Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Royal Navy Polish


I am really starting to love the color BLUE!  After gaining some inspiration, I decided to take the plunge and get my toes painted in a royal blue color…and I love this gorgeous color!  When I went out to dinner recently, this woman walked up to me and asked me to provide her with the brand and color of the nail polish that I had on my toes.  It’s Orly’s Royal Navy.  The color really stands out in my neutral European pumps that I got from Nordstrom Rack two years ago.  Love these shoes too!

Do you like?

Fashionably yours - Shellena 



Nail Polish: Orly, Royal Navy; Shoes: Le Fenice Venezia

Sunday, April 24, 2011

80's Blues

I currently have 41 fans on Google Connect, 2 on BlogLovin', 20 on Twitter and 23 on Facebook ... THANK YOU all so much for the love!  I really enjoy blogging and promise to bring you more interesting posts.  Better photos are coming soon - I just got a new camera!  :)

I've got the BLUES in a good way!  :)  I know that stripes are definitely in this year, but I purchased this lovely stripey blue vintage dress well before knowing of that trend.  I am an advocate of purchasing what you love and not of what's necessarily in season.  Fashion is about setting your own trends and marching to the beat of your own fashionable drum and that’s what I did in this number!  :)  

I purchased this dress from a vintage store in Jacksonville, FL for about $30 back in January 2011 and I adore the poofy sleeves and large pockets.  The back of the dress has 5 large buttons.  I wish I would've had my Hubby take a photo of the back of the dress.  The original dress length was longer, but I had my mom take off a few inches to have the dress hit a little below the knee with heels (thanks again mama!).
I paired the dress with a vintage bone crocheted belt that my mom gave me years ago.  Also, I wore high-back Aldo pumps in a bone color.  I’m so in love with these shoes…they’re very different and are certainly me! 
What do you all think of the total look?  I would love to hear from you.
Fashionably yours - Shellena

Belt:  Untitled (Vintage)
Shoes:  Aldo; Anklet:  Untitled
Dress:  R&K Originals (Vintage); Earrings:  Betsey Johnson (Dangling Fish)

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Mint Focus: Shawana Brooks, Freelance Make-up Artist


1. Tell a little about yourself personally and if you attended school or if you are a self taught makeup artist?
I consider myself an eccentric aspiration. I'm naturally attracted to whatever is the opposite way of the mainstream. A quintessential Libra. Fashionable, Fearless, Fierce and Funny!!  I happen to be self-taught. My motto is Practice, Practice, Practice!!! 

2. Do you think going to school for make-up artistry is important to excel in the business later on?
I don't think you have to be formally taught to be a successful Make-up Artist. You just need to be open and a hustler. Jobs don't always fall in your lap you need to be resourceful. You have to network and get your name out. A portfolio helps, but isn't always necessary. And it wouldn't hurt if you had a psychology degree. It's really never about the make-up. You got to get to the source and then the make-up will come through that and your client will be happy.

3. Did you always want to be an artist, or did you stumble upon your talent by chance? Who or what inspired you to become a makeup artist?
I never dreamed of being a Make-Up Artist. It was really happenstance!  In the past I thought I was pretty OK with myself (now I'm much better ;-D) I used to visit frequently a very popular make-up store. One day An Artist said to me how much she and the other Artist who worked there thought I was very good with my make-up and had asked if I ever worked for a cosmetics company. I had not. So she invited me to an interview. Little known to me it was a Cattle Call. Over 200 girls and guys all in a line wanted a job. It was intimidating, but it made me want it more! I was selected along with 6 other people. I've always been a magazine lover. As a teenager I used to religiously read Cosmo Girl. The images from the layouts were wondrous. The first make-up book I ever purchased had changed my life. It was Kevyn Aucoin's Making Faces. His mastery of the craft was awe-inspiring. I wanted to meet him and I figured make-up would be my way in. Sadly he died before I ever got to shake his magical hands (which I hear were huge and graceful). I had a “Eureka” moment. Make-up is an illusion. You can be whatever and whomever you want to be. A Party Princess, A Vixen, Club Kid, Temptress, you name it. It was freeing and loved it!

