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

Etsy find: vintage world globes

Lately on Pinterest I have spied a mini-trend of using multiple vintage world globes to create stunning vignettes. Images like this, this and this have inspired me to have a go at creating my own, I love the old-world allure of the look and can get lost spinning my current sole globe to find countries and cities. The trick here to getting a nicely balanced vignette is to use globes of different shapes and sizes to arrange in a haphazard way, using height and texture (wood, metal etc) to create an eclectic look.

The only problem here is where to start. Vintage world globes have the reputation of being rather pricey, so amassing a small collection wouldn't come cheap. I was lucky enough to score a great one for $15 at an antique store that was closing down, but have since not been able to find anything for remotely close to that in price.

Enter Etsy. A quick search turned up thousands of results, and although not many are located Down Under many of the sellers will gladly post to Australia. Here are a few of my picks that don't break the bank:

1. Pastel pivoting globe, $55AU
2. Tin globe bank, $18.66AU
3. Mid century school globe, $30AU

May Lust List

The transition to winter has officially begun and I must admit, I find myself ill prepared for the cold weather. Take this month's Lust List for example - where are the sweaters, the coats, the woollen mittens? Why am I still trying to wear jellies when it's cold out? These are the prevailing mysteries of my life, and probably the answer to why I always have goosebumps. May, I might fail you in terms of dressing appropriately, but I think I make up for that in these awesome internet finds:

1. Topshop collar - there is never a bad time to buy more neck candy, and I think this one has just the right amount of bling to spruce up boring outfits.
2. Country Road shirt - the combination of peplum, polka dots and gold foil makes this one a winner for both the office and after hours.
3. Sol Sana boots - I'm currently on the hunt for that perfect pair of ankle boots for the cooler seasons and I like the attitude of these ones.
4. asos clutch - if it's Mexican inspired, it's ok in my book. This clutch is fun, carefree and has pom poms. Enough said.
5. Topshop dress - we have established already that leopard print is a basic now, but the injection of neon in this dress takes animalia to a whole new level.
6. Jelly Beans jellies - jellies have to be among the comfiest shoes ever, and I love the 90s vibe of them. I have the silver glitter but need the clear pink too, obviously.
7. Jonathan Alder pillow - every bed/couch/hammock needs a statement pillow, right? This one just happens to be ones of the coolest I've ever seen.
8. Gorman jeans - adore the colour and print of these jeans and imagine they would look great while, you know, baking carrot cake, riding a camel or giving a nanotechnology lecture even.