Canniversary Reflections & Giveaway Winner

Well darlings it was one year ago this week that I was canned due to a corporate lay off at my marketing job. I had been working at the company for 4 years and had just recently graduated college and felt like I could finally begin my career, my life, everything. Suddenly, after just moving into my new place in the city for only 2 months, I was searching for employment. To make the situation even better, I found out that I could not receive unemployment because my company was a non-profit...awesome.

*photo compliments of We Heart It via Polarnna on Flickr*

Well, I went home that day picked up my latest Vogue Magazine and sent a resume and cover letter to EVERY company visible from cover to cover. The next day I went to the fabric store and bought the materials to begin making the designs I had in my head, and after that weekend Embellished was born. Little did I know that neither a job, or signs of my shop taking off, would show up for still a few months. Being unemployed is very hard, especially when you are used to being in control of things and very independent. It certainly humbled me and I learned just how unbelievably amazing my friends and family are. I mean, it can literally bring me tears when I think how blessed I am for the people in my life who supported me through such a hard time. Whether it was my parents helping out with a meal or filling my gas tank, or my friends treating me to a Girls' Night Out, I was just constantly amazed.

When nothing was opening up, and then this opportunity to go study French in FRANCE fell in my lap, I really felt in my heart like now was the only time I would ever have to seize such a great opportunity...and I was right. After college and before serious boyfriends and a serious career, this year was literally my only shot to live my dream. And you know what? It has been really hard, and from time to time I still can't believe I am over here, but I am SO glad I did it. I have grown so much as a person, and am even more confidant in who I am, and of course my French is becoming better each day and that is really exciting to see.

*photo compliments of We Heart It via Emma Cherry on Flickr*

This further solidifies my steadfast belief that life is so fleeting and you really have to fully enjoy every period you are in, while you are in it. Sure I wouldn't want to go back to high school, but I had a fantastic time when I was there, was involved in too many groups to count and made some really great friends, some of whom I am still able to keep in touch with now and then. College of course is amazing; finally spreading your wings and being taken seriously, Greek Life, and the joys of many late nights of cram sessions and parties and not having a class until 2pm! Of course it is irresponsible to lose yourself and any direction, but is as just as insulting to always dwell on the past or only focus on the uncontrollable future when you are missing the best moments right in front of you.

*photo compliments of Set the World on Fire Photography*

We are never promised tomorrow so grasp today and squeeze everything you can out of it, living in fear will only keep you in a shell, letting yourself go is not only easier to breathe but when you look back you will be overwhelmed at the amazing things you have been blessed with experiencing in your life.

How have you been blessed mes cheries?

And speakings of blessings lets announce the winner of the wonderful Emelia Jane Photography Giveaway...

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:6Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Congrats Pin of Sensorimotor I hope you enjoy Embellishing your home with your favorite stunning print!

Be sure to keep checking Emelia Jane Photography, there are beautiful things for everyone!

Somya - Rue Montorgueil - Paris

Somya

I am just graduated in Master of Fashion & Marketing

I wear a jacket & Boy-friend jeans & belt by ZARA.
My T-Shirt is vintage. My shoes are from BERSHKA.
My bag is a BALENCIAGA. My silver jewels are from different places.
My shell-ring is from LE PRINTEMPS.
Perfume: "Coco Mademoiselle" by CHANEL.
Fashion is a personal expression. My look is Stylish-casual.
I love chocolate. I hate racism.
My message to the world: Enjoy every minute of your life as if it was the last one !

Jessica - Etienne Marcel - Paris

I study Art history and french Litterature

I wear a cape from AA.
Shoes by DOC MARTEN'S
Cap vintage from Kiliwatch Store.
Fashion is expression. My look is a choice for the day.
Perfume: Pink Sugar
I love my Cat. I hate Polluter people.
Message to the world: I don't want to answer to that question.

Today's Soundtrack & Giveaway Winner

Wanted to share my latest musical obsession with you guys to brighten your day!

Lykke Li does many viral videos performing on city streets, and even public bathrooms! Just search her and you will see for yourself. I love how she is keeping music on the streets in the middle of life where it is alive and infectious. She is notorious for using unconventional instruments in her music, spoons, metal chains, megaphones, and even her stomping her heels!

Here is Lykke Li "I'm Good, I'm Gone"

This wasn't my favorite video link of this but the really good one wouldn't let me embed the video..bummer. So check out her stuff darlings, you won't be dissappointed!

Now for the Zig-Zags Giveaway Winner...

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:5Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Congrats to The Lone Dollier of Dolls, Etc. !!!

Not a winner today, try and change that...the Emelia Jane Photography giveaway is going on now and what an inspiring giveaway it is!

Bonne Chance Mes Cheries!

