Real-Lady Style October: Jenni Sellan

I happen to know a lot of very beautiful, very real women with amazing individual style. I thought you might like to see what they wear, where they shop and their influences. And maybe steal some style hints from these awesome ladies and their real-lady style. And I know a lot of you ladies out there throw some pretty awesome looks together yourselves, and I am dying to see all of your gorgeous selves too. And so this monthly feature was born. 

Queen of Boho Chic Jenni Sellan

Recently The Cartel was lucky enough to be invited to the runway show of my gorgeous friend Sacha Drake for the Brisbane Fashion Festival. It was a pretty fabulous affair and as we chucked back a few tasty glasses of fizz at the pre-show party, we enviously eyed off the shimmering Camilla kaftan and perfectly cascading locks of an especially glam girl standing nearby. She introduced herself as Jen and I’ve since made firm friends with this funny, self-deprecating and uber-styling chick. I would describe Jen’s style as a fabulous combination of boho, West Coast US glam, with a bit of retro resort-chic thrown in. Whatever it is, she always looks pretty darn spesh.
 
Take it away Jenni!

What influences your style?

So many things. I have fashion magazines attached to my hip most of the time as I love to keep up with what is happening both here in Australia and internationally and especially love the editorial aspect as it tends to lean more to the creative causing me to think outside the box;  I spend time scouring through images of old hollywood glamour and style icons of eras gone by.

I love the timeless quality; I also find the evolution of street style to be inspirational. I love seeing how people interpret trends and play with fashion,  and making it their own by putting their own personal stamp on it,  and lets be honest,  who doesn’t love a little Instagram for instant style inspiration?

I tend to be drawn to pieces that speak for themselves; A fabulous pair of printed palazzo pants; a beautifully embellished Kaftan; I don’t like clutter in my life and my style aesthetic is the same. You won’t see me overdosing on layering, especially when it comes to accessories. It’s not that I don’t appreciate the look,  it just frustrates me if I have too much going on. When it comes to choosing accessories, I definitely look for versatility.

I love movement and a sense of freedom in my clothes, but will keep the skinny option open for jeans and my Helmut Lang leather pants(dream purchase!).

real_lady_style_jenni
Clockwise from Top Left: Camilla kaftan, Jimmy Choo shoes, Mimco Earrings, Adorne wooden Bangle. Harem Pants Camilla, White Tank Witchery, Necklace Mimco, Gold Rings Witchery, Gold Bangle NYC Street Vendor. Zimmerman Playsuit, Mimco Necklace, Gold Bangle from NYC street vendor. Witchery Palazzo Pants, Alice and Olivia top

Where do you like to shop?

I don’t like to be too prescriptive about where I go or limit my choices; Australia’s fashion footprint has so much to offer. I love James Street in Brisbane for that reason, (spoilt for choice) and I enjoy spending time in boutiques that offer a great selection of designs and price points. Jules and Roc, again on James, has a beautiful selection of Australian Designs.

There are certainly some brands that are natural go to’s for me.  Lately I have been loving Zimmerman; Nancy King has released a great resort wear collection this season, and I am very fortunate to have a lovely selection of Kaftans in my wardrobe from both Camilla and Nancy King;

Mimco and Samantha Wills have great jewellery and you can find some equally stylish pieces at retailers such as Adorne and Lovisa…you just have to be selective.

For wardrobe essentials, you cant go past the likes of retailers such as Witchery and Zara for the items that work as anchors in your wardrobe; white button-down shirts, basic tees and tanks etc. I also prefer the retail shop front to shopping on line, as I like to experience the fit, feel the fabric and generally have a play with styling options, however I would be lying if I didn’t admit to aspiring to regular shopping trips on Net-a-porter…

When it comes to shoes, a trip to Zomp will usually end up in success; to be honest,  my favourites are my Gold Jimmy Choo’s and Stuart Weitzman for pointed pumps; purchased during some glorious shopping experiences in New York. If there is one thing you are guaranteed to come home with after a trip to NYC, its shoes.

141020 jenni sellan bio
In 2012 after several years of playing in the corporate world, Jenni successfully completed her diploma in professional styling and realised the dream of establishing her own business shortly after. 

On the most ideal of days, you will find Jenni writing about fashion as the Brisbane contributor for Stylehunter.com, styling a photo shoot, working with individual clients and spending countless hours devouring fashion magazines, and in between all the frivolity that is fashion, playing Mum to her two adorable babes, Ava and Xander and hanging with hubby Byron.

Jenni’s style “mantra” is ‘Nothing less than chic’ and it’s all about realising a sense of style in your everyday. Maybe it’s swanning around the house in a Kftan on a lazy Sunday afternoon when home alone, or choosing to drink your water from a wine glass, just because you can.

You can follow Jenni on Instagram @jennisellan, Facebook and Twitter.

 

 

 

Written By

Carolyn is the editorial director of Champagne Cartel and a freelance writer. In her spare time she is a long-distance runner, peanut butter enthusiast, and single mum to three incredible humans.

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