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

What NOT to do at the races...

Well another Spring Racing Carnival has come to an end. Boy, did we see some amazing colour, creativity and fashion forward looks. I was so inspired by the effort ladies put into their outfits. The variety and originality was to be admired. Ladies were willing to make a statement and not just follow the common trends.

I wanted to share with you some of my favourite fashions on the field as well as celebrity fashion seen throughout the Spring Racing Carnival. I was so excited to see two of my favourite style icons; Sarah Jessica Parker and Dita Von Teese come and celebrate this fashion affair with us Melburnians. 

But first, before I share these looks I would like to present you with a new Dusty Petals Video Blog.

I have put together a short video offering tips on what NOT to do at the races. So get your notepads out ready to jot down these pointers so that you will be prepared for next years racing events.

Dusty Petals 

VIDEO BLOG 4:

What NOT to do at the races...

Fashions On The Field

 Celebrity Fashion

Above images courtesy of http://www.vogue.com.au/  & http://www.heraldsun.com.au/

Have a wonderful week!

DRESS CODE: Quirky Colourful Preppy Nerd!

Hello lovely Dusty Petal followers. I was feeling particularly daring when styling my last photo shoot for Dusty Petals and decided to break all fashion rules. The result was the look below. I titled it 'Quirky Colourful Preppy Nerd.' I love how some outfits allow you to take on a new persona and create more confidence in yourself. That is exactly what this crazy number did for me.
 Colour was my initial inspiration when styling this look. I have always been fasciated by the power and effect colour plays on peoples emotions. It not only impacts your own mood but also controls how people respond to you; they almost feel like they have to smile at you and become energised around you. I love that!

To help inspire you all to take be a little daring with your style I have put together some fun 'Quirky Colourful Preppy Nerd' looks below.
Also, check out the behind the scenes video of this Dusty Petals photo shoot.

What are you wearing???
Shirt and bag are from boutique in Brooklyn, NY, Vintage shorts (Etsy), My dad's 70's bow tie, Shoes from Lion In Love.

BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEO:

DUSTY PETALS PHOTO SHOOT

QUIRKY

1- Floral Velvet Kimono Jacket: http://www.asos.com $106.55

2-Tippi Bow Bouse http://www.mulberry.com  $386.00

3- Midas Well Wedge Shoe http://www.modcloth.com $219.99

4- Gold Elephant in the Room Ring http://www.modcloth.com $24.99

5- Lu Guinness Perspex Lips Clutch Handbag, http://www.johnlewis.com  $295.00

6-Velvet Shorts http://www.topshop.com  $49.40

7-Laugh On Tights  http://www.modcloth.com $29.99

COLOURFUL

 1-  Alcozer & J Crystal Bee Brass Flower Brooch  http://www.forzieri.com   $280.00

2- Stingray Effect Ring, YVES SAINT LAURENT  http://www.net-a-porter.com  $275.00

3- Zimmermann Silk Strapless Tucked Playsuit http://www.zimmermannstore.com  $305.00

4-Sidelines Bootie  http://www.modcloth.com  $191.99

5- Steven Alan Renada double-breasted silk blazer, http://www.net-a-porter.com  $500.00

6- Chain Bib Necklace http://www.calypsostbarth.com  $330.00

7- DP MR MOHAWK BLUE BAG  http://www.cultstatus.com.au  $395.00

PREPPY NERD

1-Marc by Marc Jacobs bags http://www.polyvore.com $450.00

2-Shirt-with-Metallic-Face-Print, http://www.asos.com  $27.80

3-  HOSS INTROPIA Double Breasted Jacket With Gold Buttons http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk   $460.00

4-  Turn Weft at the Corner Tights  http://www.modcloth.com  $35.99

5- Alexander McQueen Butterfly Skull Ring  http://www.harveynichols.com  $275.00

6- General Pants Red Shorts, http://www.generalpants.com.au  $59.00

7- REISSE  MOON  GOLD HEEL BOOT http://www.reissonline.com

I hope I have inspired you all to add some spice and colour into your summer wardrobe. 

See you next time!

Me & Mr. Tee continued...

Hi everyone. I thought I would share with you some pictures of each look that I wore during the video blog 'Me & Mr Tee.' As mentioned in my previous post I am loving the idea of combining casual tee-shirts with formal and feminine skirts. You will see what I mean below.

I have selected some of my favourite tee-shirts available for sale in my previous post.

For those of you who haven't checked out Dusty Petals Video Blog 2; 'Me & Mr. Tee' as yet, here it is:  

The Nerdy Tee
I've teamed my Nerdy tee with a black Friends Of Couture skirt and white satchel. Both the tee and bag were impulsive online purchases. I bought the glasses from NYC. I couldn't believe how exact they were to the print on my tee-shirt; a match made in heaven.

The Rock Star Tee

I've teamed my Rock Star tee with a beige Friends Of Couture skirt. I love the contrast of the ragged hemline of the tee with the youthful, fun silhouette of the skirt.

The Movie Star Crush Tee

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I am a HUGE Johnny Depp fan. I share this love by wearing this Tee-shirt of him (bought from Dangerfield). I bought this skirt 2 sizes too big and had it tailored for me and shorted dramatically. To add to the look I've accessorised with fun musical themed suspenders. 

The Patriotic Tee
Having lived in New York, I genuinely feel love for the city. To celebrate this love I bought this 'I love NY' tee-shirt in every colour. I have teamed it with my own designed skirt and a vintage necklace. Bag is Tony Bianco.

