Melissa Beth Laptop Bags for the 13" MacBook

One of the hottest holiday gifts this season is the 13" Macbook Pro (which now comes in silver instead of black and white) so its not only ultra high tech but also super sleek.

So which Melissa Beth laptop bags are the best for the 13" Macbook?

While all of our laptop bags do accommodate the 13" Macbook, here are some of my fav Melissa Beth laptop totes that I use when I carry my own 13" Macbook.

1) Half Pocket Full of Puter

Inspired by its big sister the 'Pocket full of 'Puter (sounds like pewter for computer) this mini laptop bag fits the 13" Macbook perfectly. Available in bright colors, this bag is not for the boring!

2) 13" Small Slim Tote

The small slim tote is a mini bag with a super thick foam padded laptop compartment. Adorable printed and thick quilted liner makes this cute laptop bag a must for all.

3) Pretty Printed Laptop Sleeve

The pretty printed laptop sleeve has been really popular since its debut in People Magazine last month. The 13" sleeve (available in 3 prints) is the perfect fit the 13" Macbook. This neoprene sleeve is great because you can easily toss your laptop in any of your existing bags and your laptop is still protected!

Need help finding a laptop bag for your laptop?

Email us at sales@melissabeth.com and we can help you find an appropriate fit.

Hang out with people that inspire YOU

MBD's been hard at work at Bryant Park Holiday Shops!

Its been really great- except for the days with freezing rain!

We love interacting with our customers (yes thats you!) and meeting new vendors.

We get a lot of inspiration and ideas from conversations that we have with you.

So stop by and tell us your thoughts!!

Angela, of Om Aroma and Savor the Success is one of my new fav friends at Bryant Park. Her luxury skin care line is super fab and she has a business dedicated to women entrepreneurs.

She is quite amazing. She has a two month old and still manages to run 2 very successful businesses

This week- she gave me a shout out on her vlog.

Check it out.

What's Melissa's Fav?

People always ask me what is my favorite bag? Well, my designs are like my children, you can't really pick favorites. So, while I LOVE ALL my bags, this month I have been depending on a select few Melissa Beth bags to help keep me organized and stylish.

1) JetSetter Weekend Bag

This bag is amazing for the city gal that needs to pack her life in one bag or is constantly on the move. Roomy enough for a laptop, extra large purse, change of shirt, large water bottle, extra long scarf and more.... this bag keeps me together when I am on the move. This bag is also my favorite for summer weekend getaways.

2) Pretty Laptop Sleeve

The pretty laptop sleeve is all the rage these days, especially with its recent feature in People Magazine's Gift Guide (page 120). This sleeve is cute, flexible, functional, ultra affordable and fabulous. I can throw my pretty sleeve in any bag (like the Jetsetter above), or carry it alone, and off I go.

3)Don't Leave me Hangin' Hanging Traveler

Lately I have been traveling a lot, but I hate feeling like I am living out of my suitcase. This cosmetic travel bag is perfect because I can just unroll it, hang it on the back of the bathroom door and tadah, I feel organized and a bit more at home. What's even better, is that the insides of this bag are totally wipeable so if anything spills its super easy to clean!

Kiss and Make Up meets the Rainbow.

Melissa Beth's cosmetic cases are the cutest they have ever been (if I do say so myself!).

Check out our new limited colors and prints this holiday season.

Want all 3 of our signature styles? No prob- we will even give you a DEAL!

Our "Bags in a Box' Allows includes a Kiss and Make Up Case and a 'Don't Leave me Hangin' hanging traveler AND a jewelry roll for FREE.

What's great is that you can mix and match the colors with our Bags in a Box set.

Packaged in a cute box- this is the perfect prezzie for any product junkie.

My favorite colors: Seafoam, Tropical Teal and Hot pink.

Melissa Beth Pop Up Shop in New York

On a mission to conquer the boring bag world, Melissa Beth has a great pop-up shop this holiday season in New York City.

Stop by Bryant Park, K13 (40th in between 5th and 6th), from November 6th- January 3rd and check out our latest designs (some of which are not even on the website yet)!!

Bryant Park has a magical shopping market, FREE skating rink and 40 foot christmas tree that will make your holiday season and shopping magical!

The Proposal

My love for Ryan Reynolds has grown even stronger now that I have seen the Proposal.

Who would have thought this Van Wilder hottie would still be making ladies go "ga-ga" for all these years?! Is he Canadian too, or am I dreaming?

Check out this great picture of Ryan holding a Melissa Beth bag on the new DVD cover of the Proposal. Okay, so this may be super-imposed but how else can I rant about Ryan Reynolds- I had to make it somewhat relevant..

What's the WagJag?

What's the Wagjag and why should Canadians get excited?!