Lacey Brown Hairstyle

Credit: Michael Becker/FOX

Lacey Brown, I love the look, soulfoul voice, she's cute and I love her hair too.
Her rendition of "What a Wonderful World" from Hollywood round was great and very endearing and what a great attitude about not getting through last year. I really liked Megan Joy (who got thru instead of her) but Megan didn't quite deliver although she was good. I'm glad Lacey was given another chance this week. Some people say her hairstyle is called "The Suspicious Duchess".

Must Watch - What A Wonderful World

Lacey Brown - Somewhere Over the Rainbow Audition

I Heart NYFW

Maybe its because I was raised in America, but darlings I must confess that I believe New York City hosts the best Fashion Week! Granted Paris does give them quite a run for their money, and rightfully so, but as Paris is very elegant, I love that New York showcases an elegance, mixed with edgy spice which is very much my style. The forecast for Fall 2010 is deeply colorful and wonderfully intoxicating, here are my favorites from the Big Apple.

Warm coats.

Nanette Lepore has put everything I love about fall in one ensemble! Layers, plaid, and PUMPKIN! This gorgeous coat is sure to keep you fashionable warm while you sip your apple cider and stroll through Central Park.

Ok so I must admit I have always found Marc Jacobs a little overrated. It seems everything he touched turned to gold at the whims of many a socialite who have yet to decide things for themselves, BUT I was beyond impressed with his F/W10 line. Every piece was elegant and rich, and I was even shocked when he appeared for his bow... no longer the gangley awkward designer in chucks and a t-shirt, he has embraced growing up with a very distinguished suit chic look! This is a new Marc Jacobs I can totally get on board with.

Another good one from Marc Jacobs, this fall it will be all about CLOAKS!! So put on your Victorian mentality and maybe grab a fur muff haha. I'm excited for this elegant revisit.

Loving this wide lapel look by Christian Siriano, very chic for everyday.

Work.

The entire Victoria Beckham line is oozing with lovely classic pieces you could wear to work or out in the city. You will recognize many of the dresses as they are just like the ensembles V dons on a daily basis, chic and streamline. Very classic.

Carolina Herrera has always been a favorite designer of mine. She has such a classic taste but still spices it up, I love the asymmetrical look of this brick red dress.

The always vibrant Anna Sui is certainly in her domain as this Fall will be all about patterns, patterns, patterns! This scarf dress is great as you could very easily transition it from a fun office number to a dinner date by just changing shoes and jewelry.

ADAM made such an interesting look with this volumous dress that I couldn't stop looking at it. Even in a conservative work environment, I'm pretty sure this is still a go, maybe paired with a tiny jacket/blazer for safety.

Woo Hoo Bensoni really knows office chic! And take note of the mini hat adorning the model...can you all please help me bring these back in full force. Lets have the world wearing hats again!

Weekend.

Cynthia Steffe has me coveting the school girl look yet again. Wonderful accordian pleating with over the knee socks, you will be all the rage this fall. (Isn't it wonderfully Clueless)?!

Color, color, color. Thank you Carlos Miel!

This is such a flattering dress, and so vibrant, its perfect.

So this Alice + Olivia ensemble is certainly not for the faint of heart, but I am drooling over it.

I think the feathers are a fun way to accent the (yet again) shoulder pad trend. I am still boycotting shoulder pads...it took me years to rid my mother's closet of them, but I can always get on board with anything feather adorned. And leather is HUGE as you have been seeing, but a box pleated leather skirt? Sign me up!

Although I'm not the biggest fan of jumpers, this one by À Détacher I must say has gotten my attention. I think its because A.its cropped pants and B.its strapless. And take note for the fall velvet is in full swing.

Cocktail

Ok so maybe less applicable for everyday but the girly girl inside of me yearns for pretty dresses to twirl and strut around in. Here's another great one from Marc Jacobs, I told you his line is fab! Plus, loving the long gloves, another thing I wouldn't mind becoming mainstream again.

Marchesa had a very fun line, but I couldn't help but highlight these flirty numbers. And yes, I'm aware the bottom will probably only be worn at some fashion party but I couldn't resist posting yet another example of fashionable tattooage! I've been telling you for quite sometime darlings, tattoos are so haute!

This dress reminded me of a more modest version of Carrie Bradshaw's "Naked Dress" I love how form fitting and sexy it is. Cushnie et Ochs certainly did a great job with the detailing as well.

Asymmetric love is everyone darlings and Naeem Khan gets my gold star for the best final product. I love the idea of only one sleeve, and then with all this cultural embellishment I would just love to paint the town red in this gold frock!

Evening Gowns.

Sparkly and lovely in another Naeem Khan, I thinks its the first long sleeve gown I have loved.

