Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Don't Slouch and Rocker Bag: Back in Stock!


Get em' while it's hot!

The "Don't Slouch" and the "Rocker Bag" are FINALLY back in stock.

We know you've been waiting patiently for them to arrive.
We can't promise how long they will stay in stock! But they here now!



Friday, September 3, 2010

MelissaBeth Gets a Facelift.... that's the website not the designer!

Melissa Beth Logo

If you haven't already noticed MelissaBeth.com got a facelift!
We feel 10 years younger already!!

Our new website isn't just about looking good (although our new website is v. pretty!) - now when you shop its WAY easier to find what you are looking for.

Check out our list of cool new features that make shopping online a breeze!

1) Sort by size or sort by color
If you are like me than you know what you want, so just click on the top right sort by laptop size by or color section and you can easily see a list of items that fit your criteria.

2) Refer a Friend
When you refer a friend to our website (and they make a purchase) we send you a free gift certificate for $25.00! Who knew making money was this easy!

3) Product Views
Want to see every angle of our products? Just click on our alternate views to check out additional views.

4) Retailers Section
Want to check out a bag in person? Check out our new retailers section which helps you find a store closest to you. You can even view the stores on google maps.

5) Featured product section
Like to be the in the know? Now with our specialized feature product section and easy access to our newsletter you can be the first to know the latest deals at Melissa Beth

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Get a $10 coupon at MelissaBeth.com


Be the first to know about the hottest new products, events and sales!
Sign up today for Melissa Beth's newsletter and you will receive a $10 coupon to use online at www.melissabeth.com




Friday, June 25, 2010

Design Inspiration + Ice Cream


See full size image




Mention the word ice cream and my ears perk up!
Well, how convenient that on a quest for some design inspiration Ben and Jerry's sponsored an article with resources to help inspire designers.

My two loves: designing + ice cream

Check out the link below for some great resources to give your creativity a jump start.
If that doesn't work - eat some ice cream!

http://mashable.com/2010/06/24/design-inspiration-resources/

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Finally Jake gets it right

Finally Jake dumps Vienna... As if anyone is surprised!

Well, I am actually surprised how long it took for them to break up! And poor girl. Just when her hair was starting to look less "yellow".

Maybe Ali and Jake will somehow reunite?!

Jake Pavelka and Vienna Girardi have split up, according to a rep for the couple.



Friday, June 18, 2010

What's in a name?


In early October, or maybe late September, I will launch my most exciting product to date, my first BABY!! Bad joke I know, but I made myself chuckle. Designing this "product" was far easier than any MB product. (tee hee)

Lately, I find myself trying to find perfect name for my baby. Something classic, yet unique. Something everyone will love (ya right!) and something my child will one day turn to us and say, "thank you mom and dad, I love my name". Clearly I am delusional.

I started to wonder what is in a name?!

Melissa, for instance is means "honey bee" in Greek. But what does that even mean?!

Believe it or not, I've met dozens "Melissa Beth's" who all seem to be stylish, creative, fun-loving and colorful.
Is the name "Melissa" synonymous with being all these things? It might be?!
There are also so many designers whose name is Melissa that I adore.

Designer of gorgeous wedding gowns. I even wore one of her designs to my own weddings.

Cute Jelly shoes for adults and now babies (see last weeks post)

Super cute design templates.

Amazingly life like stuffed animals

Delicious and adorable mini cupcakes in NYC.

Stylish laptop and travel accessories.


So what's in a name?! I guess a lot.... pressure much?!
Accepting name suggestions from non-relatives.


Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Pretty is Back


Melissa Beth's Pretty Printed Sleeves are now back in stock at www.melissabeth.com

The Pretty Printed Laptop Sleeve is the perfect neoprene case to house your precious laptop.

Designed with a custom MB print, soft fleece inside lining, and super thick neoprene this laptop sleeve is more than just a pretty face!

Prices range from $29.50-$39.50

Available in 4 sizes:
10.2"/ipad/netbook
13"
14-15.4"
17"

Get em while you can!! These babies keep selling out!!

Monday, June 7, 2010

Melissa Shoes + Vivienne Westwood = Jelly Shoes for Babies


People sometimes ask us if Melissa Beth is the same as Melissa Shoes?
Well, we are definitely not the same company!! But we do like her name!