WagJag.com is a fun, exciting, and lucrative place that offers you and your friends amazing deals on the coolest events, restaurants, fashion finds, activities and adventures. We can offer major deals because we assemble a group of buyers - bulk buying power! - and only activate the deal if enough people join in before the clock stops ticking. If you buy something from WagJag.com, and I think you are going to find the deals very compelling, you will not be charged until enough people buy it.

WagJag.com is meant to be fun and to be shared with others – friends, family and colleagues – after all, you can only get the deal if enough people sign up, so it makes sense to spread the news.

The site will be launching sometime over the next few weeks. In the meantime, I invite you to sign up to become a WagJagger at www.wagjag.com so you will receive email alerts about offers in your city. Simply enter your email address, choose your city, click submit and confirm by clicking on the link in the email you will receive. You can also join the facebook and follow them on twitter.

Share the site with your friends - trust me, they will thank someone for showing it to them...so, you might as well take the credit!

Who knows... you may even see a Melissa Beth deal on wagjag.com!!

Melissa Beth Photoshoot

After a long day we managed to get some great lifestyle shots.

The on again, off again rain made it tough but our models were troopers.

Thanks to our beautiful models, fab make up artist, wonderful hubby/photographer and the best photo assistant/stylist ever (Julia this is you)!!

Check out some of my fav shots!

MB feature

Check out our latest press feature :)

Net Book Makeover

I recently saw my friends net-book (10.2") laptop sleeve which came with her laptop. I' am sorry to say it was terrible! Is this really the protection that laptop companies are offering their customers?

Dell, Samsung, Acer- you are all guilty!

I know times are tough, but this laptop sleeve was a joke! The neoprene on this laptop sleeve was so thin (it might have even been imitation neoprene), there was no padding, no zipper, no style, and most definitely this failed to offer any protection if the laptop was dropped. You can see from the pic I folded this net book laptop sleeve like it was a piece of paper.

Lucky for her I had one of Melissa Beth's new 10.2" netbook Pretty Printed laptop sleeves.

Thanks guys- Keep making those ugly laptop sleeves and bags!!

Making over one laptop at a time :)

Aromachology's Custom Fragrances

Just when you think that everything brilliant has already been discovered, another brand pops into the limelight and you can't help but think- that's brilliant! Aromachology, which means the psychology of scent, has finally answered woman's quest for customization with their new custom fragrances. I popped into their exclusive pop-up shop at the Four Seasons in Toronto, and was super impressed with my custom blend. This new scent is definitely giving my Burberry brit some competition. There are 5 base scents (which double as stand alone fragrances) and you pick characteristics you are, or want to embody, to be mixed into your fragrance on the spot.

I am "Totally Edible Gourmand" mixed with "inspiring", "focused" and "cheerful". I would have ordered some "patience" but it wasn't on the menu.

Toronto gals- you should definitely stop in. Need an extra incentive? You literally have the best star gazing spot in the city during the Toronto Film Fest. I am going back Monday to stock up on gifts and possibly stalk some celebs! The Toronto store is open until September 19th. Can't make it? Don't worry- You can find them at Henri Bendels on 5th Ave in NYC this October.

mmmm... I am literally still smelling myself.. Yum!

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Beautiful Life Sara Paxton hearts MB

Check out this season's hottest new show "The Beautiful Life" with one of our favorite celebs: Sara Paxton!

The show premieres September 16th and it's destined to be a huge hit with celebs like Mischa Barton and hotties Nico Tortorella & Ben Hollingsworth.

I love this fab picture of Sara with our sky blue Pocket Full of Puter laptop bag.

More Magazine

I was very happy to see 2 of my favorite MB bags featured in More Magazine this month..

Check out the feature! 

Okay- so there were a few other bags on the page.  But, if you are one of the five people who read my blog you know from my previous posts that I was only practicing my photoshop skills by editing the other bags off the page :)

Trade Shows: How to Survive and How to Succeed

Part of my business includes doing wholesale and retail trade shows. 

It seems glamourous that I am able to travel around to exhibit my products in cool cities and meet interesting people.  Sometimes it can be, however, getting everything together to display our beautiful bags can be exhausting.   Anyone that has been to a trade show on the vendor side will agree with me here, setting up the booth and breaking it down is ALWAYS the worst part!!!  

Even if you don't have a lot to display or pack up- set up and tear down sucks!!   I do not pack light, so you can imagine the time it takes to create a beautiful booth-especially when I am the one with the drill doing most of the manual labour :)

Here are some pics of how my booth arrives, what it looks like displayed and what happens when you are not careful when using an exacto knife.  

Some tips for successful trade shows:

1. Try and stay focused on your budget, design and overall sales goals.

2. Think long-term and follow up with the customers you meet.

3. Network with fellow vendors.  The information you share can be really valuable.

4. Hire help to assist you with sales, set up and tear down.

5. Take advantage of the city you are in.  It shouldn't be all work and no play! 

Sorry for the lame pictures they are from my blackberry!

