Ciao, Chu-La Couture

Hey Darlins, forgive me for posting later then I said I would.  Also, for not doing the video blog that I had wanted to do.  I really just had a hard time finding a quiet place in my house or office to record.  Yes, my world is that loud all day, all the time.  Hello, why do you think I'm always so forgetful? My brain rarely rest.

Anyways, so here's my big announcement....I'm closing my boutique!  Sound familiar? Why yes, I've mentioned this before.  I tried closing the store I think earlier this year but business was just to busy.  Business was good.  And today, business is still good.  What can I say, I started a business during a recession and now here I am, closing that business in it's prime.

Never the less, Chu-La Couture will go out with a bang, after FNO 2011, in which we (the store) will be a part of this year.  Now..."the whys"....here are a few of my "whys" to closing this chapter in my life.

• I've become much to busy to manage two separate companies
• Fulfilled my financial goal with Chu-La Couture.
• My dream was to be a designer, not a boutique owner.
• People coping my store ideas, concepts, marketing, name, etc.
• Other stores selling items, that I've once carried.
• Vendors not going in a good style direction.

And many other reasons...but most importantly, I wanted more time with my family.  So here I am now on a new chapter in my life. I am truly sadden to let go of what was such a big part of my life but honestly relieved from all it's business burdens.

Know that you will still be able to shop Chu-La Couture till September 15th, so please use all your coupons and discounts before then (for they will be void, after that).  Also, if you just can't let go of Chu-La Couture statement styles, know that at the beginning of each season all accessories and handbags from Melissa Velia's photo shoots will be on super sale on melissavelia.com

Thank you to all who have supported and loved Chu-La Couture.  xoxox.

The show must go on...

So last weekend I had to do something I never thought I had to do in business and that was, perform after the passing of a loved one.  Less then a day after losing my grandmother I had to proceed with a scheduled trunk show for my boutique in West L.A.  I had been planning this event with it's host for months and it was only right that I conducted business as usual.  Lessons in business;  Don't ever show your emotions on the job, unless it is to much that you must go home.  From experience, I've learned that most supervisors and co-workers will be sympathetic but the others will use that as a mark of your professionalism.  Business is business.

My favorite piece in the store.

Had so much sushi, I'm surprised I didn't turn into a fish!

The Cuff necklace, was a hit.

All around a good show, much thanks to these lovely people; Sa-Cara, Rosie Barreda, Christina Martinez and Windy Zamora.

Next week, I have something big to share and I'm going to do it on video.  Hope you guys check back and see what life changing decison I've made once again.

xoxo

First Couture

cou·ture  (k-tr, -tür) n.

1. The business of designing, making, and selling highly fashionable, usually custom-made clothing for women.

2. Dressmakers and fashion designers considered as a group.

3. The high-fashion clothing created by designers.

 read Haute Couture History

So I know I'm going blog crazy this week, and to those of you who read all my post....thank you!  So, I just wanted to share with you one of my biggest sewing projects to date, a "couture" gown.  I am one to really challenge myself, so I thought why not end my fashion show with a bang, a gown that would bring my whole collection together.  Little did I know, it was a lot easier to make my Barbie dolls couture gowns then it was to make a full on gown. First of all, the fabric was like $36.00 a yard, therefore if I messed up I wanted to cry. Then all the boning and the hand-sewing of the details took, FOR-EV-ER!  Never the less, it was all worth it once I saw it on the model this past Saturday. She loved, the other models loved it and my assistants loved it.  I couldn't have been more happy with the out come. Which was a good thing because that same day I was told that the dress I have to make for the contest (details this Friday), has to be somewhat formal.  At least I know now, that this is something I can totally do.

Paris here I come.....maybe not tomorrow but haute couture is definitely my new venture.  I leave you with some pictures of my first couture gown from start to.......

Sorry loves, I can't show the finished dress just yet! You'll have to wait till the fashion show this Saturday. If you can't make, the following week I'll be posting all the fabulous details of night.  Till the next post, (which is this Friday) xoxox!

Preview: Spring 2011 Look Book

Hard work pays off, darlins! Here's a preview of the Spring 2011 Collection Look Book to launch on my new website for Melissa Velia. 

PHOTOGRAPHER:  Melissa Velia, MODEL:  Melina Perez, HAIR & MAKE-UP ARTIST:  Melissa Velia, WARDROBE STYLIST:  Melissa Velia, CLOTHING:  Melissa Velia, ACCESSORIES:  Chu-La Couture.

Yes loves, I did everything but model! lol.

Big Decision

So yesterday while watching the Golden Globes, I came to a much thought about and prayed about decision.  Now before I tell you what the big decision is, let me share with you how I came to this big decision.

When I turned 30 earlier this month as many of you might know, I went though a kinda "analyse life" week.  In that week, I thought about my 10 year career in the fashion industry and were I saw myself ten years from now.  At first I wasn't to sure and I really didn't have time to think about it much because I was so overwhelmed managing two different companies.  So it was then, during the Golden Globes that it hit, just like that...confirmation of an ongoing decision.  No...I am not going back into acting...while maybe. Ok no, not really but what I did decide was after 2 1/2 years in business I will be closing Chu-LaCouture.com this February.