With baby on the brain, I am loving Melissa Shoes and Vivienne Westwood's newest creation... Baby Jellies.

Melissa Shoes launches their first "mini collection" and it couldn't be any sweeter.

We are happy to know Melissa's around the world are doing their part in taking the ordinary and making it extraordinary!





Tuesday, May 25, 2010

New York, New York...




Last week I decided to do a quick trip to NYC for some press desk sides, shopping and a chance catch-up with some old NYC friends.

I flew in to NYC Monday evening to prepare for my 8 hour day of desksides the following day. The pre-pregnancy Melissa would have flown in super early Tuesday am, oh how I am getting old!

Let's just say, come Tuesday, the weather was not on my side. Running around NYC in the rain, while trying to look professional, stylish and not uber pregnant, was definitely a challenge. By the end of the day I was too tired and wet to even think about making my way to UK's Top Shop (in a search for cheap cute maternity clothes) that I snuggled up in bed and watched the second to last episode of LOST.

By Wednesday the rain had passed and I walked the NY stationary show - to see if it was a fit for Melissa Beth's laptop bags and then met my friend Anna for Breaki at Pastis.
It was great to catch up. Anna is the owner and founder of Lucid New York handmade jewelry. We talked shop (whatever that means) and enjoyed a delicious breakfast.
Baby was happy after breaki and kicking! Here is a pic of Anna and myself below.


Anna and I took some pictures by this cool colorful backdrop and she was nice enough to give me one of her best-selling handmade necklaces, the circle necklace. Anna's jewelry is simple and chic and has been featured in countless magazines. I love wearing her handmade jewelry with a simple white tank, although my white tanks are starting to look like crop-tops!


After breaki I walked a few blocks to Limelight market place where I saw some of my old Bryant Park Holiday Shop friends. Jon Wye of Jon Wye Belts and Angela, from Om Aroma.
I was very impressed with the space at LimeLight - it reminded me of a Henri Bendles/Fred Segal inside of an old church (which I guess also used to be some sort of crazy club).




I managed to squeeze in one more desk-side in the afternoon and rushed off to the airport to only have to wait for our plane to arrive.. Of course, it was delayed. I guess I could have squeezed in more shopping :)

Looking forward to my next trip to NYC.
Coming home from NYC to Toronto always make me feel like I live in Suburbia (even though I live downtown!)












Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Melissa Beth @ The Clothing Show in Toronto

Hey Torontonians!

Come check out Melissa Beth at the Clothing Show this weekend at The Better Living Center near the Exhibition in Toronto.

Come say hi - we'll be @ Booth 449.
We will be selling our laptop bags, laptop sleeves, make up cases and MORE!
Take advantage of our sample sale and discounted discontinued items!!

The show is Friday 3-9, Saturday 11-8 and Sunday 11-7.

See you there!

Melissa :)

Friday, April 23, 2010

Mother's Day Sale



Celebrate mom and give her the gift of style.
25% off all regular priced merchandise online at www.melissabeth.com

Use couponcode: MOMSDAY

Enjoy!


Wednesday, April 14, 2010

BisBuzz: Tip of the week "Get an Intern"


Businesses need interns and college grads, you need internships.

This recent article on CNN Living highlights the importance for job seekers to have an internship.

Benefits for potential interns:

Besides getting a foot in the door with a potential employer and looking good on a résumé, internships have other advantages:

• The opportunity to "test drive" a career (Would I be happier in marketing or advertising? Am I more comfortable working with patients or in a lab?)
• Chances to network
• Establishing relationships with mentors
• Possible college credit or certification
• An introduction to the field's culture and etiquette (Are clients addressed by their first name? Are jeans appropriate for Casual Friday?)
• Accumulating new skills
• Gaining a "real world" perspective on an occupation (How much overtime do employees really work? How much time is spent behind a desk versus in the field?)

Check out the article which talks about other benefits for employers.

Interested in an internship at Melissa Beth? We are currently looking for marketing/PR interns and graphic designers. You do not need to be located in Toronto.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Dear Mom-Preneurs & Prego-Preneurs.. help!





Dear Mom-Preneurs, while I have always been a big fan of mom entrepreneurs (and all female entrepreneurs for that matter) I can finally say that I have a new fondness for mom-preneurs.

Since I (Melissa Beth) will be the newest addition to the club this October!! So moms you will have to teach me the ropes of juggling baby and bis! I will need the nitty gritty and your BEST tips/advice.

