Melissa Velia - FALL 2013 COLLECTION Look Book

 

Introducing my Fall 2013 collection!  Although it is not the entire collection, it is the majority of it in it's prints and details.  I decided not to share the entire collection this early in the season due to those who might be "inspired" by my collection.  Believe it or not, but I've already had issues with things like that in the past.  My collections are never inspired by other designers but inspired by the crazy world inside my head. I decided to shoot this collection with a vintage filter and an off-lighting to bring out my inspiration in the collection.  Instead of doing a fashion show this season, I choose to do a look book and a collection video which is scheduled to be released late this summer.  So without further ado, here the Fall 2013 Look Book.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Big thank you to my amazing team, 

 Models:  Melina Perez and Christa Marlei

Make-Up Artist:  Amber Laws

 *If your a fashion blogger or fashion media and would like to share the pictures above, you are welcome to do so as long as you send a link to the post/ article to contact@melissavelia.com and we will be sure to send you a thank you gift from the Fall accessories collection late this summer.

Xo.

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

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!

 

Bored Sister

So I finally, finally have my laptop back.  I totally learned my lesson about computer maintenance and protections.  I had....are you ready for this, 145 viruses in my laptop.  It was as if my laptop was sleeping around without protection. Really.  Surprised it didn't pop out an ipad! (ha!).

Anyways, I have so much to share and so little time.  I might just have to do some back to back post if y'all don't mind.  Starting with today's post, Bored Sister (that would be me).  Ever since I was a little girl, I looooved make-overs and I was lucky enough to be blessed with a younger sister to practice (torment) on.

Denise (my sister) and I

I mean I've dyed her hair, given her bangs, given her layers and even once cut her eye lashes. Which for the record grew back and she was willing!  So this past weekend she was over with her family and once everyone was pretty much done for the day, I thought why not have a little practice.  I was once a freelance make-up artist and also worked for some while known companies on my down time from fashion.  That is why I do, do some of the make-up for my own photo shoots.  Other times, I just like to give people a chance to show their stuff (skills).  Anyways, here are some more photos from our little make-up photo shoot in my studio.

So I'm hoping to do a little DIY make-up video sometime next week.  Also, get the mommy wear post up for all you lovely ladies that have been asking.

Xoxo!

That's a wrap!

This past weekend was busy, busy.  I know your probably thinking, when isn't my world busy.  Well, you just might be right, ha!  Never the less, I got things done!  Starting with a rehearsal for my opening act for my upcoming fashion show in Vegas.  Wish I could share what it is but it's all hush, hush until the show.  Then, Sunday I wrapped up the S/S 2012 collection photo shoot.  I'm so glad I decided to split the shoot into two different days because they're were just to many pieces to shoot.  My biggest collection to date!  Here's a little behind the scenes,

So as much as I can't wait to show you the whole Look Book, I can only give you a sneak peek till after the fashion show.

Spring/ Summer 2012 Promo Video

Thanks for reading, Loves!

Model:  Christa Marlei

Model:  Danielle Johnson

Photographer:  Nichole Francisco

Make-up Artist:  Melissa Velia