Derby Day is near!

The Spring Racing Carnival is almost here! That means it is time to do some serious shopping. First up is my favourite of all the days, 'Derby Day.' Traditionally black and white is the theme on this day. This of course is not compulsory, however I always like to follow the tradition while adding a splash of colour. Below I am wearing one of my own designs with a Millinery by Alexandra  headpiece. I added colour to the ensemble by wearing red lipstick, a red clutch and having red in my new Nine West shoes. Adding an additional colour to your black and white outfit can really enhance your look and help add your personal touch. I think this is best achieved subtly through your accessories. 

I have styled several Derby Day looks for you below. I have included headpieces from three amazing labels, 2adorn, Millinery By Alexandra & Annie Clifforth Millinery. I encourage you all to view their collections with the links provided. 

Good luck finding your perfect Derby Day look. Stay tuned for Dusty Petals Melbourne Cup Day Post. 

Millinery by Alexandra Bunny Ears

Nicola Finetti Dress (Pre order)

Alannah Hill YOU ARE RIDICULOUS! JACKET

Alannah Hill STEAL THE SHOW! HEEL

MeDusa Envelope Clutch 

Annie Clifforth Millinery

Alannah Hill I AM THE BOSS!! FROCK

Mimco LIONHEART CHOKER

ZOMP SEMPRE DI J8013 Black Heel 

LULU GUINNESS BLACK DOLL FACE FIFI CLUTCH

Annie Clifforth Millinery

AGAIN Langston Dress

Running Zebra Ring Stack

Le Palma Clutch: Coal Copper

ZOMP 1225 NERO HEELS 

2adorn Ellinor Headpiece

Forever Unique Womens Hattie Black & White Dress

Kate Spade new york 'sparkle spade bow' clutch

Zomp Fonda Black Suede Heels

Annie Clifforth Millinery

CUE Tribal Kaleidoscope Dress

Mimco TAKE ME ON CHOKER

Mimco HIGH ROLLER STILETTO

Country Road POPPY JEAN BELT

Thanks for visiting!

Lace, lace & more lace!

Hi everyone!  This week I wanted to share with you the hot Spring/Summer trend 'Doily Lace.'  Cut out floral patterns and small to large scale lace can be seen in shorts, tops, shirts, pants, jackets and skirts...pretty much everything! 

I've always been attracted to garments made in lace and have collected many pieces including vintage ones over the years. I find it adds a touch of elegance and femininity to an outfit. It is inspiring to see lace in all shades of colour, including the hot neon trend.

I have styled some lace inspired looks for you below. I thought I'd try something different this post and  reference and style items only from local and well known Melbourne boutiques and fashion stores. This way those of you who are not so comfortable purchasing online, you can go and try on the looks I've styled in person.  For my international followers, don't worry I have referenced the online shop for you as well. Happy Shopping!  

DIVA Mesh Diamante Statement Bib $34.99

WITCHERY LACE EXPOSED ZIP TANK $129.95

GORMAN Paper planes heel $299.00

WITCHERY GATHERED LEATHER SHORT $199.95

Forever New AURELIA LACE CLUTCH $39.99

CUE White Stone Flower Necklace $180.00

WITCHERY LACE TEE $139.95

Mimco ELECTRO ENVELOPE CLUTCH $99.00

CUE Purple Aztec Print Skort $220.00

Green With Envy NICHOLAS JASMINA HEEL $259.95

Sportsgirl Holly Necklace $29.95

CUE Broderie Anglaise Contrast Collar Top $189.00

CUE White & Citrus Belt $99.00

WITCHERY LACE PANT $169.99

Mimco STARLIGHT HEELED SANDAL $249.00

Alannah Hill HOPELESS DREAMER HEADBAND $69.00

Forever New LISA LACE PEPLUM TANK $39.99

Mimco GLAM COCKTAIL STUDS $129.00

Mimco MAGICAL PEEPTOE HEEL $249.00

Alannah Hill Let the girl cry! Skirt $269.00

Forever New GABRIELLA BOW BAG $49.99

Have a great week!

THE COLLAR NECKLACE

Hi everyone! I wanted to share with you how to incorporate a collar necklace into your daily looks. A collar necklace is often worn as a statement piece however I love to style mine with patterns and bold colours, almost camouflaging the necklace with the print of the outfit. I feel this helps create rich texture and a touch of mystery to an outfit. When styling my looks I hope to bring intrigue and surprise in people I engage with, expecting they find something new after every view. Collar necklaces can help create this effect. 