And, FYI, my finger will be okay! 

It's All About the Details

As you could have guessed I love little details!   I think it can make anything look unique and polished.

So, when my bro and sister-in-law asked for some help with their recent wedding I jumped at the chance to help bring the little details to life.   Love birds was their theme - and we printed their logo on napkins, programs, place cards, thank you cards and even the wedding cake!  

The little details made their design and decor flawless.  But I will tell you- it was hard to focus on the cute little details with the beautiful blushing bride in the room!

Delicious Designs

In an effort to improve my photoshop skills and help out my super talented cousin.  I designed her new business cards.

Batterfingers, a Toronto based company, makes delicious and unique baked goods.   Specialities include rugelach, cupcakes, personalized cakes, cookies and custom holiday baskets.

Julia (owner and founder) also hosts kids programs.  So if you have kiddies in TO who love to cook or you are craving some deliciousness this summer see her details below (in this beautifully designed b-card). 

  

Do women do better in a recession?

Female managers just might have an edge in a rotten economy, says the author of a new book. Here's why, and how men and women can learn from each other's strengths.

NEW YORK (Fortune) by Anne Fisher -- There's one sure-fire way to start a heated argument, whether around the water cooler or at a dinner party: Just say something that suggests women manage very differently from their male peers. Then stand back and watch the fireworks.  

Controversial or not, it's clear that women are doing something differently: Of the roughly 6 million Americans who have lost their jobs since the recession started in December of 2007, 80% are men, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. No doubt, a big part of the reason is that men tend to dominate in the cyclical businesses which have been decimated by the downturn, including manufacturing, construction, engineering and finance. Female-dominated fields like nursing and education have been less hard-hit, at least so far. 

To read more of this article click here..

NEW LAPTOP SLEEVES COMING SOON

Check out our new PRETTY PRINTED LAPTOP SLEEVES.

These pretty printed laptop sleeves are available in four sizes.

• 10.2" ($29.99)
  
• 13.3"-14" ($34.00)
  
• 15.4"-16" ($36.00)
  
• 17" ($39.00)
  

Tell us your favorite print?!

Email sales@melissabeth.com for pre-ordering.

Gimme 5.. ways to get inspired

Five Easy Ways to Stay (or Get) Inspired.

1.  Hang out with people who are energized and are excited about what they do.  Trust me-their enthusiasm will rub off on you.    You may even find you can share ideas and help each other.

2.  Draw upon nature for inspiration in your designs, colors and patterns.  You will be amazed at what you see if you just take a closer look.   

3. Make a plan.   Maybe its been a while since you made a plan for yourself.  Write down your goals and what you would like to achieve.  You will naturally be inclined to achieve your goals if you put them down on paper and hold yourself accountable.

4.  Travel.   You don't have to go far- but if you can, do it.      You will naturally be inspired by the people, culture and landscape.   One of our new neoprene laptop sleeve prints (which will fit 10.2" netbooks, available this August) was inspired from this window in India.

5.  Review.  It's time to look at your accomplishments and praise yourself.    It's easy to push yourself down sometimes, so now its time to be your very own cheerleader and pull yourself up.  If you can see how far you have come and what you have achieved it will motivate you to keep moving forward. 

Graduation Gifts for Tech Savvy Fashionistas

So your little girl is graduating high school, college, university, post grad or elementary school. These days she is so into her laptop, facebook, twitter and anything technology related you wonder if you will ever be able to relate to her.

Well, here are five sure fire ways to not only relate to your tech savvy gal, but also get her a graduation gift she will love to bits.   Grads- you can thank us later! 

1. The new iphone  What young lady wouldn't love the new iphone? You might even want one for yourself! There are so many new cool applications that will make your young lady's life a lot easier at the touch of a button! You can even track her whereabouts at all times through google mobile friend tracker if you have one too!

2. Netbook Now that your graduated girl is moving up the ladder in life she will clearly need to be connected. Technologically connected that is. It's no surprise that these cute light weight netbooks (mini 8"-10.2" laptops) are the fastest growing area in computers.  There has been evidence to suggest that females are noted as heavier users of laptops than their male counterparts. So of course, any gal, at any age would jump at the chance to own a light weight, easy to carry laptop.  I think Toshiba is even making them in pink.

3. Laptop Sleeve Now that your girly grad is fully understanding her laptop why not keep her laptop pretty protected with a feminine laptop sleeve . Be sure to get one that has ample foam protection and reflects her feminine side.  Check out our luxe laptop sleeves and velour laptop sleeves.   Need a netbook laptop sleeve?  Not to worry- check back with us in August (or email us to pre-order) when our new pretty printed neoprene netbook laptop sleeves will be available. 