4. What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about your job?
My favorite part of being a Make-Up Artist is the transformation. By adding a little black there or a peach here, or shading the lip liner like so, you can change your features. I don't think of terms like before and after. We’re all just playing dress-up. So tell me who you want to be.   

5. Describe your “Classic Approach to Beauty,” how do you define beauty?
I think beauty is really undefinable. It's so subjective. I like self-expression, but too few people really know themselves therefore they put out an image that is comfortable. Don't try to be someone else, it's always disappointing because you’re still you. Don't be afraid to take a risk.

6. What individual products and brands are you “addicted” to at the moment and use on a daily basis?
I'm a make-up slut. I fall in and out of love with products very often. There are a few I'm married to but I change because Fashion forces you too. If you’re in to that sort of thing, which I am, so right now I love dark rimmed rocker eyes so M.A.C 's Kohl Power Feline is my dreamboat so black and shiny! I love priming my eyes with Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Priming Potion. It's Marvelous. I love, love, love, skincare. The better your canvas looks, the better the picture you see. So moisturize ladies, yes even you oily sisters it will balance out your skin.

7. What are some of the most basic but effective skin care tips in general that you have, that are really important?
My biggest skincare tip is to drink more water. Skip those soda's even diet one's! Don't drink that fruit juice, unless you personally juiced it. Just try it for a month, just drink water at meal times to add more in your diet. Trust me you will see a change in your skin. It's your biggest organ everything you take in comes out through it. My second biggest is don't stress. Pimples pop up when there is stress. I know it's unrealistic to not be stressed sometimes but if you don't have the power to fix it let it go, your face will thank you! And invest in a good facial cleanser and don't use toners! They strip your oils. The oil is there for a reason and if you drink more water than you want have the oil and no need for toner in the first place.

8. What do you find to be the most common mistakes women make with makeup?
I think the most common problem I see on women is bad blending. This could be eyes, cheeks, lips, and even foundation. I know brushes can be pricey but they are your tools. You wouldn't use pushpins to build a house; you would want nails. Even if you have to get them one at a time get them and then make sure you clean them. They'll practically pay for themselves.

9. What do you think are best/worst trends in the makeup/skin care industry right now?
My favorite trend right now is colorful lips. Having a very soft eye, darkly lined and then a burst of orange, pink, or red on the lips. A throwback to the fifties is timeless. The worst trend I feel is smoky eyes. Most people don't understand the application so they end up overdoing it.

10. What feature(s) do you love to accentuate?
I'm an eye girl all the way. If the windows are the mirrors to your soul let the eyeshadow be the curtains. You can change the shape of the eye by elongating it, slanting it up slanting down, they can look huge, or very tiny; it's all in the highlighting and contouring.

11. What are your steps for the perfect, flawless, natural look?
The most important step to perfect make-up is to prime. That's eyes, face, lips, and lashes. It's makes a huge difference because the colors will glide on your skin and then they will stay there. Sometimes up to 8hrs or more with no major touch-ups, even in the heat.

12. What is a really quick way to change a day look to a special occasion or nighttime face?
A little black will change anything from day to night. More black on the lashes, or a little in the outer corner of your shadow, or put some in in the inner rim of the bottom of your eye (membrane lining). Just make sure your eyeliner pencil is safe for that.

13. In terms of eyeliner, if you had to choose between a pencil, liquid, or creme/gel based, which one would you choose? Why?
I love them all. They all have their place, but if you’re confused about which one to get, I advise you to pick one on our skill level. Pencil is good for beginners. If you have a steady hand go for the liquid (it stays on longer) or if you’re past pencil and not quite ready for liquid get gel. Just don't forget to buy a brush. A brush can be helpful with all three types. And if you still can’t get it, go to your friendly make-up counter and ask one of the Artist’s to assist you and show you how to apply it.

