A day at the races - competitions galore

I recently entered into a Canberra competition called ‘The Myer Face of Canberra Racing.’

The competition was open to all women aged between 18 – 40 years of age.
All you had to do to enter was provide two photos of yourself, so I thought – why not?

I got a call a few weeks later saying I was chosen as one of the top 20 applicants! With only a few days notice I put together an outfit to portray ‘Classic Ladies Racewear’ which was the criteria for the day.

Rules which we had to abide by included:

• fascinator or hat essential
• gloves, umbrellas or other accessories advantageous
• no demin
• hosiery a must
• closed toe shoes only.

The final product:
 

I wore a checked skirt with tulle underlay, black top with silk ruffles accompanied by a red clutch, black gloves, white pearl and red lucite rose necklace and matching bracelet and a black/white netted fascinator with a red rose feature.

In saying all of this I didn’t make it into the top ten but I had a great day out at the races.
 
These girls did and you can see the array of wonderful dresses and stylish women I was up against!

But wait there is more! Yes a second part to the competition.

The top 50 women (from with the top 20 were first chosen) are now in the running to win the outincanberra (local magazine) Canberra Favourite Face.

This is a public vote and you can see the contestants here

Please vote for me! (Amelia Huang)

Voting ends on Friday this week and the winner is announced on Sunday 7 March at the Black Opal Stakes – Race Day at Thoroughbred Park.

xoxo Amelia

Millicent Russell Interview with OutInCanberra

Very excited about the article that's just gone live on the OutInCanberra website.

Thanks so much to Natalie for interviewing me!

You can read the article here

xoxo Amelia

February Giveaway

To celebrate the month of February, I'm pleased to announce another giveaway! I will be doing a giveaway at the end of each month.

Each Millicent Russell giveaway piece will arrive to you beautifully giftwrapped and tagged.

The giveaway for February/March is a sweet lace necklace made from dark fuschia lace and peacock freshwater pearls hanging from a silver chain necklace.

You can enter in the following ways:

• Follow my Blog - leave a comment about how I can improve my blog and let me know what your favourite piece is from my Etsy store.
• Follow my Facebook - leave a comment and let me know what your favourite piece is from my Etsy store.
• Follow me on Twitter - leave a comment and let me know what your favourite piece is from my Etsy store Everyone from around the world is invited to enter this competition!

** The February giveaway is open from now until 7 March 2010. Enter as many times as you'd like. Open to wordwide.

Good Luck xoxo Amelia

My working space

I've taken a while to get these photos taken but thought I'd share with you where Millicent Russell is created.

I live in a little unit in a quaint suburb in Canberra, Australia. I work full time so I love to spend the weekends and evenings working on creations for Millicent Russell. My favorite time to create is in the morning when the sun shines through to my working  space through our little garden courtyard.

 

My lovely boyfriend built the table for me, it's small but it works well for the space we have... and as you can see it's pretty messy with bits and pieces everywhere! I always clean up but it never stays tidy!

 

I love vintage black and while prints and the one hanging above my working space is probably my favorite. It's taken by Max Dupain, one of Australia's most famous photographers. It hangs on top of my desk and I love to look up at it when I'm thinking about new designs.

xoxo Amelia

Barking Out Loud!

Want to know what all of the hype is about?

My lovely friend, Eva Lubulwa just launched a new creative's magazine called Bark Magazine featuring artists, desingers and much more!

The launch party was held last Thursday with an epic turnout. I had a chance to interview Eva about the new magazine and much more!

What is Bark Magazine?
Bark Magazine put simply is a magazine about up and coming creative’s.
Bark Magazine is a network of people who came together to build a dream and had a party to celebrate!!!!!

How did you come up with the idea for Bark? What was your inspiration?
Bark was kind of organic, I am lucky enough to know a lot of talented people in the city of Melbourne, I get to go to a lot of gigs, art shows and plays etc and it seems that everyone I met had something that they were creatively working away at which needed to be shouted out to the world.

I realised that there wasn’t a publication dedicated to people who are just starting out. Since I can remember I have been told that I possess an unusually loud voice so I thought it my duty to put this to good use. So I thought of Bark and sat on the idea for about a year before doing anything about it lol… I am a slow mover.

Who's involved in Bark - just yourself? - was it hard starting up a business from scratch?
Hee hee no there has been like 100 people involved in Bark so far, it is like a virus, contagious as anything! But yeah starting your own company is scary and I am still in the middle of setting up it all but the thing that I have learnt is that life only gives you what you can handle thank God!!

Who do you see reading Bark?
Myself lol I know that that sounds a bit narcissistic but that is the reason why you create things originally to read about and experience what you want to see written about. If anyone else wants to read it then I see them reading it too.

The greatest thing about Bark is that it doesn't fit into a specific genre. Bark Magazine is really for anyone who is creative, loves eye candy and likes to support what is fresh, new and wonderful… God I sound like a tooth fairy on love drugs…

Where do you see Bark Magazine in a years time?
I see Bark Magazine as I see myself -  older! lol...I really don’t know actually. This process is really one day at a time for me… I saw Bark Magazine as something that I photocopied and sold for a buck last year and it has kind of exceeded expectations. So at this time I am putting no limits on it this time. It would be nice if it was Australia wide it, it would be better if it was uncovering the best stuff out there… it would be nice if it was running faster than 100ks an hour. So at minimum I hope it just plan exists and at most I hope it is taking over the world lol.

