Monday, May 16, 2011

Boyfriend Shirt


I love a comfy shirt!  So when I stumbled across this shirt from H&M – I knew that I had to have it…

I added some jeans, a white belt, and neutral wedges to keep my look comfy, yet chic.

By the way, my husband and I are celebrating our 2-year anniversary today.  I can’t wait for more great years to come!

I hope that you enjoyed your weekend.  :)

Fashionably yours - Shellena





Earrings: Betsey Johnson; Shirt: H&M; Belt: Thrifted; Jeans: Miss Sixty; Shoes: Aldo; Purse: Cocoa

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Gold Hoop Earrings Giveaway - Ends 6/15/11


1. Eligibility. Giveaways are open to all readers with U.S. or non-U.S. shipping addresses.
2. How to Enter. Entry is typically made by leaving a comment on the giveaway post. A limit of one entry is allowed per e-mail address. You may not enter more than once, whether or not you use a different e-mail address. Subsequent entries determined to be submitted with the same email address or from the same individual using multiple email addresses may be declared ineligible. You may, however, obtain additional entries on a particular giveaway through other channels when applicable and prompted (i.e., by performing an action such as posting to Facebook, mentioning on Twitter, or blogging about the giveaway).
3. Entry Deadline Date. All entries for giveaways through this site must be received on or before the given “Entry Deadline Date” of June 15, 2011 to be eligible to win a prize.
4. Winner Selection. A prize number will be assigned to your entry upon receipt of your entry. A winning number will be generated using Random.org on or shortly after the Entry Deadline Date. If your Prize Number matches the Winning Number, and you meet the eligibility requirements and otherwise comply with these Official Giveaway Rules, you win the prize.
5. Winner Notification. You will be notified within three (3) days after the Entry Deadline Date if you win the prize.
6. Claiming Your Prize. Winner must respond within three (3) days of notification or forfeit the prize, in which case an alternate winner will be selected.  California Chic & Sexy will mail your prize to you.
7. Publicity. Acceptance of prize constitutes permission to use winner’s name and prize information for promotional purposes in any medium, except where prohibited by law, without further payment or other consideration.
Visit California Chic & Sexy's website to view more jewelry.

I hope that you will win!!!  These are lovely earrings. 

Also, please help me to reach 100 followers by referring my site to a friend! 

Fashionably yours - Shellena 

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

White Jeans


Don't you just love a GREAT pair of jeans?  When one thinks of denim, they rarely think of white.  But aren't white jeans totally chic and classy!?! 

I decided to rock a pair on a date night out with my Hubby.  I was looking way toooooo serious in the photos - LOL.

I have included some photos of my Hubby in his fashionable ensemble as he got his GQ pose on in downtown Atlanta.  LOL

Fashionably yours - Shellena

Sunnies: IZOD; Shirt: Mango; Belt: Thrifted; Jeans: Citizens of Humanity: Purse: Aldo; Shoes: Le Fenice Venezia

Sunnies: Unlisted; Shirt: TBD; Pant & Shoes: Pull & Bear

Monday, May 9, 2011

Mint Focus: Marnie Goding, Elk Accessories Designer

Marnie and Grover

Which suburb of Melbourne, Australia do you reside in? Preston

Who do you live with? My partner Adam, our daughter Willow, and our dog Grover

How did you get into designing accessories? By chance really! My previous career and university years were spent in marketing and event management but through short courses in interior design etc I always knew I would end up working in a creative field. I was sketching ideas constantly for Adam to make (he is a fine jeweler) and without any time to make them – I started to teach myself…..the rest is history!

What attracts you to fashion design? It offers me the creative outlet I need and fashion is exciting. Our accessories are being worn by customers all over the world – it’s a real complement!

Describe your personal fashion style. Adam tells me all the time I am weird but I wear what I love! Everyday though is mostly black, grey and white – classic colors but always comfortable!

What brings a smile to your face? Weekends!

Your biggest fashion splurge? That’s between me and my credit card.

What music is the backbeat to your life? I love classic old Jazz music.

If you could fly to any city in the world, where would you go? Straight back to Paris – its cliché but I adore it ….Adam and I have sworn we will spend at least 6 months living there … one day!

Best meal you’ve ever eaten? I am addicted to Bacio ice cream from Gelo Bar in Brunswick!

Where do you see yourself in five years time? Hopefully in Paris….better sell some more jewelry!

All your accessories are from natural materials, how did that evolve?
We have always looked to using natural products, all sourced from renewable materials. We have recently added in some resin based products, mostly mixed with woods. You have more flexibility with colors etc and this allows us to take on a different look each season. Our main aim though is to create product which lasts past the current season. This requirement is the reason we use classic colors and stick to clean lines and wearable designs so they can be worn year after year.

Tell us about being ‘stylishly simple’…
I am probably more conservative by nature and whilst I marvel at the designs you see on cat walks and in magazines, we strive for classic design. We have a wonderful relationship with our clients and they rely on us each season to produce designs which they will feel comfortable wearing and will compliment their style rather than dominate it. It also works on our desire for pieces to be worn season after season!


Please visit Elk Accessories to check out more of Marnie's work.

Thanks for taking out the time to do this interview Marnie!

Fashionably yours - Shellena
  
The Elk Accessories Shop
The Elk Accessories Shop
The Elk Accessories Shop
The Elk Accessories Shop
Willow

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Romantic Ruffles



Change of scenery...It was a gorgeous spring day in Atlanta.  Therefore, me and my passion for vintage fashion ignited an idea to pull out this dress that I purchased 6 years ago at a local consignment shop.  This dress makes me feel so classic and elegant.  Of course, I had to wear a pair of my neutral lovelies to complete the look of this outfit.  I added my Betsey Johnson leopard heart drop earrings for a little pop.  My GUESS leopard purse, which I have had for over 8 years, was a nice complement which has been in hiding for a while now.

