TPOLA Snowball 2013

If your wondering what is going on in that blurred picture above, I'll explain in a minute but first this is how the night started.

For this years Two Point Oh LA Snowball party, I decided to design something comfortable and warm. So I created this royal blue sweater knit maxi dress and it was totally comfy, warm and stylish. I paired up the dress with of course my favorite statement necklace of the season, the "Gatsby Jewels Necklace". Then added my black "Slender Bow Belt", some black velvet stilettos and I was ready for the ball.

My date for the night was my sister. (here she is above in a sequins black mini dress from my Fall 2013 collection)  The party took place in a lovely old hall that totally took you back in time. The hall was decked out in Christmas cheer and yummy sweets.

One of the highlights of the night was  definitely "Elvis" aka "Danny Memphis and the Extraordinaries" Love Elvis!

The band seriously nailed it. Totally need to have a birthday party so they can play  at. Well anyways, now for that picture at the very top of the post....it's me hitting a piñata in a dress and stilettos!  Usually at Snowball, we have what we call a "gifting suite" where we the "Fashion Bloggers" recieve lovely gifts to write about and share. Well this year we had to work for it (lol). All the lovely gifts were in five Christmas piñatas. Oh what a gal will do for some awesome make-up and face creams. 

The night was fun and full of surprises, big thank you to TPOLA founder, Kelsi for another great Snowball!

One last note, if you'd love to WIN one of the lovely items I received at Snowball head over to my Instagram, link at the very top! Or click the picture below! 

Xo Lovelies!

Christmas Fashion

 

Dress from www.LuLus.com, belt from www.melissavelia.com

It's been one crazy month for me and I'm sure it has for you too.  It's been nonstop, from filling orders to events and gatherings.   I truly can't complain because it all has been a blessing but now, I'm just pooped!  And as much as I would love to go into a mental vacation mode, I just have so much more in store in the next couple of months.  With all that said, this gifted dress from LuLus.com was a life saver considering I didn't have time to make myself anything to wear for a family Christmas party. (excuse the picture quality, lighting was a bit of an issue)

 

 

I paired this lovely dress up with a black Slender Velvet Bow Belt (my holiday staple), black stockings and chunky black velvet platforms. I decided not to wear a lot of accessories and let my belt and red lipstick be a statement. Kinda the less is more motto.  Christmas fashion all around me consisted of stockings, dresses, sequins, velvets and lots of glitter.  Also a  lot of black, gold, emerald green and creams colors.

I had a wonderful time hanging out with family and friends.  I truly hope your gatherings were just as blessed.  Coming up later this week on the blog, that awesome gifting bag I got from the Snow Ball and all the goodies inside and what is a must have from the bunch!

Thanks for reading lovelies.

Scary Rain

 

So I know your probably thinking what does rain have to do this picture above right?  Well let me tell you a short story about a time in my life when I realized I am TRULY from Southern California!

One day while I was living in northern California with my dear friend from Michigan it began to hail.   I looked outside and thought, "there's no way I'm driving to work in that."  So just as I thought this my friend asked me why I wasn't getting ready for work and I explained to her how scary it was to drive in the rain and hail.  She looked at me with a smile and said, "Missy it's not a blizzard!"  Moral of the story, we southern Californians are weather spoiled!

Granted, it can be dangerous to drive in the rain but I believe we So Cal folks can take it to the next level.  So with all that said, dear friends and customers I understand why some of you didn't make it to the Pop Up Shop a couple of weeks ago.  I've learned that rain in So Cal means, bad traffic, bad drivers and scared driver (like myself).  In the end, I wouldn't call this past Pop Up Shop a success but it was a good time thanks to all those who attended, sponsored and helped out.

See the rest of the Pop Up Shop photos here!

Hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving, now it's on to Christmas and FALL 2013! Yes, samples are officially in production!

Interviewing the Dreamer - Vanity Haus

 

Make-up Artist Jessica Diaz

 Wondering what is Vanity Haus?  Well here's my interview with the lovely and talented ladies of Vanity Haus.  Read about who they are and what this beauty team can do for you!