14. Lip gloss or Lipstick. Which product is best? Why?
I believe in the big three when it comes to lips: Liner, Lipstick, and then Lipgloss. I like longevity in my profession, so I don't get time for touch-ups. Liners give you definition, the lipstick gives a base for coloring and blending the lipliner and the lipgloss just around the edges will help it to stay in place and give you back your wet look. If you only use gloss that's OK, but you have to keep reapplying. Next thing you know you’re back to the counter buying another one.  

15. What brand/type of concealer is your favorite for covering up the after effects of a late night out i.e. under-eye circles, blemishes?
I like a more moist foundation for under the eyes. It looks more natural. The trick is to put it on after foundation not before. Let foundation cover whatever it’s going to do. Concealers generally have more coverage so whatever the foundation leaves behind tap a little concealer there. Then dust a little powder and “Voile”. The correct coloring is super important. Sometimes Cools needs Warm and vice versa. It's really about color theory. So, if you got a little more purple under your eye you'll need something yellow based to cancel it out. If you’re not good at this go to a make-up counter and let a professional help you.

16. Would you share some of your future goals, your life motto, any words of wisdom that get you by in life and professional career?
Currently I'm looking into doing more free-lance work and setting up a website for myself and getting my portfolio together. My advice for anyone in any career is to do what you love period. Then it's no longer a job it's a passion and you won't get burnt out you'll be energized. Any other way you’re not living, and life is meant to be lived! I just recently experienced a serious loss, but I know it happened to put me on a better path. Change can be very scary but is very necessary if you’re going to achieve your dreams. The only person that is stopping you is you. 

Shawana and I have known each other since 6th grade.  Thanks Shawana for taking out the time to do this interview!  Very helpful tips!!!  I know you will do well with your future endeavors because your work is PHENOMENAL!  :)

Fashionably yours - Shellena


 

Monday, April 18, 2011

A Real Love Story Has No Ending...


Please don't forget to follow me on Facebook (by selecting "Like") or Twitter (by selecting "Follow") if you aren't already.  Or you can just click the images to the right at the top of the page to take you to the appropriate social media site.

Ok...it’s that time of year…yep, LOVE is in the air!  Yes, wedding season is here.  Just a few weeks ago, I was sitting over here reflecting on my special day.  I personally planned my entire wedding and at the same time, I was able to maintain a simple and elegant wedding budget.

If you are planning your wedding, know that you can execute on creative ideas to get the things that you want for less.

For instance, notice my dress, which is handmade by my MAMA :)  Yes, my MAMA…The wedding dress is a great spin off of a Monique Lhuillier Chantilly lace wedding gown that I had to have…and I did, but at a fraction of the cost.  :)  I went to a local fine fabric shop here in Atlanta, Gail's Fine Fabrics, and found everything that I needed the same day!  My belt is even handmade.  I also, found an antique broach for the center of my sash belt by going to Ebay for a great deal too!  A dress like this can easily go for $5,000 USD, I only paid 8% of that cost for fabric, notions, etc.  My mom made me a very happy bride!  Plus, it was sentimental for her to make it.

Can you believe that I found the perfect Steve Madden heels to match my sash?!  I still get tons of wear out of these shoes.

My 2 year anniversary will be approaching on May 16th.  I plan to share some great photos of the time out and about with my Hubby!  :)

Here are photos of my "Inspiration" Wedding Gown



Here are photos of the dress that my "MAMA" made :)

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Mint Focus: Ericka for Swarthy Daisy

I want to thank Ericka for taking out the time to answer my interview questions and for producing the video that you are about to see.  My goal is to showcase different style trends from creative minds all over the world that can appeal to my fashionable followers.  Remember, FASHION is about finding a simple happiness in owning newness!  We should all embrace being different and move forward in setting our own fashion trends.

