Bettina Looney is a fashion influencer, stylist, personal shopper, and mother-to-be based in London, with more than 140k followers on Instagram.
Her exquisite taste in modern-day fashion and love for vintage glam is a sure stand out in the world of social media fashion influence.
With Bettina's special creative flair and co-founder of SHAY Tanaz's amazing eye for design it was only fitting that these two creatives were to come together to create a collection of fine jewelry that embodies elegance, glamour, and timelessness.
From styling tips to how she got her start in the creative industry,
Bettina talks to us about this, and more, and why partnering with SHAY was a dream come true.
HOW DID YOUR LOVE AFFAIR WITH FASHION START?
Believe it or not, fashion and working in the creative industry in general was never on my radar before moving to London. Everything happened from being in the right place at the right time; a dinner with my now-husband, Carlos, and some mutual friends.
At the time I was working in a completely different industry and I was looking for a new job, having just been let go from my last one. One of our now dear friends happened to be starting at a personal shopping company and she so generously offered me the opportunity to interview for a potential internship position. I spent three years there before founding my own company.
Before then I hadn’t ever thought about working in fashion or understood how it would become such an important part of my life and career path. Working as a creative and stylist goes hand in hand with personal shopping. What I love most is sourcing incredible pieces, mixing styles, mixing eras, and helping women feel powerful through their wardrobe choices.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?
I like to dress more on the glam side, definitely vintage-inspired, bold and anything 80’s related. I love to wear a fun puffed sleeve or big shoulder pad and always tend to add statement pieces of jewelry to elevate my look.
AS A WELL-TRAVELED WOMAN, WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION & WHY?
One of my favorite places to travel to is Cape Town! It's where my husband and I got married two years ago so it’s a very special place for us! Not only is it one of the most beautiful places, the people are equally as beautiful and it’s the one place where we feel like we properly shut off and relax!!
WHAT JEWELRY TREND ARE YOU PREDICTING BIG THINGS FOR THIS YEAR?
I like to dress more on the glam side, definitely vintage-inspired, bold and anything 80’s related. I love to wear a fun puffed sleeve or big shoulder pad and always tend to add statement pieces of jewelry to elevate my look.
AS A WELL-TRAVELED WOMAN, WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION & WHY?
One of my favorite places to travel to is Cape Town! It's where my husband and I got married two years ago so it’s a very special place for us! Not only is it one of the most beautiful places, the people are equally as beautiful and it’s the one place where we feel like we properly shut off and relax!!
WHAT JEWELRY TREND ARE YOU PREDICTING BIG THINGS FOR THIS YEAR?
I would say a vintage inspired cocktail necklace like the Emerald Pear Drop Baby Link Necklace! Something substantial and bold that really elevates an outfit!
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS TO STYLE JEWELRY WITH AN OUTFIT?
Jewelry is one of my favorite ways of expressing myself through my wardrobe! I feel like depending on the pieces you choose, it can really tie together an entire outfit!
I personally love to throw on a statement gold necklace or earring with pretty much anything. Whether it be a casual summer dress, something sporty, or an elegant gown, a fun piece of jewelry can complete any look.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN WELCOMING YOUR NEW BABY?
I am beyond excited to become a mother and for this next chapter in Carlos and I’s life! I haven’t even met him and I am already so in love and can’t wait to bring a beautiful little soul into this world! It’s the most incredible feeling!
WHAT MADE THIS COLLAB WITH SHAY THE PERFECT FIT?
I have been working with SHAY on the personal shopping side of my business for quite some time now, but designing a collection with them has always been a dream of mine! Tania is a dear friend of ours and so incredibly talented. It was so fun designing these pieces together as I’ve always been such a big fan of what’s she’s built!
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PIECES FROM THE COLLECTION?
My favorite pieces from the collection would have to be the necklace and the earrings!!
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR OTHER FAVORITE SHAY PIECES?
The Diamond Inside & Out Eternity Band is one of my favorite SHAY rings that I styled alongside the collection we designed together! The amazing thing about SHAY pieces is that they can really be paired with just about anything and stacked on top of one another! Here are a few more of my favorite pieces that I styled with the collection.
A PIECE FROM THE SHAY MINI ME COLLECTION YOU WOULD GIFT YOUR NEW BUNDLE OF JOY?
I think the Mini Me Solid Gold Mini Link Bracelet is so cute and such a beautiful timeless piece that we would keep forever.
EXPLORE THE BETTINA LOONEY COLLABORATION
Where to find Bettina:
@bettinalooney
@thebettinalooneyedit