What is Vanity House?

Vanity Haus is striving to change women's beauty routine, it feels like now a days it's more of a chore, we want to make it more of an environment of luxury and an enjoyable experience. Somewhere that we can bring back female camaraderie.

 Hair Stylist Bethy, working a photo shoot

How did you come up with name Vanity Haus?

We threw a lot of things around for a while but just couldn't decide on anything. We wanted it to feel cozy and comfortable, almost as if you were at a girl friends house. And we wanted it to be versatile enough where we can really take it anywhere that our lives and creativity lead us.

When did you establish Vanity Haus?

All three of us were working at a new salon at the time, we were all really excited about the change that we thought it would bring. It seemed like it was going to be more than just a regular salon experience. A few months down the line we started to realize that it was the same old salon routine. It was like any other place. We had all been toying with the idea of starting a blog together or something similar for a while and from that and our experience at this place we just thought bigger.

Who's idea was it to team up with each other?

We're all just really awesome and why not! jk

 Are you guys friends?

Sometimes … yeah, we're bffs

 Have you always wanted to be a make-up artist? Hair artist, etc.?

I think we all had different career plans when we were younger.  Jess wanted to be a vet. Only for dogs… (lol)  But none of us seemed to be able to get our creative needs met by any of those plans.  Life just threw us in this direction and we have never looked back!

What kind of training or schooling have you ladies had in your field?

Bethy attended Paul Mitchell the School.  She's worked at high end salons and does a lot of freelance work in print, runway and film.  Jessica graduated from the Make Up Designory and has also worked on set as a freelance artist, in major beauty retailers and in a salon setting. Her product knowledge is impressive!  And I Alex, am currently working on my marketing and business degree.

Do you guys travel? Are you willing?

Absolutely!

  

What look is your favorite to create?

Bethy:  We all have a different style, which is why it's so much fun to work with each other.

Jessica:  Alex likes to do crazy out of the box stuff, I like classic and vintage, really feminine looks, but then I like doing goth too! I just want to throw red lipstick on anything. And Bethy makes everyone's hair sexy.

 

Jessica working a photo shoot

Where do you guys see each other in 5 years?

In 5 years, we hope to be a household name.

Who would be your dream celeb to work on? And why?

Well Jessica has a MAJOR crush on Chris Hemsworth.

  

What is the hardest thing you've come across in your field?

Egos! Jk. We're very new in the business so we haven't been hit with anything too crazy, but I'm sure there will be plenty of make or break situations. 

 Bethy

What inspires you?

Everything and anything. Our families, our friends, color, texture, seasons… anything.

What has been the craziest moment in your career so far?

Realizing how much support and love we have around us while starting this whole thing. There is one person in particular who has taken it upon themselves to push us, encourage us and guide us. We love her and appreciate her more than we can express. We feel so blessed.

  

In your wildest dreams where do you see Vanity Haus featured?

Vogue, the fashion Bible!

Well Darlins, how would you like to get a complimentary mini make-over by these ladies?!  Join us on November 17th (2012) at Melissa Velia's 1st Pop-up Shop and you'll have the opportunity to get dolled up for your Saturday night affairs by Vanity Haus!  Time is limited so we recommend making any appt. to be seen by one of these talents gals.  Simply email us at m.velia@melissavelia.com with a time (11:00am - 2:30pm) you would prefer and we'll confirm it before the days end.  For all the other Pop-up Shop details click here 

If your interested in working with Vanity Haus or have a special event you'd like them to doll you up for, contact them at vntyhaus@gmail.com

Upcoming

 

The NEW Slender Bow Belts

Video!  Find out what else is new from my world, plus a little show and tell.

Umpa, Umpa....

 

 Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)

Does anyone know where I may find Lumpaland?  Totally need to get me some of these guys! (ha) Honestly, if you think about it...how wrong was it that Mr. Willy Wonka discovered Lumpaland and took these guys from their land to work in his factory for chocolate?!  Not to mention, they never got to see daylight!  Yeah, can you image someone doing that in real life?! Hmmm...

