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.

Where I've Been

 

 Family vacation (in my mommy wear)

 So I know I haven't posted a thing in about a month.  I feel like this is the longest I've ever gone without posting anything since I've started blogging.  Where have I been? At a pity party. No, I didn't mean Diddy because we all know he can throw a party.  I meant pity, as in poor me this is too tough, I don't know what to do anymore, etc.  I've been on a roller coaster of emotions this past month regarding my business, my passion and my family.

After a month of wondering how to go forward, I finally came to a happy place last week in my journey.  It was during family vacation, that I decided to officially skip a Fall 2012 collection and only go forth with my Spring 2013 collection.  Not only will I be working on a spring collection but I will also be creating some gowns and a wedding dress.  Never the less, for you wonderful customers of mine I will be throwing in some fall piece (ready to wear) here and there.  All this came about, when I realized my youngest son would be entering school this fall. I just had to give him and my other son, my full attention. (considering I home school them).

With all that shared, here are couple interesting things I've been up to since my last post.

 

Miss California Natalie Pack

Last month I sent some of my pieces to Natalie Pack for her trip to Vegas for the Miss USA 2012 pageant. Big thank you to Natalie Pack and Steffani Symons for the picture above.  Also on the DL (down -low), I tried out for NBC's Fashion Star.  As of right now, I am still in the running to be casted for their upcoming season. I will know if I have been chosen with-in a few weeks.  I really don't like sharing these kind of things with to many people because I guess.....I feel kinda dumb when I'm not chosen.  Out of all the shows I've auditioned for, I really want this one.  Lord knows.  So I'm sharing this news with you my lovely readers because for some reason, you read my post and comment. Which always makes me feel like I'm just writing to good friends on every post.  Thank you.

Well, on to the next Darlins! I WILL be posting next week on any news details from my world, plus a little how-to.

P.s.  Huge Summer Sale going on at www.melissavelia.com

Xo,

Mel

Sketchy

Ello!

So this week was really crazy busy for me.  I know, I know...when isn't, right?  What can I say I live a busy life. Blessed one at that.  So here's this week's video, edited. Yes, thanks to my son's I had to chop, chop a bit.  Thanks for watching, Darlins.

It's All New

Hello Darlins!

I've been quit busy these past couple of weeks, therefore neglecting my poor little blog.  So much is happening in my world right now, it's hard to keep up with everything.  The past two weeks I've been working on Spring 2012 that I will not be sharing till the end of this year.  Since I'm not doing a fashion show this October, I decided not to show and tell till the Spring photo shoot.  The photo shoot that some lucky gal will be featured in from the "Beauty Is" Contest.

I've also been working on some accessories, that I couldn't help but launch a bit early.  The official launch and full collection of my accessory line will not be coming out till Spring 2012.  Which will included, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, hair pieces and belts.  AND maybe, all be doing some handbags too.  Lord only knows.

Really didn't want to be model but I just had to show you how awesome these babies are.  Every time I wear them out, ladies stop and ask me where I got them. What do I say? MelissaVelia. (hehe)  No, I don't tell that it's me.

Also new to my label is my gift collection, which I decided to do out of the blue and has become a hit with fashion students and office fashionista alike.

Clients will be able to shop all of the above and more in person this Friday at EmergeLA.  I'm really looking forward to this event, love the music, love art and of course fashion.

I'll be giving away a pair of my new earrings plus 40% off coupons to a select few, so I hope to see some of you there.

My plate is pretty full next month, so much so I had to miss a cologne junket where I could've interviewed Paul Walker! Yeah my kids come first, had a parent meeting that night.  Also next month, Project Ethos, a friends fashion show, LAFW, son's 4th birthday, son's field trip, church function, and of course more designing (Spring 2012 & Fall 2012).

Am I BCBG, Busy Crazy Blessed Gal. (I know, I'm a nerd)