[3] Prior to being discovered on the street, she went to college at the University of California, San Diego to study biology.

She has walked in numerous shows including Shiatzy Chen, Blumarine, Chanel, Christian Dior, John Galliano, Gucci, Valentino, Lacoste, Victorias Secret, Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, Zac Posen, Diane Von Furstenberg, Sophie Theallet, and Giorgio Armani.

[7][8] Her campaigns include Moschino, DKNY, MAC, Dolce and Gabbana, Charles David, H&M, and Tommy Hilfiger.

[8][1] She has graced the covers of Vogue, Marie Claire, Elle, D Magazine, GQ and L'Officiel internationally and has appeared in the pages of Allure, Flair, V, and i-D as well.

[12] In November 2013, after six years of dating, Ellingson became engaged to her long-term boyfriend Sean Clayton, a medical equipment salesman and former college football player.