That's all, folks

Crazy to think it's been a year since I last posted here!

The Velvet Bow is now well and truly defunct but feel free to follow me on Instagram (@mrspapain) to keep up to date with my latest adventures.

Peace out.

NEW BLOG

It's not a secret that The Velvet Bow retired some time ago but I am excited to announce I have started up a new casual blog where I plan to chart our adventures renovating our new house and general life tidbits along the way.

Hope to see you stop by at my brand new virtual home, The Peach House.

x Jessie

June lust list

Wow, there sure is a lot of pink going on here isn't there? I promise I didn't plan it that way, it just happened like that. But so what? I love pink. I remember when I was scared to admit that during my childhood days for fear it would seem too girly. Now I am an adult and can like whatever colour I want without fear of being disowned in the sand pit. Oh, the wisdom that comes with age. 

Anyhow, it's starting to get rather cold around these parts and I feel myself with a very sparse wardrobe in terms of warm gear. It's time to stock up on jumpers, boots and coats and embrace winter! Plus I am currently a little ill so keeping snug is paramount right now. Here's what I'm digging in June:

1. asos pants - I feel like I'd be at least 100% cooler if I owned these hot pink pants.
2. asos earrings - I tend to go through jewellery phases and right now it's all about big ear bling paired with a ballerina bun.
3. Frends headphones - so they are a little pricey, but how awesome are these blingin' headphones? A stylish way to listen to The Spice Girls I say.
4. Portmans coat - ever since spying this coat on Instagram I was smitten. That feeling intensified when I tried it on recently, damn waiting for payday!
5. Topshop jumper - this knit sure looks like it would keep a gal toasty on wintery nights.
6. Witchery boots - yes, I am a magpie attracted to all kinds of bright, shiny things. Which is why I must own these almost rose gold Chelsea boots.
7. Urban Outfitters pendant light - still decorating the home which means an excuse to browse the 'apartment' section of UO all I like.
8. Topshop duffle - the Aztec print of this bag is fab, and may actually convince me to go to the gym if I could stow my stuff in such a snazzy sack.

Jazzy Nail Art

Nail art is a major trend that doesn't seem to be going anywhere soon, but while we can admire celebs' designs on the red carpet from afar, it's a whole different ball game trying to find someone in Perth who is willing to branch out from the French manicure and have a bit of fun with nail art. Enter industrious Perth gal Bobbi Jo Divitini, who I had the pleasure of meeting through swing dancing a while ago. With a love for all things beautifying, Bobbi Jo saw a gap in the market for a boutique nail art service catering to lasses wanting to adorn their talons with something that reflects their personality.

Ever since she launched her business Jazzy Nail Art I have been eagerly following Bobbi Jo's Facebook and Instagram feeds to catch a glimpse of what design she will take on next. This gal has serious talent in the nail department, and I was so excited to go into her new residence at Peggy Sue's salon to try out her services.

Though I am not usually one for look at me nails, I thought for this purpose I'd go for something a bit out there that really shows off Bobbi Jo's skills, so I opted for pointy gel nails with hearts on the tips. This look would be so great for a ball or wedding, and I love the Lana del Rey vibe of the points. Through my photos I have shown a bit of the process, from having the gel applied to the nail art on top. And of course I couldn't resist snapping Bobbi Jo's own glittery nails!

I would highly recommend paying Bobbi Jo a visit for nails that command attention, be it for a special event or to add a little glamour to every day life. She's a delight to have a chat with, making the time pass super fast. And not only is Bobbi Jo a nail art whiz but she also offers makeup and hairstyling, what a clever gal indeed! Here's a little Q&A I did with the lady herself to get a feel for what she offers:

• Best celebrity nail inspiration? Zooey Deschanel
• Top trends to try? Fruit for the warmer months, cute cat faces or high-density glitter
• Favourite design performed to date? Totoro-themed nails (so cute!)
• Services offerred? Nail art and manicures plus she is also getting into acrylic and gel nails
• Price point? Manicures start at $25

{Disclaimer: the services provided at Jazzy Nail Art were provided free of charge in exchange for a review. However the opinions expressed here are my own and care has been taken to ensure a fair and honest review.}

Them bones

I would put the feeling of snagging a great bargain up there along with making perfect macarons or domesticating dragons. Really, there's no better feeling. So imagine my excitement when, upon walking into Diva yesterday, I was confronted by these bizarre bone creations. I love how the design makes them look like they are going straight through the ear, without the commitment of actually stretching the earlobes. Genius!