I didn't see myself in ten years owning a chain of boutiques, I saw myself at the Golden Globes.  Well not really myself but my gowns brushing the red carpet.  When I was a child I always wanted to be a clothing designer, among many other things and today I found myself a bit misdirected.  I started Chu-La Couture 2 1/2 years ago to fund my clothing line.  I knew I could shop the best, so I thought why not share it with all of you in a store.  Then business picked up and thoughts of opening a store front became a new project.  It was all  just becoming too much. 

One can be "the jack of all trades" but isn't better to be "the queen of just one". For when you have truly discovered your God-given gift, it is such a waste to only partially open it.

I will now be fully dedicated to my clothing line, Melissa Velia and pushing my ambitions to the next level.  And for all of you who still love to shop Chu-La Couture, you'll still be able to shop the boutique in a new, easy way on Sense of Fashion.  You can simply register for free on Sense of Fashion to shop all of Chu-La Couture's latest items, including pieces from the runway and photo shoots.

So there you have it, my big decision.  God only knows what's to come in my crazy career but I know one thing, He has made this decision clear and easy for me. 

When ever climbing the latter of success, remember there's only room for one at the very top and I have left the space for God.

For my family, will never fall behind because of my success.

Till the next post, darlins....thanks for reading.

xoxo,

Mel

What's To Come

res·o·lu·tion  (rz-lshn)

n.

1. The state or quality of being resolute; firm determination.

2. A resolving to do something.

3. A course of action determined or decided on.

via http://www.thefreedictionary.com/resolution

Happy New Years, darlins! Hope everyone had a safe and lovely New Years.  As for myself,  I kept it simple. Nothing lavish, no crowds, no confetti, no fur coats, just family.  For some reason I just wasn't too excited about ringing in the new year.  I started to wonder what was wrong with me.  Could it be that is was because I was turning 30 this year or perhaps I had no big plans or commitments.  That's when I realized I needed to set some  goals for myself, not resolutions but something to work towards.

With that said I have set some "healthy" goals for myself.  Yes healthy! A very good friend of mine always tells me to set healthy goals for myself, goals that are possible and won't put me in the hospital (as they once had) example: http://melissavelia.onsugar.com/ER-Extra-Rest-4555237 (first blog).

Before I share with you my little list of healthy goals, here's what I decided to wear to ring in the New Year.

70's Inspired Dress: Chu-La Couture * Silver Clutch: Calvin Klein * Black Tights: Tagert * Accessories: Chu-La Couture

Velvet Wedges: I don't remember! lol (Don't you hate when that happens?)

So here they are......and at the end of 2011, I will have this post to look back on. Here's to a new year, new life, new beginnings and endings. Like I've said once before, embrace change and hold fast to traditions.

My Healthy Goals (in no particular order)

• As busy as my days get, set aside a time to spend with my boys every day.
• I will fly on a plane this year! (never have)
• I will lose 30lbs and begin eating healthier.
• I will commit myself to 2 causes I truly care about and support them fully.
• I will tell the people I love, that I love them more often.
• I will dance more.
• I will write love letters on paper to my husband.
• I will limit my FaceBook time to only twice a day.
• I will find one good thing in every person. Example, a guy who cuts me off, "Oh good he's driving a hybrid"
• I will complement every person I meet.
• I will read everyday.
• I will learn French.
• I will make those calls I dread to make in business.
• I will take a full vacation.
• I will pray more.
• Last but not least, I will save more.

I know there's so many more goals I want to accomplish this year but I think, I've covered my whole plate of life already. We'll see what God has in store for me.  I leave you with one last goal, the kind of goal that got me here today.  A dreamer's goal, a goal that just doesn't seem possible today. 

• I will get my clothing line into Fred Segal or on Robertson blvd.

Here's hoping!

             xoxoxoxo

Celebrating at Rockwell

So this past weekend I celebrated my sister's birthday at this fabulous bar, Rockwell in Los Feliz, CA

Before heading out that night, I had realized I hadn't packed the right things to wear for a night out at a trendy bar.  It had been a last minute trip to my sisters, that caused me to pack items that left me unhappy with the outcomes.

So began my search for something to wear at local shops and department stores.  To my surprise, the stores were only carrying Fall trend items. Lace, sweaters, velvets, satins, browns, tans and other "in style" pieces.  I was soon reminded why I became a clothing designer.  So I took to the sale racks and sure enough the selection I was looking for, I found.

DRESS, Tucker for Target. SHOES, Jessica Simpson suede lace-ups. ACCESSORIES, Chu-La Couture

And so the evening went on. My highlights.

It was sweet of one of the managers, Rafael to give us all a free round of shots.  I can't remember the name of the shot but they were strong and sweet. Hmmmm....

The bottle service here was also great.

Yes, the double ring she's wearing is from Chu-La Couture. Love it!

Fell in love with this dress worn by my sister's bestie.  The red and black colors really made this dress stand out.  Not to mention the shoulder pads, love'em.

"Cheers"

We celebrated and danced the night away to some classic hip-hop, r&b and 90's.  Over all the night was fabulous, the venue was a "must-visit" and my sister....well lets just say she left very happy (wink).

the Rockwell on Saturday nights

Bottle service reservation contact:

Rishi@usualsuspectsla.com