Where can I get a copy?
Bark Magazine debut in most newsagencies in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra on Monday 15 Feb 2010.  If you don't live in these cities, send me and email I will send you a subscription page personally and organize to send out a copy to you!!!

Can people get involved in the Bark Magazine phenomenon?
OHHHHHHHHH yeah you can get involved in Bark Magazine by sending me an email.
I am always in need writers, photographers, animators and graphic designers! Oh and anyone who can dish out sanity in 20 minute intervals near to deadline time lol that one is the most imperative. And if you have something to shout about please let me know!!!!
 
For more information visit Bark Magazines website or twitter page :)
 
xoxo Amelia

Handmade Markets Debut!

Hi Everyone,

Sorry I've been a little bit quiet the past week. I've had a lot of work on (at my real job) and so I haven't had a chance to come on here.

A lot of exciting news though!

Firstly - On Sunday March 28 2010 I will be holding a stall at the Canberra Handmade Markets - These markets are Canberra's best markets delivering amazing handmade goods from a range of designers around Canberra.

Being my first time at these markets and it being the start of the Autumn season here in Australia, I will be showcasing a range of exclusive pieces in the beautiful colour pallete of Autumn. Tons of new pieces both one of a kind and limited edition, including a range of one of a kind brooches/pins to wear on those great Autumn jackets...

I can't say much more for the time being but I will be showing sneak previews to the lead up.

For all of those living in Canberra, come along - Canberra Handmade Markets will be held at the Kamberra Wine Company Devine Function Centre - located on  the Cnr Northbourne Ave & Flemington Rd Lyneham. It's a beautiful venue and it should be a great day out.

Stay tuned - more news to come :D
xoxo Amelia

New Stockist - All About Me interview

Recently I was contacted by a lovely lady named Karen who has just opened up a new store in Denmark, Western Australia. The store is named All About Me and here is a little interview I did with her.


What is your store located?
Beautiful beautiful Denmark, the towns logo is "Where the forest meets the sea." There are yummy cafes, superb wineries, rolling green hills, white white sand beaches, wonderful arts and crafts and musicians aplenty.

How did I come up with the name?
Oh that was quite easy! My best best girlfriend lives many many miles from me and we were chatting on the phone about the shop and what would be in it. She said that is sounded all so me! Next thing we knew there it was "All About Me" and that was it, that was the name. It is a little amusing as a number of the local men (tradies who have been helping me with the store) have commented on the name already saying "Good name, might as well be talking about my missus, sure she will be in here all the time!" haha men! But at least they have actually taken notice of the name and remembered it, so hopefully that bodes well.

What inspired you to open up your own store?
Since moving to Denmark, Western Australia approximately a year and a half ago I had been quietly looking for the right business opportunity. Having worked as a bookkeeper, real estate saleswoman and much more I soooooo... wanted to do something different. I noticed that we had a number of beautiful up market quirky fashion retail shops but no shoes or accessories to go with the clothes! I love my "bits and pieces" as my boyfriend calls them so I thought yes that's it, that's what I shall do. However I have had to wait more than a few months for the right retail space to become available, but finally fate provided the perfect space.

What are your goals for 2010?
Goals for 2010, well I am woman whose mind is constantly ticking... and planning and thinking - I wonder can I do this or that? I am now in my forties and am finding them absolutely fabulous! Without a doubt the best years are happening now for me... It is good to be confident in who you are, know what you are about and to also know your limits and how to exceed them!

So my goals this year are to get a web store up and happening by mid year. Western Australia is a huge state and access to lovely things can be difficult so getting the web store up and running is a definite. I am fortunate to live in a beautiful part of the world where tourism is a huge industry and I hope to be able to capitalise upon that with my store and provide unique and beautiful items that people will say "oh I got that in Denmark, at this wonderful little boutique" etc etc. I also want to be able to provide lovely up market, individual stylish items to our local women who like me love all their "bits and pieces".
So for those thinking of travelling to WA, forget about Margaret River! Keep going south. Come down to our stunning town nestled in a beautiful valley overlooking the ocean, drink wines, eat beautiful food, visit local artisans and of course shop! Oh and I forgot about the chocolates..... must not forget the chocolates! We have our very own Chocolate Lounge, a beautiful place to while away an afternoon sampling locally made chocolates, coffee and liqueurs. Yummy!


Thanks Karen for giving us an insight into Denmark, Western Australia and your lovely new store. Hope it all goes well! xo Amelia

Winner of the January Giveaway

So I'm back from my holiday in Tasmania - I will be posting some photos soon but first and foremost I would like to announce the winner of the January giveaway.

CONGRATULATIONS to HEATHER S CHAFFER

A MASSIVE thank you to everyone who entered and for the lovely comments. Please stay tuned as I'll be posting my February giveaway in a couple of weeks.

xoxo Amelia