Marchesa made such a seductive number with the sheer trumpet bottom of this gorgeous dress. I could see this easily making the best dressed list of any red carpet event.

Purple is still the raging color and Douglas Hannant has hit the nail on the head in this show stopping number.

This Reem Acra number would make me feel like a modern day fairy tale princess!

Bibhu Mahapatra has me speechless...figuratively of course. I'm still in love with the half gloves and then pairing them with a gown, much like Serena on Gossip Girl, is perfection. One can just get lost in all the detailing in the ruching and draping!

So to recap,

Velvet, gloves, and vibrant colors...

patterns, Victorian, and lots of asymmetry...

shoulders, leather, and over the knee...

What more could a girl ask for to see?

This fall has made sure not to disappoint,

thank you New York for your hard work and wonderful inspiration!

Emelia Jane Photography Giveaway

As you all can probably gather, one of the things that greatly inspires me is photography. Beautiful images truly do cover a thousand words, and I have found just the photographer to place the thousand words of your choice on your own wall.

Emelia Jane Photography has teamed up with Embellished to offer one lucky Embellisher a 5x7 or 5x5 print of their favorite photo! This truly stunning work has a very talented person behind its lens, so lets learn more about Emelia Jane...

1. How did you get started in photography?

My grandfather was a great lover of photography and I became interested in cameras and photographs due to his sheer delight of taking a snap shot! We would look at old family photographs for hours and every picture had a story. I wanted to create stories as well, make sure that the memories were passed on not only though words but as images. I took my first real photography class as a freshman in high school and immediately became completely enthralled! I loved every minute; the large camera, threading the film onto reels in the darkroom and watching the image appear in the chemicals...pure magic!

2. What catches your eye and draws your inspiration?

I always have my camera by my side! You never know when you might find something unbelievably remarkable in the most mundane of places (I have been known to jump out of moving cars and crawl into an abandoned building if something catches my eye!) I am inspired by the unusual and extraordinary beauty hiding within ordinary objects. I love looking at an image and being transported to the feeling of that particular moment in time...the smell of a garden in the early morning, the electricity before a summer storm, the warmth of a loved possession. It brings me so much pleasure to know that when I capture an image in my lens, that flash in time will never reoccur, however it will live on forever in my photograph!

3. How did you decide to go from Hobby to Business?

I always thought that maybe someday I could be a photographer, work on my passion full time and then that someday unexpectedly came! I, along with the rest of my co-workers were laid off one spring afternoon last year. After years of working a full time job (and being a full time nanny after hours for my bosses child!) I was handed unlimited free time! At first I was shaken and then after taking a few deep breaths I signed into Etsy, became a seller (I was already a buyer), opened my shop and had my first sale within a week! I also pounded the pavement with my portfolio showing it to anyone who would look and started doing wholesale! Now I am doing what I love and enjoying every moment!!!

4. What's your favorite thing about EmeliaJane Photography?

I love that I am able to share my inspiration and passion with others! I am so thankful to everyone who has supported me; every sale is thrilling! I just love the fact that people have my photography hanging in there homes, that my images bring people joy is the very best gift and my absolute favorite thing!!!

5. If you could have any super power what would it be?

Oooo! It is so hard to decide between flying and being invisible! Flying would be so much fun and I could travel the world anytime I wished!!! I could be in the clouds or fly over the desert and the freedom!... BUT being invisible when ever I wanted, well think of the possibilities!!!

6. Any extra tidbits?

Other than being a photographer I am also an avid illustrator (I have a second shop BelliUccelli.etsy.com) I love bird watching, old cemetery’s, treasure hunting, traveling, being in the great outdoors and l adore chocolate!

That is the American Dream isn't it? Taking the bad hand you've been dealt and building from that on the dream you've always wanted. That's the beauty of Americans that I cherish so much, there is a constant idea of something bigger, we think big and we go big. This concept leads to big success, but most importantly it leads to outstanding fulfillment in the spirit of the dream bearer; a wonderful and priceless quality. Be sure to check out the Emelia Jane Photography Blog as well for inspiration at your fingertips!

Embellishers, its a 4 day contest so doors close Monday, March 1st at Midnight NYC time darlings so hurry and enter for your own piece of inspiration.

You have 4 ways to enter...but be sure you leave a SEPARATE COMMENT for each entry or it unfortunately won't be counted!

1. Visit Emelia Jane Photography

and comment below on your favorite photo

2. Be a follower of The Embellished Life Blog

3. Tweet about this giveaway

(be sure to tag @fashiondiva304 and comment the URL below)

4. Be a fan of Embellished on Facebook

Good luck and God speed Darlings!

Fall 2010 Here we come!

