Top $55.15 http://www.asos.com

3-Katie Diamond Lola Blue Quartz & Gold Vermeil Ring $125.00 http://shopbird.com/product.php?productid=23145

4-CLUB MONACO Pleated Satin Skirt $250.00 http://www.brownsfashion.com
5-Fiorelli Cannes Zip Clutch Bag $72.99 http://www.asos.com/au/Fiorelli/Fiorelli-Cannes-Zip-Clutch-Bag

1-Marc by Marc Jacobs Love Edge Stud Earrings $39.00 http://www.shopbop.com

2-ASOS Cut Out Shift Dress in Heart Applique $48.66 http://www.asos.com

3- Blee Inara Swarovski Heart Eye Elastic Bracelet $37.00 http://www.maxandchloe.com/Blee-Inara-Swarovski-Heart-Eye-Elastic-Bracelet?PID=2687457

4-SWAGGER Contrast Toecap Shoes $115.00 http://us.topshop.com

5-Find It in Your Heart Handbag $51.00 http://www.modcloth.com

1-Paul & Joe Lipstick $24.44 http://www.asos.com

2-Tea Cup Fifties Dress $432.45 http://www.suzannah.com/dresses/sale-dresses/tea-cup-print-fifties-dress.aspx

3-Large Crystal Flower Post Earrings $45.00 http://www.tarinatarantino.com/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=8359

4-Guess D-Hondo-B Peep Toe Heeled Shoes $137.87 http://www.asos.com

5-Franchi "Catrina" Red Satin Rose Clutch Handbag $200.00 http://www.shirise.com/

1-Ivanka Trump Kyra 2 - Black Multi Suede $135.00 http://www.heels.com

2- Alice+Olivia Barret sequin blouse $505.00 http://www.harveynichols.com

3-Cindie's Tall Gold Studded Black Cuff Faux Leather Cuff Bracelet $40.00 http://www.fantasyjewelrybox.com/b717.html#

4-Oasis Heart Pants $72.99 http://www.asos.com

5-House of Harlow 1960 Val Clutch in Black $195.00 http://www.shopthetrendboutique.com/hoofha19valc1.html?source=pjn&subid=2845

1-MARC BY MARC JACOBS Annabelle Pavé Heart Stud Earrings $54.00 http://www1.bloomingdales.com

2-One Shoulder Tulip Dress Black $960.00 http://www.suzannah.com

3- Andara Lucite Bypass Knuckle Ring $93.00 http://www.maxandchloe.com/Andara-Lucite-Bypass-Knuckle-Ring?PID=2687457

4-Red Alfresco High Heel Shoes $175.00 http://www.debenhams.com

5- Moschino Red Heart Satin Clutch $280.00 http://www.forzieri.com

1-Ribbed Heart Back Prom Dress By Dress Up Topshop $51.00 http://us.topshop.com

2-RED LEAFY LACE BALCONETTE $26.50 http://www.topshop.com

Red Leafy Lace Mini $8.80 http://www.topshop.com

3-Vivienne Westwood for Melissa Lady Dragon V1 Heart Sandal $136.25 http://www.asos.com

4-ASOS Limited Edition Rhinestone Heart & Zip Stud Earrings $19.46 http://www.asos.com

5-Valentine's Day-I Love You Toast Stamper $39.95 http://www.amazon.com/Valentines-Day-I-Love-Toast-Stamper

6- WILL YOU MARRY ME? Lottery Ticket $4.95 http://www.baronbob.com/lotteryticket-willyoumarryme.htm

7-ASOS Big Hearts Sheer Tights $12.98 http://www.asos.com

8-Mickey and Minnie Socks $6.20 http://www.oysho.com

Happy Valentines Day!!!

xox

Saturday, 4 February 2012

Oh what a bargain!!!

Sometimes I like to challenge myself and see how little I can spend on a complete look. There's something thrilling about feeling confident and fashionable in an outfit that cost you near to nothing.

I was very proud of my latest bargain finds as I managed to spend only $21.45 on the 1980's Rockstar inspired look I styled below. I couldn't believe it! I'll break it down for you:

Graphic printed tank: $7.45

Dress (which I'm wearing as a skirt); $10.00,

Grey clutch bought second hand for $2.00

White socks $2.00.

The good thing about these bargain items are that I know I'll be able to wear them with my current wardrobe. They are very versatile. I love how a new purchase of clothing can inspire you to take on a new look or allow you to wear something from your current wardrobe in a completely different way. That is exactly what my bargain $10.00 dress will do.

Check out some pictures of this ridiculously inexpensive look below. Unfortunately my Joanne Mercer shoes and Ray Ban sunnies were not so cheap, but that is what makes good styling, the combination of the cheap with the not so cheap.

I have also styled and referenced some budget looks for you at the bottom of this post.
My advice to you is to never be afraid to dig down deep into that 'Sales' bin or visit that shop you always pass by but never think of walking into because it looks cheap and dated. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Happy Shopping!