Aaaanyways,  this whole Umpa Lumpa thing came to mind when I realized that my Spring 2013 collection would not be completed on time for LAFW in October.  I had been planning so much for this collection, including a photo shoot in Palm Springs and a fashion show on the beach.  Unfortunately, all this goodness will have to wait till next year.  I began to fall behind over the summer as I received some of the biggest orders to date from my collection, plus amazing marketing opportunities gifting some events in New York during NYFW next month.  Also, I began to think about that huge "career" move I'm stilling waiting to hear on and what would happen if it all came through.  My Spring Collection would be put to the side and "wasted" if you will.  I would rather push back a collection and give it all the detail and glory then half fast it to keep up with this crazy industry.  Never the less, it won't be all hush hush from my corner either.  I will continue to work on new pieces that don't really belong in a collection but more of using all the lovely fabrics and trims I have on hand to produce some fab stuff at great prices.  Plus, this will give me the chance to do a soft launch for my Nightgown pieces.

Tons of marketing to come this year, including lots of give-aways for all you lovelies who follow me on https://www.facebook.com/DesignerMelissaVelia .  On another note, one of my biggest goals this year is to have a trunk show this November.  So we'll see what happens.  Lord knows, I don't have any Umpa Lumpas helping me, therefore I do this all on my own.  Perhaps some internships would be helpful but even that takes time to find.

I know things change from one day to the next in my world but what can I say, that's the business for you.  Like Jay-Z song, "I'm on to the next one.." and for me, that means choosing opportunities wisely.

Xo Loves.

Wiggin' Out!

 

I'm a BLONDE!

No, not really (it's a wig).  Although I have always wanted to bleach my hair blonde, I have never had the guts to do it.  Yet, somehow I wasn't to chicken to cut my OWN hair last week!! It turned out to be a nightmare and I was totally freaking out.  It all started when I was watching this movie late at night and totally loved the actress's hair cut in the movie (I won't mention what movie, then you'll totally laugh at me).  So after the movie was over I went straight to the bathroom and cut my hair.  Needless to say, it DID NOT look like Amanda Seyfried's hairdo in the movie.  In fact, she was probably wearing a wig.  I on the other hand, now looked like Dora The Explorer or Anna Wintour, if you want to be nice about it.  In the end I went to get my hair professionally cut and fixed, which I wasn't to happy with either.  I mean the gal did a great job but I was just left thinking..."What have I done?"  So, after a week of playing with my new do I finally came to a happy place. Moral of the story is kids, movies can be a bad influence ;)

 

Ta-da!

Xo.

The NEW Accessory? Part 3 of 3 - Lipstick

 

If you know me, you knooooow I love to wear red lipstick.  I've always loved to wear lipstick. So much so, that when I was in 5th grade I took my mom's red lipstick to school and put some on during lunch time.  I was quickly sent to the principle's office for doing so. Crazy! Just for putting on lipstick!  Yet now that I'm a parent, if had a daughter who was in fifth grade and wore lipstick to school, the school principle would be the least of her worries.

As hard as it may be to view lipstick as an accessory, it really can be.  The right color could add the right statement to any outfit.

 

Lipstick color, Peony

 

 Lipstick color, Hot Pink

 

 Lipstick color, Red

I know for some lipstick can be pretty bold but once you get use to wearing it, it can be as addicting as buying shoes. Granted not all colors look good with all skin tones, so you might find yourself with some hits and misses.  Going to a department store counter is a great way to try lipstick colors against your skin and you don't necessarily have to buy one of those pricey lipsticks either.  Don't get me wrong, I will pay $25.00 for my favorite massacre (Diorshow) .  I won't use anything else after trying tons of drugstore bands and department store brands but one of my favorite lipsticks IS a drugstore (Target) brand.

 

Maybelline SuperStay 14HR Lipstick

Although this lipstick doesn't really stay on 14 hours, it still stays on pretty long and doesn't crack off or make your lips stiff.  You may wear a lip liner with it but it's really not need.

Tips - Accessorizing and Wearing Lipsticks

- Start with red. Believe it or not, red goes with most skin tones and most outfits.  It's an easy way to add "pop" to any look.