4. Skype Credits So is your graduated darling leaving town? Nervous she wont call you? One of the best and most affordable ways to keep in touch is through Skype. You can video conference through your computer for free once you have account. Okay, so you may be "old-school" and prefer a typical phone call. Buy her some skype credits and she will be able to call you from her computer for much less than using a regular phone. And since most parents help out with the bills these days for college kids- you will be able to save a little and stay connected?!

5. Still can't decide?  How about a gift card to her favorite mall or online store. She will be able to buy anything she likes and it will save you a trip because you wont have to do a return.

Good luck gift givers.   

Don't stress to much- it's the thought that counts!

What does the color of your laptop bag say about you?

Are you attracted to a particular color?   

Ever wonder why you've been dying for a colorful laptop bag?

Thanks to us (Melissa Beth) - women have choices when it comes to laptop bags. The color of a woman's laptop bag has a huge impact on what this portrays about her style.  Find out what your laptop bag (or future laptop bag) says about your personal style.

BLACK

Okay, so you chose the typical black laptop bag. A black laptop bag can sometimes be extremely stylish- it depends on my variables. Not all black laptop bags are boring and drab. Fabric and texture play a large role in determining if your black laptop bag is a chic power-house or a desperate cry for help. 

If you just love black here is what it means.  Black laptop bags can represent power, sophistication and wealth.  In some cases it can also reflect a void and a feeling of sadness.  If are you experiencing a void and emptiness in your work wear, it's time to ditch the "blah" bag that came with your laptop!

BLUE

Blue is associated with pure qualities. You have very definitive characteristics.  A blue laptop bag indicates you are loyal, feminine, peaceful, tech savvy, sometimes quiet, calm and stable.

GREEN

Green reminds us of nature. If you have a green laptop bag you are an environmentalist at heart, youthful and full of good luck. You have an competitive edge that keeps your colleagues and friends on their toes.

PURPLE

Purple often reminds us of royalty. If you are sporting a purple laptop bag you have a regal essence, you are wise beyond your years and spiritual. You are an expert in your field and people look to you for your advice.

PINK

Most women love pink. Pink reminds you of love- so if you have a pink laptop bag you must love being in love and of course, you love your laptop bag. Pink is youthful and energetic. You are flirty, full of life, feminine. You want to stand out from the crowd.

Although color is not the only determinant when picking a laptop bag, one must consider fabric, weight, function, overall style and price. Melissa Beth offers a variety of different options for women looking for a colorful and functional laptop bag. Don't see one that works for you? Send us an email at sales@melissabeth.com and let us know what you would like to see our next laptop bag.

Should you jump in?

Several people I know have recently decided to start to their own business and have been asking me the same question:  

Should I start a business? 

How do I know if I am making the right decision?

Well I will start by saying starting a business is tough stuff and it can be even tougher in today's world.

One of my passions is business and I LOVE fellow entrepreneurs.   So I will share my thoughts and on whether you should leap into entrepreneurship.

When I started my business I had a plan, although it was simple and I had a very small capital investment I still decided to jump into the water.  I would either sink or swim.  The beginning was definitely a scary and exciting time. Sometimes I still feel like I may drown.   For the past five years I have been swimming along.  I have faced many waves (sometimes they felt like Tsunami's banging at my door) and I have managed to keep moving forward.  

Don't give up when times are tough.. just sit back, revise and get excited.  If you aren't excited about your business- trust me, no one else is going to be! 

I am still extremely passionate about eliminating all the "blah" laptop bags in the world. Melissa Beth Designs has moved on to take on drab make up cases, travel bags and laptop sleeves as well!   

My advice to new entrepreneurs and/or business owners is as follows:

Try to love the bad days as much as you love the good.  

Be creative   - it will help you problem solve and market your business

Don't get caught up in the day to day grind

Toot your own horn once in a while- it may be a while before anyone else does

Have a plan.  You wouldn't jump in the water without knowing how to swim.  

 

So, are you still on the fence of whether you should take the plunge into the unknown?

Here are five simple ways to know if you are truly ready for the challenge.

1) All you think about is your business idea.  

2)  You have bounced your idea around to mentors and friends.   AND even when you get the "sure that's a great idea" with undertones of  you'll never make it!- it just fuels you to go for it anyway.

3) You have a business plan AND you are ready to change your plan and adapt.   My advice to all new business owners is that no matter how knowledgeable you are, you cannot possibly foresee every problem.  You have to be open to learn, adapt and go with the flow.

4) You have enough knowledge about the industry that when you jump in the water you at least know the temperature.  You also have enough capital to create a website, marketing materials and  products.

5) You are committed, passionate and creative.  I think these are the 3 fundamental attributes that a lot of entrepreneurs have in common.    

Good luck and keep us posted!