Have a wonderful week!

xox

Dusty Petals Video Blog: Me & Mr. 'Tee'

Hi everyone! Hope you've had a lovely week. I wanted to share with you my new love affair with 'Tee-shirts.' Lately I find myself teaming  a casual tee-shirt with a feminine and formal skirt. This contrast creates a strong and edgy statement. What better way to share this new love  than through a Dusty Petals video blog.  I had a lot of fun making this and hope you can have a good old laugh whilst watching it.

I'll let the video do all the talking... Enjoy!

Below I have included some of my top 'tee' picks that are conveniently available through online shops. See how you can experiment with a casual 'tee' and work it with a skirt that you wouldn't have usually considered.

    1-CHASER - NIRVANA T-SHIRT $54.00 USD http://www.amrag.com/shopping/women/clothing/item10104653.aspx

2-    MARNI- Short sleeve t-shirt, $255AUD, www.marni.com

3-    DIESEL Tummy Off White T-Shirt $75.80AUD, http://www.coggles.com

4-    SIMEON FARRAR FOR JAPAN  Kate Mouse cotton T-shirt , $50.50AUD, http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/174266

5-    Top Shop Sequin Stripe Tee, $80USD  http://us.topshop.com

6-    Top Shop Deco Embellished Tee, $98.55 www.topshop.com

1-    Sex, Pugs & Rock 'n Roll Black T-Shirt, $28.00AUD, http://www.cafepress.com.au   

2- 2-Eleven Paris Vague T-shirt with print, $65.00AUD,  http://www.jades24.com

3-    Marni Short sleeve t-shirt, $240AUD  http://www.marni.com

4-    Zimmermann Halcyon Printed T, $135AUD http://www.zimmermannstore.com

5-    Top Shop Battered Sequin Sleeve Tee, $45.50AUD, www.topshop.com

6-    RED VALENTINO Bow-embellished modal T-shirt  $221.00AUD, http://www.net-a-porter.com

Have a great weekend!
Thanks for watching. xox

STYLING CHLOE GAVIN

Styling for me is just as satisfying and enjoyable as designing fashion. It allows me to draw inspiration and release my creative energy in a fresh explorative way. I enjoy engaging with my individual clients whilst gaining a greater understanding of their personalities. I also like to encourage every client to be openminded to discovering new style possibilities.

This week I was fortunate enough to work with the very talented up and coming actress Chloe Gavin represented by McMahon Management. Chloe has such a passionate, expressive and honest persona. I had an absolute ball styling looks for her.  

Being an actress, Chloe's ability to take on different characters enhanced each look.

 I want to thank Chloe for taking the time out of her crazy busy schedule to work with me. 

If you are interested in me styling you for a fashion shoot email me at scarfo.giovanna@gmail.com

LOOK 1

This first look was inspired by the sultry, feminine but strong Spanish Flamenco dancer. I think Chloe carried this look beautifully. Chloe is wearing all vintage including accessories, except for the shoes. 

LOOK 2

I love Audrey Hepburn and often draw inspiration from her and have done so in styling this look. I had a lot of fun here and added Blackcurrant favoured 'Chupa Chups' around the Audrey inspired round hair bun. I continued the purple theme with the addition of a delicious berry smoothie. 

Chloe wears a vintage dress and the brooch is from my own personal collection.

LOOK 3

Look 3 was inspired by 1940's fashion. I loved how women of this decade maintained such femininity whilst wearing trousers. Chloe played the character of a confident, feminine and flirty woman of the 1940's. 

Chloe is wearing: David Lawrence high waisted pants. Shirt, brooch and belt are all vintage. Tory Burch Clutch, handmade headpiece from the amazing label '2adorn' http://www.2adorn.com/  

The suspenders I bought from a men's suit shop many years ago. 

LOOK 4

Look 4 reveals the youthful, sincere and playful side of Chloe. We had a lot of fun shooting this look as we discussed the reference to Alice in Wonderland.

Chloe wears: Vintage dress, vintage belt, Alannah Hill headband, Sportsgirl necklace and Nude shoes.

LOOK 5

I wanted to portray the strong, determined and sexy side of Chloe when styling this look. 

Chloe is wearing: Gold sequins Saba dress. Fur vest, belt, necklace, ring and clutch are all vintage.

To view some of Chloe Gavin's work, please visit her YouTube Channel: 

http://www.youtube.com/user/ChloeGavin1

Chloe Gavin, McMahon Management (MCM).

chloe_gavin@hotmail.com

I had an amazing time styling these looks on Chloe. She was an absolute pleasure to work with.

 Keep an eye out for her!

COMPETITION!!!

Watch the Dusty Petals blog video and vote for your favourite look. 

Winner receives a $50 Target voucher!!! 

Details below!

To help launch Dusty Petals first video blog 'Style a look for under $100 from Target'  I am giving away a $50 Target voucher. 

To enter the competition simply vote for your favourite look from the video blog (option 1/ Option 2) and include your email address. Place this information as a comment on this post. 

For double entry post this video link as your Facebook status. Then add 'Posted' to the end of your vote.

Example:  I vote for 'Option 1', dustpetals@gmail.com, Posted.

Winner announced Friday 24th June.

Thanks for watching and good luck!!!

CONDITIONS:

You must be a Dusty Petals follower to enter. If you are not please click Follow on the right hand side of the page or click on 'Bloglovin' Eiffel Tower to follow through Bloglovin.