shell chic'd

Cinderelly, Cinderelly…

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I was so inspired by this blog entry, that I had to design a couple sets for my favorite princess. Ironically, my favorite is the first set– who knew work clothes could be so cute and comfy? Cinderella sure did.

Working Cinderelly
Almost There Cinderella
Ready for the Ball Cinderella

I would think Cindy would be a bow wearer, don’t you?  Also, if aren’t already a user, check out Polyvore, a great site that lets you put together outfits using images imported from just about every online store imaginable, and totally free!

Images courtesy of Disney.

Anthropologie Decorator Shops

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As if she wasn’t the queen of home design stores already, Anthropologie just opened 11 new decorator shops. In the words of her royal Anthro, a decorator shop is a workshop place for home enthusiasts.

In addition to the traditional bedding, curtains, and home accessories signature of Anthropologie, these stores also place a focus on wallpaper, upholstery, and hardware.

I can’t get over how much I want these products in my home.  I cannot WAIT to make a trip to one of their stores when I visit this summer.  Click here for additional locations.  The best part is, every store will look different, so might as well visit them all!  London anyone?

Nick Verreos: Fashion God

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Last night I had the amazing opportunity to return to my old college campus for a presentation given by fashion designer and Project Runway Season 2 contestant Nick Verreos. I was a part of my school’s Fashion Society for three years, and we have brought a number of famous fashion names to campus: Whitney Thompson, winner of America’s Next Top Model Season 10, Leanne Marshall, winner of Project Runway Season 5, and runner up of that season, Korto Momolu. While these three women were all wonderful, amazingly inspirational speakers, I have got to admit that Nick topped them. He is such a funny, genuinely nice person and such a talented designer with a great story and outlook on life.

Nick’s designs are very flashy, award show glam– not the style I usually pay much attention to due to the lack of opportunity I have to wear such designs. But I can’t get over this beautiful number from his Spring 2011 collection:

So elegant and light, this is exactly the look I would want if I were to ever grace the Red Carpet! Click here for NIKOLAKI (Little Nick!), his high-end line.

I wish him the best of luck with his endeavors in the fashion world- not that he needs it- and would like to thank him again for sharing his story with us!

VPs with Nick! (Note Corey's scarf)

Grandmother Willow

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Last fall, one of my best friends, Amanda, left cold old Boston for the glamorous life of Los Angeles.  We had lived together for the previous two years and I was always envious of how well she decorated her bedrooms.  In true Amanda fashion, she has somehow topped herself with her new LA apartment.

Being very bohemian in style and resourceful and crafty in nature, Amanda adorned one of her bedroom walls with a handmade tree mural, though not with paint.  Using electrical tape for the bark of the tree, and fabric swatches for the leaves, she created this beautiful embellishment:

Photo by Samantha Kirner

How inviting does that look??

Tip for your own tree: Since the fabric cut outs will be flimsy, reinforce them by taping cardstock on the back.  Amanda attached them to the wall by alternating between sticky tack and fabric tacks to add variety.

Stripes ahoy!

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Slub Strip Top, Forever 21, $15.80

I don’t think I’ve worn stripes since high school.  When I got to college, I tried to mature my look and stay away from pieces I associated with cheap, mass produced summer collections at Old Navy and KMart.  But suddenly, stripes are back, and stores like Forever 21 are overflowing with this trend.  I especially love them in navy and gray, for a nautical look.  For a dressier look, stay away from tanks and go for full or three-quarter length arms.  Pair with a lace skirt and gold jewelry and you’re ready to set sail!

Short Lace Skirt, Forever 21, $13.80

Classy Interlocked Bangles, Forever 21, $4.80

Thanks for bringing this cute and comfy look back, F21!

Scarves for Spring

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Summer scarves used to irritate me terribly.  I could never understand why, after all six months of freezing New England winters, ladies would want to welcome the first days of warm weather with… another scarf.

Then I met Corey Jane my first week at college.  Straight out of the 70s though born in 1989, CJC is a true flower child.  She can pair a scarf with anything and everything, and has a whole rack in her room for her plentiful collection.  She taught me that they can add so much to an outfit, dress up a casual shirt, complement a plain dress.  And they’re just so easy to wear!  Plus this time of year, as we experience chilly mornings but warm afternoons, they’re a great tool for layering.

Corey wouldn’t be caught dead in most preppy Lilly Pulitzer Murfee scarves (even though I would kill for them), but even she couldn’t resist this one.  Pair the “Pirates Bootyniere” pattern with a cream colored dress, and you’ll be ready to jump into spring, despite the chilly first weeks.

Murfee Scarf in "Pirates Bootyniere," Lilly Pulitzer $118

If preppy and hippie had a love child…

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I would be her.

My favorite things are hair bows and dreamcatchers.  Polos and tye dye.  Pearls and feathers.  Keds and Toms.

If I ran into a hundred dollars, I wouldn’t be able to decide between Lilly Pulitzer and Free People.  Well, and Anthropologie.

I’m a walking oxymoron, and I welcome you to my own little space, where I’ll share my style inspirations, however paradoxical they may be.  From current in-store trends to diy projects, and from places to people, I’ll display here what fashion and style mean to me.

Feel free to join me.  In fact, please do.

Post script: I have to give credit to my roommate and best friend Tali for the name of this blog.  She’ll never see it, but she is one of the most beautiful and effortlessly stylish people I know.