Thanks again Ericka!  :)

Monday, April 11, 2011

Fashionably Fit!

Sports Bra: Mariaka; Pant: Nike Dri Fit; Shoes: Nike Lunar Glide
We all want to look and feel GREAT in our clothing!  So, two months ago, I jumped back on the bandwagon to work out strong and I've been reaping the fruitage of my results immensely.  The benefits that you see when you jump on the scale or look at yourself in the mirror helps one to personally see that hard work can pay off!  No pain, no gain...right?  LOL 

My Hubby is so dedicated in having a healthy lifestyle and he inspires me to want to remain healthy.  It's good to have a partner that is on the same page as you.  Plus, my mom was very health conscious when I was growing up.  She would juice for us and ensure we had a proper eating regimen.  So, I guess an apple doesn't fall too far from the tree.  :)

Working out is such a great way to relieve stress and improve one's health all around, yet even more, it keeps you fit.  

Did you know that you could still work out while staying fashionably chic?! I can't promise you that your hair will stay in tact or that you will not break a sweat, but you can arrive looking very cute and comfortable.  C-squared is what I call that trend (cute & comfortable).  :) 

Check out the workout gear that I have on.  I purchased these items from the Nike Outlet and Ross.

F.I.T. = Frequency, Intensity, Time

Make time to workout 30 minutes for 3 days a week, pushing yourself to new levels and you will reap the results and will look and feel even better than you did before! Try new things like adding weight training and Pilates to your fitness regimen.  You just might LIKE it!  :)

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Mint Focus: Erin Bond for BONDergirl


1. Tell me a little about yourself. Where are you from? What's your educational background? What are your general professional and non-professional interests?
I grew up in Thibodaux, Louisiana - very far south, near New Orleans.

2. What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion is ever-changing, from what I wear to what I make - it will never get old. Fashion is when you wake up and decide what to wear, what you decide to buy, and what you decide to create.

3. How would you define your city's fashion?

I live in New York City - Brooklyn actually. Brooklyn is great because the fashion is whatever you want it to be. There are so many different areas, different cultures, mixed cultures, hipsters, wanna-be hipsters, artists of all kinds, etc. People watching here is inspirational no matter where you are and I love that.

4. When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer?
I'm not sure. I think if you follow your heart, eventually will end up doing what you are destined to me doing. My mom and grandmother taught me all about sewing and I loved it. I was also a very math oriented, brainy kid - and I never really saw fashion or art as something I could do as a career, just a hobby. It wasn't exactly encouraged at my prep school. When my mom finally accepted that I didn't want to be an engineer, she turned me onto fashion merchandising as a major, balancing math, business, and fashion. Mom's always seem to know...This was my practical way of majoring in fashion. I'm finally realizing the potential to actually make a living with my designing. After moving to New York, I am so inspired and encouraged- It's a city of dreamers and artists and I love that.

5. What do you love most about designing and creating your own items?

As much as I love finishing a piece, the process is the best part; figuring it out, changing my mind, conquering a challenge, realizing what a piece is going to be. All of the items I sell are transformations from recycled goods, so it makes the journey even more special.    

6. What are some of your favorite materials to work with and create with?

I love recycling things - old crazy vintage dresses with good details- I love transforming them into relevant, current pieces. I love when I can turn someone onto vintage who might never have considered it.  The transforming started when my grandmother would give old pieces to me. I'm sentimental, and wanted to preserve things, but still be current. 

7. How did you get your start in fashion designing and what have you learned over the course of being a designer?

It started when my mom taught me to sew and the power of creating my own things. The greatest thing I've learned is to not over-think when I create and to trust my instincts.

8. If you could sum up your look and aesthetic in three words, what would they be and why?

Sweet, eclectic, refreshing

9. What are some of your accomplishments as a designer?

I think my greatest accomplishment is selling something to a happy customer - it's such a complement when someone wants to buy a piece - that feeling never gets old- and will never get old.

