TPOLA 4th Annual Picnic!

Hello Darlins!

Yes, it's actually a new post!  Moving back to L.A. has been much harder and more time consuming then I had excepted but I am happy to announce that I am ready to get back on the saddle again.  In other words, back to work and back to my crazy fashion social life and what better way to start that all of with TPOLA's 4th Annual Picnic!

Must get one of those giant swan floaties!

This years event was held at the new Icis Apartments in Glendale, CA. which felt like a chic Las Vegas hotel meets urban living.  It really had a fun surprise at every turn.  Would honestly love to shoot my next collection here.

Gifting Suite

Thursday Friday Handbags Gifting Table

I just love to attended this event for so many reasons, from the amazing gifts to visiting with some of LA's top trend setters and trend followers. It's really LA's fashion at it's best, from mod to trendy.  Everyone's style is really represented at these events.  Which is really inspiring sometimes for me as a designer.

 Gifting Suite

 

Sole Society Gifting Table

Lulus.com Gifting Table

All the lovely gifts I chose

I was given the pleasure of choosing so many wonderful new items from all the great gifting areas.  One of the most original pieces I chose was this tote bag with a red handbag printed on it (shown above) from Thursday Friday.  These bags are not only very creative but very well made too. Loved it.  I will be doing another post in a couple of weeks with the dress, the clutch and the beauty products I received at this event too.  Make-up tips and all.

Just me, wearing a Capwell and Co necklace I chose from the gifting suite

I would have taken a  full outfit post but in all honesty, I hated what I was wearing.  This is also the reason I didn't take any fun pictures with my girls at the event. Bummed. I decided at the last minute to make myself a long floral maxi skirt to put over my black swimsuit but it just didn't come out the way I wanted it too.  Guess I'm just going to have to make something else out of it later.  I am truly my biggest critic.

Did I mention the food, treats and drinks were delish?  This was really a great event and a fabulous day.  I am so happy that I made the effort to finally get out and soak myself in fashion.  Big thank you to Kelsi of StyleSmith for putting on a great event and to my sister (future blogger) for coming out with me.  Already looking forward to next year's picnic!

 

Denise, my sister

Lastly, I just had to share one of my favorite pieces I spotted at the picnic.  It was this fun watermelon printed wrap skirt worn by Tess from Treehouse Trunkshow. Loved it!

 

Unfortunately I wasn't able to get everyone's names in the pictures. So if you or someone you know are in the pictures, please comment below so I can add them.  Thank you!

Xo, Melissa

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

****

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

My Sole Mate

WIN these heels!

Melissa Velia Spring/ Summer 2012 Look Book

 

"My Sole Mate"

Footwear Giveaway Sponsored by Sole Society

:::HOW TO ENTER:::Step 1:  Leave a comment below telling us why these heels are your "Sole Mate"

Step 2:  Like our page, https://www.facebook.com/DesignerMelissaVelia

(Step 1 and 2 must be done by Jan. 7th, 2012)

:::HOW TO WIN:::

On Jan. 7th, your "comment" will be posted on our Facebook Album, "My Sole Mate".  There, fans will vote for  who the real "Sole Mate" is of these hot Fuchsia heels!  The comment with the must "likes" WINS!

Giveaway ends Jan. 21st, 2012 and the winner will be announced on our Face Book page.

PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR FULL NAME AND EMAIL ADDRESS with your comment below.  (anyone may enter - only one entry per person - only one pair available - no cash prize - heels are the actually heels/ samples featured in our Spring/ Summer  2012 Look Book - heels, courtesy of Sole Society)

"Sole Society, the chic new destination for the shoe-obsessed. Featuring monthly collections personally curated for each member’s unique style, Sole Society is the shoe membership website where fashionistas can indulge their love for designer-quality shoes, on a recessionista’s budget. Whether it’s a chic flat or the season’s most coveted bootie, Sole Society makes finding every occasion’s “solemate” effortless and affordable".

Don't forget to check-out the other amazing heels on www.SoleSociety.com!

How Sole Society Works

When members first visit the site, they are asked to take an interactive style quiz to determine their unique “Style Bio” using preferred celebrities, runway looks and style images as a guide. At the beginning of each month, each member receives a fresh collection of shoes in her “closet,” recommended based on her personal style choices.  

