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

It's Not Easy

 

Melissa Velia Fall 2013 Collection Preview

Heeeeyyy.  Miss me?  Well let me tell you what I've been up to the past month,

-fashion reality show auditions

-sourcing and constructing Fall 2013

-searching for places to shoot the collection

-looking for somewhere to show the collection

- Not finding the right place to show or shoot the collection

-mini vacation

-purchasing a photo studio for my garage

-processing orders

-Losing all funding for any future collections or business. period.

-crying

-more crying

-picking myself

-photo shoot

-editing pictures

-editing Fall 2013 video (coming March 11th)

-wondering were to go from here

-thinking about giving up

-overwhelmed

-moved my studio to a cold, dark place (had too)

-realized I've come to far to give up

-I have a new simple direction, not ideal and a bit backing tracking but still moving forward

What's to come,

-launching Fall 2013 video and look book

-two week hiatus (skipping LA Fashion Week)

-If I disappear in about a month, it's because I've just been offered the opportunity of a life time.

-launching Spring 2013 pieces

-launching new giveaway on our FB page

annnd......s-o   m-u-c-h    m-o-r-e.

 Stay tuned for all the details from my world here.

Thanks for reading lovelies.

xo

Mini Model

 

Hello Lovelies, hope I find you all well.  As for me, I couldn't be busier.  About a week ago, I  had a photo shoot for our new Mini Bow Belts that had been previous postpone due to rain.  I had really been looking forward to this shoot because these Mini Bow Belts were my first pieces for little girls.  The Mini Bow Belts will come in black satin or in black, royal blue and red velvet.  Sizes from 2T-5T.  I think they'll be perfect for the holidays and after.

Anyways, before I show you the rest of the pictures from the shoot let me just tell ya, photographing children is tough!  Don't know if I could do it again. They sure like to wiggle and giggle!  Kyleigha, our mini model, was just so sweet and gorgeous but getting her to actually model was totally out of my experience.  Never the less, the shoot turned out perfect.  This girl's looks alone would make any shot, beautiful.  Her modeling career has truly just began.

Thank you, Kyleigha and mommy!

 Shop the new Mini Bow Belts at our upcoming Pop Up Shop! Details here.  Or, the belts go on sale at www.melissavelia.com on Nov. 18th!

Opportunity

Wow! It's been over a month since my last post.  I know I do this about 3 to 4 times a year, when I just fall of the face of the earth.  Whether it's family obligation or business, taking the time to write or record a video blog just falls of my completely  full plate sometimes.  I ask for your forgiveness, you faithful readers.  Although you all don't leave many comments, I know your out there and I appreciate your time. Now on to the good stuff!

 

Recently, I was given an amazing opportunity from the lovely people at SIMPLY STYLIST to "gift" their event with our At The Opera Earring for NYFW about a week ago.  Although I wasn't able to attend the actual event, it looked to have been a one of the MUST be at places for NYFW.  

 

Yeah, that's Catt  Sadler from E!

It was truly fashion at it's best and I was so grateful to be apart of it even in the smallest form.  A big thank you goes out to Sarah Pollack Boyd, Jackie Chambers and the rest of the SIMPLY STYLIST team.

 

Melissa Velia At The Opera Earrings at the event

pics via Soul Brother and SIMPLY STYLIST