I have styled several looks for you to reference below, inspired behind a collar necklace. You will see how I have chosen similar geometric shapes to the print of the garments and the necklace itself. All five necklaces I have referenced are from an amazing online site called Boticca.com. I spend hours exploring the variety of artistic and unique jewellery, handbags and ladies accessories available from Boticca. They are true works of art. I encourage you to check it out. 

 

Joan necklace $362.00

Rachel Roy Tweed & Leather Shift Dress $450.00

Temple Pillar Clutch $70.00

Plenty Zuri Pump $120.00

The Mitford gold diamond bib necklace $110.00

kate spade new york 'fran' silk blouse $220.00

Diane von Furstenberg Simca metallic shorts $175.00

Botox Clutch $125.00

Michael Kors Ankle Wrap Sandal $570.00

Rope wick collar $100.00

Trina Turk Dada Dot Georgette Gallerie Top $245.00

PREDICTABLE MINI CROSSBO $89.95

Bird by Juicy Couture lace mini skirt $140.00

RED Valentino Daisy-Print Canvas Pumps $150.00

Studded Stegosaurus Necklace $200.00

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG 'Breanna' dress $585.00

Kylie patent black clutch $201.00

ZARA STUDDED SANDAL $89.90

Art Necklace $129.00

Suno Fitted Long Sleeved Dress $380.00

Envy Lope Clutch Bag $225.00

ELIE SAAB Peeptoe Slingbacks $220.00

Have a great week!

ANDROGYNOUS STYLE

Today I wanted to share the trend that is transforming ladies fashion. This hot new style embraces key elements of masculine and feminine flair, perfectly merging these into sleek, sexy and polished looks. This trend is referred to as 'Androgynous Style.' It highlights the masculine and feminine blurred boundaries not only in fashion but in today's society. Androgynous fashion has been celebrated in street style and on the runway by combining feminine colours and prints with sharp and tailored silhouettes.  I think the key way to truly master this style is to embraces its core fundamentals.  Choose feminine prints such as floral blazers, shirts or even playful and bright ties worn with a very tailored suit.  The Androgynous style can have great sex appeal particularly if your pieces are worn with a snug fit, almost creating an undersized appearance, remember this suits (pardon the pun) the top part of your outfit more.

I have styled several Androgynous style looks below. I'm excited to try out this style in Spring by layering a buttoned up shirt, worn with a preppy style cardigan, a striped tie and high waisted tailored shorts.

 I encourage you ladies to try adding a touch of 'Androgynous style to your corporate look. Start by simply adding a borrowed skinny tie from your partner and wearing it with your pant suit. 

T by Alexander Wang Shirt $215.00

FEVER BARDOT CARDIGAN $129.00

Red Ponte Blazer Jacket $68.00

Knightsbridge Small Side Blocks Skinny Tie $31.07

Boutique by Jaeger Camille Wool Trousers $123.19

Krush Lace Up Brogues $34.00

Emerald Green Metallic Bow Tie $23.30

Barbour ladies black polo shirt $43.14

LTD BLACK AND YELLOW WATCH* $84.69

MUTNAM Briefcase $55.00

Asos Premium Cropped Trousers $62.00

Marni Metallic leather brogues $570.00

 

Vero Moda Very Blazer Liberty $145.00

Little Mistress Zooey Lace Front Blouse $54.00

Sorrento Green & Black V Stripe Silk Tie $46.25

3.1 Phillip Lim Kadie Cut Out Booties $530.00

Halston Heritage Wide-leg pants $185.00

Steve Mono Oscar Mix Briefcase $505.00

Collection crepe shawl blazer $340.00

Antipodium Teesdale Panelled Shirt $230.00

POP Nail Glam Brights Nail Polish $10.00

Black with White Polka Dot Clip Braces $30.29

Whistles Foulard Print Trousers $192.48

Rockport Women's Lola Brogue Chelsea Ankle Boot $110.00

Contrast knit blazer $180.00

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG shirt $215.00

Knightsbridge Centre Blocks Skinny Tie $31.07

Point Rivets Black Flat Shoes $78.00

ROMWE Red Belt High Waist Black Shorts $27.00

The Cambridge Satchel $130.00

Below are Tommy Ton photos of women who rocks the perfect Androgynous style. 

I love the below photo shoot with Magdalena Frackowiak  from Pani's September 2012 issue, who shows how to add complete sex appeal to Androgynous fashion.