There was no price on the back so I took them up to the counter to enquire, only to be told by a surprised sales attendant that they were in fact $1. Yep you heard me right, no I didn't miss any numbers out. $1. I grabbed an extra pair for my sister Lucy and I was on my way. It was fun presenting them to her today and us both walking around Subiaco showing off our new ear bling. Here's to bargains!

CLOSED Giveaway: ghd Candy Styler

**This giveaway has now closed. Congratulations to monetishappy who was randomly drawn as the winner!**

I am so excited to today bring you the very best giveaway I have ever had the pleasure of running. The Velvet Bow has partnered with iconic hairstyling brand ghd to give away one of their brand new Candy Stylers!

These limited edition pretties are from ghd's IV professional range and boast all the features we have come to know and love from the brand, including ceramic heating plates and a handy sleep mode. The punchy, vibrant colours are just the thing to add a little sparkle to styling routines this winter, inspired by popping hues off the catwalk and candy shop delights. The round barrel makes all manner of styles in easy reach, like sleek, straight strands or bouncy curls. Check out the 2013 ghd styling guide for even more ideas on how to use this nifty device.

Normally retailing for $249, one of these beautiful stylers could be yours in a choice of violet, lemon or mint colours.

Here's what you need to do:

• Be living in Australia (apologies to my lovely international readers, I'll have something coming for you soon!)
• Like The Velvet Bow on Facebook
• Leave a comment on this post with your email address and a joke so I know you're not a robot
• The winner will be chosen on Friday May 24 by a random number generator
• Check back then to see if you're the lucky new owner!

Shoe crush: Windsor Smith Funk

Whoever said you can't wear sandals in winter is clearly crazy, because I believe they can look awesome with the right styling no matter the weather. Retailers seem to agree too, with a number of the big Aussie shoe brands continuing their sandal lines all through the year.

Take this Windsor Smith "Funk" number for example. They have a bit more of an edge than traditional summer styles, and I could see them looking rad with ankle-grazing blue jeans, a crisp button up shirt and khaki anorak in the colder months.

In other news, we all know I love a good pair of jellys (jellies? I've seen it spelled every which way) so I was excited to see that Windsor Smith is also set to release their own line of the plasticky suckers. Proof that these shoes have legitimately jumped from our 90s childhoods and into the present day for good. Buy them in every colour and wear with pride!

Moving and Shaking

I think it's pretty safe to say there's been a lot going on this past month. We have had a number of friends come and visit us in Sydney which has been a real treat, and it's been a real adventure showing them our favourite spots and hidden gems. I also returned back to Perth just in time for Mother's Day, where my own mother treated everyone else around her to a homemade pasta fiesta boasting an array of handmade varieties and flavoursome sauces. Gee, I missed her cooking!

Here's a little of what I've been up to, as told through my lens:

1. The Strand arcade; One Teaspoon Home in Surry Hills
2. A seal charm Marc gave me as a memento
3. I miss this funny little face; boarding a flight back home
4. The Pie Tin is still one of my favourite Newtown haunts; cat in a pot plant?!
5. A slice of France in sunny Paddington
6. Finally got round to reading the lovely messages in our guest book; always adore a Kombi
7. Epic vine in Surry Hills
8. Fab glass cactus cocktail stirrers picked up in Paddington for $1 each; it's nice to be able to return to Moore and Moore, where we were married, for coffee and cake whenever we please
9. Handmade pasta courtesy of my talented mother
10. $10 bargain Rubi studded flats; tried out nail caviar with a couple of girlfriends