Following a shopper’s first purchase, they are officially a “member” of Sole Society and eligible to receive a new pair of shoes each month for just $49.95 to $69.95. Members may choose to purchase one or more pairs of shoes per month, defer the month or even see an entirely new selection of styles – it’s all part of the customizable experience. Access to the latest styles, free shipping, easy returns, and the option to skip a month makes Sole Society the ultimate personalized shoe shopping experience.

SoleSociety also offers outfit suggestions for each shoe, tips from top fashion and style insiders, and top trend reports to keep their members at the forefront of fashion – season after season.

Sole Society is a shoe-dedicated division of HauteLook, the premier private sale site offering the top fashion and lifestyle brands. HauteLook was acquired by Nordstrom, Inc. in March 2011.

Best of Luck, Darlins!

Oh Shoot!

"Oh shoot, I'm sick!"

Good Lord, what a weekend.  Who would of known that I'd be super sick this whole weekend.  And I'm not just talking little cold.  I had a full on fever, earache and all!  It was so not pretty but once again in my world....the show must go on and so it did.

"Beauty Is" contest winner, Alyssa

Can you tell I felt like crap?!  Ummm..yes.  Anyways, so I shot part 1 of my Spring/ Summer 2012 look book on Sunday.  Although I was sick, I still had a good time with the girls.  There's something about hanging out with women of all ages, on a project, under pressure and jokes all around.  Couldn't have done it without them.  And if your wondering why I'm doing Alyssa's make-up up top, it's because I am the "jack of all trades, master of a few".  Yes, I was designer, make-up artist, hair stylist and photographer.  I know your wondering why I do it all? That's because, honey.... I can't pay for it all.  So I take the skills I've got and run with them.  Here are the behind the scenes and sneak peek at my S/S 2012 look book.

This lovely make-up case was gifted to me from SOHO Beauty. It totally fit all my make-up and accessories perfectly.

(pics from the day before)

The sweetest gals.

Good times!

Spring/ Summer 2012 Look Book Preview

How hot are those heels?  Well, they could be yours!  These lovely heels will go to one lucky size 8 gal who enters the "Sole Society Giveaway", which starts Christmas day.  So be on the look out for my post "My Sole Mate"

Till the next post, Darlins!  Merry Christmas!

Bell of the Ball, Snow Ball that is!

This past Sunday was Two Point Oh LA's annual Snow Ball in West Hollywood at the chic Palihouse.  I was totally excited about going and making myself something extra sparkly to wear for that evening.  Sadly as the day approached, business came first and I ran out of time to make my dress.  Just like Cinderella, only I had no mice to finish my dress for me.  And the fairy godmother?  Her name was Hot Topic.  Crazy right?  I know, who would have thought I'd find something to wear to a fashion bloggers ball at a store that carries.....well, you'll just have to check them out.

The day finally came and started out with a morning of gifts and pampering.  Once again, lucky me got to choose one of these lovely shoes to keep for FREE from Sole Society!  AND guess what, I'll be giving one of these amazing heels away next month! Whoohoo!

I choose these lovely grey heels.

Got my nails done.

Hair was also getting done, courtesy of EDIA.

The styling suite as had make-up artist and spray tans by Chocolate Sun.

And then the night started, it was time for the ball and I...wasn't feeling like the bell of the ball at all.  You know that feeling when you truly don't like what your wearing and it makes the rest of the night so blah.  Well it "blah-ed" so much, that I called it a night early. Lamo.  Here are the highlights of the night.

Aren't we fancy?

More gifts? Why, yes.

Look out for my upcoming post on all the fun beauty products I received.

Can't wait to receive my gifted make-up box courtesy of SOHO.

These mini cheese cakes from Pacific Cheesecake Company, were sooo yummy.  Especially the lemon basil flavor.

With Kelsi from founder of TPOLA and Dedicated Follower of Fashion

With Melissa from The Key to Chic

With Sheryl from Walking in Wonderland (pic via Walking in Wonderland)

Love this out of focus photo.

The evening was totally fabulous with amazing fashion all around, it's just to bad I was a complete party pooper.

Up this week for me is part one of my Spring/ Summer 2012 photo shoot.  I'll be posting on that next week plus the Look Book Shop details and my first GIVE AWAY, shoes!