-  The best eye make-up for a lipstick newbe is black eyeliner on the top lid with a black or brown eyeshadow under your bottom eye lid, plus mascara.

-If you want a dramatic look, black or grey "cat eyes" look great with most lipstick colors (like look number 1 above)

- When wearing lipstick as an accessory, minimize your other accessories like necklaces, bangles, etc. (like look number 2 above)

- Match your lipstick to your shoes or handbag to play it safe (like look number 3 above).

- Whenever you wearing lots of dark eyeshadow (other then black), try to wear a nude or peony color. Or whenever you wear very minimum eyeshadow, choose a color of lipstick that pops.

- If you have been wearing lipstick, be sure to wear chapstick or some type of conditioning on your lips whenever your not wearing lipstick.  It really helps to prevent drying, cracking and wrinkles on your lips.

-Keep your lipstick chiseled for easier application.  You can do this at home by getting card stock paper or a clean business card and slowing shaving a flat angle on the top of your lipstick.  Be careful. I've knocked off a few lipsticks when I first learned how to do this.

- Never mush your lips together. Put your lipstick on evenly.

- You may blot your lips with a tissue if you'd like a matte look to your lipstick.

-Don't forget to do the finger test. Finger test?!! I'd show you but I wouldn't want people to get the wrong idea (lol).  Basically, you stick your CLEAN finger in your mouth (like a lollipop) and pull it back out slowly to remove any enter lipstick that may get on your teeth. I'm sure there are other ways to do this but that's what I do (lol).

You can also check out my fellow blogger Erica (Sweets and Hearts) and her great review on some lipsticks.

I know some of your were waiting for the big "new hair cut" reveal but I honestly haven't had a chance to take a picture.  Next post, I promise!

Xo, Darlins!

 

The NEW Accessory? Part 2 of 3 - Sunglasses

 

Chloe Sunglasses, gifted by DITTO.com

Yes Darlins, Sunglasses are NOW an accessory.  They are no longer just a means to protect your eyes but a piece of fashion to add style to any outfit. The days of owning one pair of your favorite sunglasses are over and if you find yourself wearing big 70's inspired squared frame sunglasses with your office wear, you might want to check your style (that is, if style matters to you).  I know it matters to me, that is why for sometime now I've been building my "shades" collection.  Now don't get me wrong, I don't own tons of designer sunglasses.  My collection varies in quality and price,  from $10.00 shades to fancy designer sunglasses.  I think if there's a style you wear the most, then splurge on those.

 

Recently I had the opportunity to chat with Kate Endress, Co founder of DITTO (a new online website selling designer eye wear).  She too agrees that eye wear has become a really big trend in accessories.  DITTO, makes shopping for sunglasses easy and fun. Unlike other website, DITTO lets you create a 3D virtual self from video footage to actual try on eye wear.  You can even share your virtual self for opinions or show and tell. As much as I wanted to try out this feature on DITTO, my web cam is down and I don't have a fancy phone (iphone, etc.).  Never the less, I loved their selection.

 

Love their packaging.

Here are my style match ups and tips on how to accessories your own outfits with sunglasses.

 

 Chloe

 

Melissa Velia Look Book SS12

 

 3.1 Phillip Lim

 

 

3.1 Phillip Lim

 

Tips - Accessorizing Sunglasses

- As much as a pair of glass would look great with your outfit, the shape of your face and the size of your head does play a role in picking the right pair for yourself.  Therefore be sure to try them on or "virtual self" on DITTO.com.  Don't make the mistake of getting glasses that are way to big for your head, etc.

- A pair of colored sunglasses are always fun to own.  It's easy to add a pop of color to most outfits, like look number three above.

- Go with an era.  If your outfit is 70's inspired like look number one above, then match it with 70's inspired sunglasses.

- Don't be afraid of print sunglasses.  Sometimes a great print goes fabulous with a solid colored outfit, adding just the right drama to your look.

- Sunglasses are great in the Fall/ Winter too!  Just because it may rain and snow during these seasons, doesn't mean you won't need some eye protection.