What a whirlwind NYFW has been! I have started reviewing the runway shows and am LOVING the forecast for Fall 2010 darlings. Finally, after complaining for a couple seasons the runways are dripping with brilliant colors of all shades and tones. It seems NY has had enough black and cream for now and are re-embracing my favorite thing about fall: COLOR!

*thanks Flickrista for the pic*

So prepare yourself for a large dose of Fall Fashion in the coming posts mes cheries, its going to be an exciting ride!

What is your favorite thing about Fall?

In the meantime win yourself the perfect accessory for Spring! The giveaway ends tomorrow!

http://livingembellished.blogspot.com/2010/02/chained-melody-giveaway.html

Introducing: Jessica Kelly Photography

Oui mes cheries! I have officially expanded embellished into the photography category! I am so excited for the possibilites. I honestly love photography...as you can tell by my photo heavy blog, pictures inspire me...and I can't wait to have my pieces inspire others. I got so many comments from you all on a regular basis about my work that I was thrilled when it finally pushed me enough for expansion!

So, without further ado, please enjoy the following pieces up for sale now on Embellished.

All Paris in September, but the last is my personal favorite...my Creme de la Creme if you will!

These are all in Lille, where I am residing currently. And the last I am loving...notice a pattern?

No photo studio of mine would be complete without my favorite place in the World!

STAY TUNED because they will continually be more to come! I have a traveling soul that is permanently attached to a camera lens...it makes for an inspiring combination!

What do you think?

Touta - Le Marais - Paris

Touta - Painter

Coat/Manteau: Jean-Charles de CASTELBAJAC
Shoes/Chaussures: DOC MARTEN's
all the rest from Flea-Market of Montreuil
Jeans: Selfcustomised
Perfume/Parfum: "L'instant" de GUERLAIN
Last Book: "Habillé pour l'hiver" by David Sedaris
Last CD: "Bang Bang" by PARABELLUM
For me Fashion is all & Nothing ...
My look is colofull

Chained Melody Giveaway

Crocheted things are just adorable, and around your neck they are typically referred to as a scarf but now there is a new twist on the classic craft, mixed with fun statement necklaces that will have you lining up for more! Laci, of Zig-Zags, has found the perfect way to craft this quaint craft into a fun fashion statement!

*photos compliments of Zig Zags*

1. When/how did you learn to crochet?

I can't even REMEMBER, probably since I was born :)! But I do know that my mother definitely taught me everything, although at one point I had to re-learn everything since I stopped doing it for a long while :)

2. What inspired you to be a Crafty Entrepreneur?

A desperate need to be MORE than just MOM. I love, love, love my kids but I needed ME time you know?

3. What do you love most about your shop currently?

The colors! blues greens reds, yellows purples, yes yes yes! Item-wise it would have to be all my necklaces that I have recently posted :)

4. What can we expect to see from you in the future?

Clothing! I just bought my first surger, and I can't wait to make some things, I have lots of ideas already, I was just waiting on the proper tools to make them !

5. If you could have a super power what would it be?

NEVER NEED SLEEP! I would get SOOO much more done if the pesky Sandman kept away! Plus before I had kids I was a complete night owl. I could stay up all night long and feel just fine but now I know I will regret it if I stay up too late (especially since my 3 year old son likes to wake up early and have a picnic with random food in front of the fridge with the door wide open...and for WHO KNOWS how long!) GRRR! :)

6. Anything else you would like to mention?

I just wanted to mention to any new Etsiens a few things I have learned in the short amount of time I have been running my shop: I have found, (and read) that really you should focus on a small selection of items at first, see what sells well, and MAKE MORE! I know you want to go crazy showing the world EVERYTHING you can do, but seriously, it will cause you a lot less stress to just take it easy, and find your niche. Also, make friends, read Etsy's forums, and comment comment comment... and NOT in a spammy sort of way, but a friendly get-to-know-you-and-support-you sort of way :) This is all about community, and communication and friendship, USE it! It is not only beneficial, but FUN!

Be sure to fan Zig-Zags on Facebook HERE for the latest info on the shop!

So you know the drill, its a giveaway! Laci is going to give one lucky Embellisher her latest Chain Me Up necklace in Lemon-Lime Crime, pictured just above. How fun, this is the perfect thing to transition your warm winter wardrobe to your bright flirty spring closet as it fits both!

You have multiple ways to enter over the next 4 days so hurry. Contest ends Thursday, February 25th at midnight NYC time.

1. Visit Zig-Zags and comment below on your favorite item

2. Tweet about this giveaway (Tag @Fashiondiva304)

3. Become a follower of the blog The Embellished Life

4. Become a fan of Embellished on Facebook HERE

Hurry and make this warm neckbling yours!