What do you all think about the look?

Fashionably yours - Shellena






Dress: Chantier New York-Paris (Vintage); Shoes: Tony Bianco; Earrings: Betsey Johnson; Purse: GUESS

Monday, May 2, 2011

In LOVE with Shorts & Pumps


My Hubby and I decided to take advantage of a Friday night out to catch a movie.  It was a great date night! ;) I wanted to keep my look casual, but girly. I know you all have only seen photos of me in dressy clothing, so I decided to show off some of my casual wear. 

I felt really comfortable in this outfit.  I was inspired by an Australian shoe designer by the name of Tony Bianco.  I got introduced to this shoe designer by viewing some of Michelle’s fabulous shoes on her blog, Michelle’s Style File (thanks for being a "minty" inspiration, Michelle :] ).  

I have a major shoe fetish, so after doing some research on Tony Bianco’s line, I found these nude pair of pumps at a great price on eBay.  I’m in love with the neutral shoe trend because the color palette goes with everything. These pair of shoes are made out of patent leather and provides such a feminine vibe to any outfit.  

OK...now on to the shorts!  :)  I’m not a shorts type of girl, but these cuffed shorts were too cute to pass up!  They can be dressed up or dressed down.  I gained inspiration from one of the photos on my previous post regarding belts and decided to use a scarf that came on my quilted Aldo purse as a belt for my shorts.  I love the play off of the different floral patterns within my shirt and belt.

Additionally, these pair of classic gold hoop earrings were given to me as a gift from Sonja Blume at California Chic & Sexy, which made my outfit come together nicely.

What do you think about the look?  Also, what's one of your Spring must haves?

P.S.  These pics were taken with my new camera by my loving husband...YAY!





Shirt: Zara; Shorts: See Thru the Soul; Shoes: Tony Bianco; Belt: Aldo; Earrings: California Chic & Sexy

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Mint Focus: Ella Lai, Fashion Designer

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 and raised in Shanghai, China and I was intrigued by beautiful things since I was a little girl. As I live in Shanghai for a while already, I could experience the transformation of this city, which is meanwhile a major Metropolis in the world and on its way to become also a major player on the fashion landscape. As mentioned above, I love beautiful things and therefore it was only consequent that I have majored in Fashion design and graduated from the Mod’Art Institute. When I am not thinking about and working in Fashion (which is not that often, I have to admit) I am enjoying the wide variety of the Shanghainese restaurant scene with my friends. I love to stroll around the local neighborhoods here in Shanghai and see the different faces of this city.
2. What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion for me is an important essence of life. It means lifestyle, it means beauty and it means confidence.
3. How would you define your city's fashion?
Shanghai is transforming, so it is its fashion scene. The fashion in Shanghai is energetic and urban and is changing in a breath taking speed. It is heavily influenced by modern western trends and traditional Chinese styles. However, Shanghai also has a romantic and playful side and this is also very much represented in its fashion.
4. When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer?
I was intrigued by fashion already as a child, when I was “designing” clothes for my baby dolls.
5. What do you love most about designing and creating your own items?
Creating beautiful things is sharing my personal inspiration with other people. When I see someone wearing my clothes or I receive a positive feedback from my customer it makes me feel proud and happy. I feel I have contributed to make them “pretty”, “happy” and “confident”.
6. What are some of your favorite materials to work with and create with?
As a fashion designer from China I have obviously a deep relationship to silk. However, I personally like to design modern and maybe strongly westernized clothes. Therefore I like to work with wool, but also jersey fabric.
7. How did you get your start in fashion designing and what have you learned over the course of being a designer?
As mentioned above I graduated from a Fashion Design school, in which I have learned a lot about the fundamentals of fashion. I learned about the history and roots of fashion, but also practical things such as pattern making or the construction of the piece. During the course of being a Fashion Designer, I have learned more about marketing and was able to gain a deeper understanding for the people who are buying my clothes. I always put myself in their shoes and think about, how I would feel wearing this special piece. Making clothes is different than painting a picture – clothing is something personal and you need to have a fine sense for the feeling and the confidence of people who are wearing your clothes.
8. If you could sum up your look and aesthetic in three words, what would they be and why?
Elegant:
This reflects the effort I put into the piece. I consider my pieces being sophisticated with many small details. These sophisticated features should reflect the style of the person who is wearing them. I don’t like pieces and persons being “cheap”.
Simple:
When I am structuring a piece, I like to work with plain and simple structures and colors. Although this might sound a little bit contradictory to the things I have said about elegance, I still think it holds true for my pieces.
Urban:
I am a city person and I love the hustle and bustle of Shanghai. This is also reflected in my designs.
9. What are some of your accomplishments as a designer?
I hope I could make the people who are buying my pieces “happy” and make them feel “confident”. I don’t see myself striving for personal achievements. I live day by day, enjoying the moment and enjoying the things I do.
10. Where can readers buy your items?
You can find me on Etsy:
11. How long have you worked as a designer?
After graduation I have worked as a Freelance Fashion designer and 2 years ago I have started to establish my own Brand – Ella Lai.

Ella has been so gracious to pass along a 10% savings to my fashionable followers for orders placed on her Etsy webstore using the promo code 'MINTART170411' which will expire on July 31, 2011.  Happy shopping!

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

Fashionably yours - Shellena





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