- A pair of metal tone sunglasses are a must have in your collection. Whether it's a gold tone, silver or rust, metal looks great with most looks as long as you add other accessories in the same metal to go with your outfit.

Hope this was all helpful.  Stay tuned for my last post on the "The NEW Accessory?" series, plus you'll get to check out my new hair cut.  Let's just say, my bun days are over!

Xo

The NEW Accessory? Part 1 of 3 - Watches

 

So I know watches aren't really a "new" accessory but I do feel like they are becoming more and more popular when comes to fashion.  I've met ladies that have worn watches that don't even work anymore but love how they look with their outfits.  I personally have disliked wearing watches in the past, until recently when I received a lovely animal print watch from GUESS watches (featured above).

 

Packaging is big for me.  You can package a gumball machine ring in a bag like that, I'd probably buy it for more then it's worth.

So here are a couple of looks I have match up with some fun, trendy GUESS watches and looks for my SS12 collection.

 

 

 

 Tips - Accessorizing Watches

-It's ok to add bracelets and bangles to the same wrist. Sometimes an outfit calls for drama. Like look number one above.

-When wearing a watch that is dramatic or has a lot going on, like watch number two above, less is more.  Keep it a statement piece.

-It's ok to wear more then one watch on the same wrist when the watch is thin like the Wrap Watches above.

-It's ok to wear men's watches.  Sometimes you may have to get them taken in a bit but chunky metal is always fun when adding drama to an outfit.

-One watch does NOT go with everything.  Just because it's a basic silver watch doesn't mean it will work with all your outfits.

-Own at least 4 watches; one for your casual days, one for special occasions, one for work and one with lots of drama!

So next time your asked for the time, hopefully you won't be reaching for your cell phone but instead showing off your stylish watch and sense of fashion.

****

AND the WINNER is.....

 

Congratulations!

 

Fashion in the Park - PLUS a giveway!

 

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending for the second time, Two Point Oh LA's 3rd annual picnic at Griffith Park in Los Angeles.  An event where some of L.A. most fashionable bloggers come to be.....fashionable!  Not only was the weather simply perfect but the entire event was just fabulous.  As soon as I walked into the picnic area, I could totally feel the "royal" theme of the event.  Tents and tables where set up creatively, so much so that I felt like I was in Wonderland.

The event was sponsored by Ditto.com, Guess Watches, Sole Society, Hairroin and other fashionable companies.  Hello, gifting!

 

The Michael Stars tank I received was so soft and light weight, it was perfect to add to my work-out gear.

 

  DITTO an online glasses shop was also gifting amazing glasses. They were also sharing a new way to shop for eye glasses online.  I will soon be sharing with you which pair I chose in my upcoming mini blog series "The NEW Accessory?"

 

 

GUESS watches have come a long way from when I worked in their retail store about 10 years ago.  So many trendy watches to choose from and I received.....well you'll just have to check my upcoming post!

 

I have always loved GUESS ads.  Always so vintage inspired.

 

Once again Sole Society joined us for a little show and tell.  It was so hard to choose which of these pairs had my name on them. It just so happened that two of these pairs did. I chose the blue suede pumps you see above and am going to order the tan suede wedges you see below.  I can't wait to match them up with some of my current and upcoming pieces from my line.

 

 Erica from Sweets and Hearts was getting her hair braided by Hairroin Salon.  I also caught the lovely, Anne from Spy Girl taking a picture.

My favorite part of the whole event was seeing all the darling ladies and guys in their stylish clothes.  Also, catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.

 

Erica and I (my dress by yours truly)

 

Pic via Hallie Daily

Big thank you to Kelsi Smith

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NOW here's your chance to win your own gift from GUESS!  Simply leave a comment below regarding this post.  Your name will then be put into a drawing.  Then check back on my following post to find out if you won!  It's so easy!

 

*win a black faux leather wallet/ wristlet from GUESS.  Only one winner.  Gift sponsored by GUESS.  Gift will be shipped to the winner via USPS.  You must send a picture of you and your gift when you receive it, so I may post it here.  Thank you for entering.  Drawing ends 7/18/12 12:00pm