10. Where can readers buy your items?

Right now on my Etsy sight:  http://www.bondergirl.etsy.com/  

I also have some pieces at a great little shop in Scranton, PA called Greenbeing: http://www.shopgreenbeing.com/GreenBeing.html 

11. How long have you worked as a designer?

In some shape or form - I've been designing since I could sew- age 6. I've worked in fashion since college, and I've been selling pieces for the past 2 years. I work a day job in product development for an Apparel company, and I sew/design my own pieces when I'm not sleeping or working...

Erin has been so gracious to pass along a 25% savings to my fashionable followers for orders placed on her Etsy webstore using the promo code 'MODEGIRL' which will expire on April 30, 2011.  Happy shopping!

Thanks for taking out your time to do this interview Erin! 

Fashionably yours - Shellena





Tuesday, April 5, 2011

The Joy of Purple


I really don’t own anything purple, outside of the "eggplant" wall color in our dining room and master bedroom!  :)  So, I was really excited when I stumbled across this dress...it's so vibrant and radiant, plus it has pockets!!!  I so love pockets.  Also, it has zippers on the sleeves and a sash belt.

Got it on clearance a few months ago and decided to wear it with a pair of purple snakeskin pumps. Also, coupled it with my Betsey Johnson pearl drop earrings with bows and a sassy snakeskin white/gray clutch...very girly!!!

My hubby captured some cool shots with the wind blowing through my hair...priceless! :)

What do you think about the look?

Fashionably yours - Shellena

Dress: Marc New York
Earrings: Betsy Johnson; Purse: Untitled
Shoes: Steve Madden; Anklet: Untitled

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Bohemian Earrings Giveaway - Ends 4/30


 


What You Can Win: Bohemian earrings from my jewelry box

Giveaway Host: Mint à la Mode (Fresh in Fashion)

Giveaway is Open To: New & Existing Fans Worldwide

Main Entry Method: Follow on Google Connect, BlogLovin, Facebook Fan Page, and/or Twitter

Giveaway Ends: Saturday, April 30, 2011 at Midnight EST

Friday, April 1, 2011

Mint Focus: Yolla for Yolla & Klea Boutique

1. Tell me a little about yourself. Where are you from? What's your educational background? What are your general professional and non-professional interests?
I was born in St.Petersburg, where I lived for 13 years (where I went to music and drama classes). Then, I spent another 15 years in Jerusalem, learning fashion and jewelry in Academy of Arts and Design. Over the last 5 years I've been living in Tel Aviv.
2. What does fashion mean to you?
For me - fashion is a way of life.
3. How would you define your city's fashion?
Vibrant, frenzy, colorful, quickly changing, looking more to future than past.
4. When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer?
7 years ago.
5. What do you love most about designing and creating your own items?
Expressing myself, giving way to my inner visual world - but it also gives me energy for all my daily activities.
6. What are some of your favorite materials to work with and create with?
Strong fibers that hold well the silhouette, but also soft fabrics that give tender touch feeling to skin
7. How did you get your start in fashion designing and what have you learned over the course of being a designer?
I worked for 2 years assisting and constructing for other designers, until I realized I have enough experience to go on myself.
I learned to appreciate uniqueness of every human figure; I learned to feel materials character.
8. If you could sum up your look and aesthetic in three words, what would they be and why?
Urban (throughout my life I always lived in major cities, each with distinct character)
Architecture (inspired by the clear lines and proportions, drawing parallels with clothes design)
Human Body (I draw my inspiration from human body, taking it as a starting point when designing clothes)
9. What are some of your accomplishments as a designer?
I've completed 10 seasonal collections. I took part in several designers’ competitions, including awards in exhibitions in Tokyo and Munich.
10. Where can readers buy your items?
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/people/YollaKlea
11. How long have you worked as a designer?
For the last 5 years

Thanks for taking out your time to do this interview Yolla! 

Fashionably yours - Shellena




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