Help me find the best mom-preneur blogs, mommy blogs and prego blogs.
Send us a line (sales@melissabeth.com) or comment below on the best sites to visit!!
I am going to need all the help I can get.

So for now I am just a prego-preneur. If that is not already coined term than it should be!
(You heard it here first!)

So to show my LOVE for mom-preneurs and so you will accept me with my open arms into your clubs, I am marking down all of our diaper bags 50% off or more!

Get your diaper bag while quantities last.




Monday, April 5, 2010

Ipad hits stores... MB has the perfect outfit


The ipad has finally hit Apple stores in the United States.

And of course, Melissa Beth has a solution for this new Apple device!

Our 10.2" Pretty Printed Laptop Sleeve is the perfect size to safeguard the sleek ipad.

Although I am still not crazy about the name "i-pad", I am sure most women feel the same, the device sold 700,000 on the first day- and approximately 1 million over the entire weekend.

As a comparison the iphone only sold 270,000 opening weekend. So it seems as though the ipad, despite its name (sounds like a feminine product) is here to stay.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

New Retailer in Ottawa


Melissa Beth has finally landed in Ottawa- at the Ottawa Leather Goods Store.

"Ottawa Leather Goods reputation spans over 80 years of providing the best products with uncompromising service at competitive prices."

Visit their website Or store location @ 179 Sparks Street.


Monday, March 22, 2010

Ottawa Citizen: Cool Cosmetic Carriers

Great write up in the Ottawa Citizen this weekend!





Gear to go Cool cosmetics carrier

Your dazzling array of miniature toiletry products proves that you're the girliest of girly girls. Now you may as well store them in a case befitting the Queen of Estrogen. The Don't Leave Me Hangin' makeup case by indie designer Melissa Beth is an oversized vessel with six zippered compartments that are wipeable.

The exterior is a stain-resistant velour. Roll it up for easy storage within your luggage, or hang it on the bathroom door at your hotel for easy access. Best of all, it has a pretty wallpaper-effect in the lining, and comes in sassy colours like seafoam, wasabi green and raspberry truffle.

- $48 at Ottawa Leather Goods (179 Sparks St.)

Monday, March 15, 2010

Want to look busy at work?


On the days where you cannot stomach doing another memo, phone call or any work for that matter, you should play Melissa Beth's ANAGRAM! Its simple and fun.

Try to make as many words as you can for points. You must find the 6 letter word to proceed to the next level.

All the clicking at the keyboard will impress your boss as you challenge your brain to find as many words in the board as possible.

Try and beat the high scorer!
If you can beat the high scorer by March 31st 2010 we will send you a make up case!!


Tuesday, March 2, 2010

BisBuzz: Tip of the week "Increase Your Newsletter Subscribers"

One of my goals for the year is to increase our newsletter subscribers. MelissaBeth.com sends out quarterly newsletters with special deals, new product info and upcoming events. Currently have about 3000+ subscribers. I would LOVE to double this number by the end of 2010.

I found a great article about ways to increase newsletter subscribers. Don't go back to the website and judge me yet- I haven't quite put these into effect yet. But I will! It is a work in progress. And, if you are reading this and you haven't signed up for our newsletter- SIGN UP NOW!!! Please!


Join our mailing list to receive news about our latest products, special offers and promotions.
Your email:
Subscribe



Here is a brief synopsis of the article... but the article goes into more detail about how to bring these ideas to life.

1. Run a Contest
2. Offer Coupons/Discounts
3. Ask at Checkout
4. Use a Pop-Up Window on the homepage
5. Promote it on ALL of your communications

Monday, February 22, 2010

BisBuzz: Tip of the week "Just Do It"

Sometimes I find I can get overwhelmed with all the tasks the week or day may hold for me.
Or sometimes a challenging large project can leave me wondering- how am I going to do that?

However, after close to 6 years in business. I have learned you have to just do it. Nike had it right when they created this slogan. You have to make the time, make a list (so you don't get caught up with distractions, like writing this blog LOL) and just do it. The rest will fall into place.

So my advice this week is just grab life by the horns and JUST DO IT.



Tuesday, February 16, 2010

The Decline of MacWorld

Last week I went to MacWorld to visit some customers and see what is new and cool in the Apple World. However, I couldn't help but notice the MASSIVE decrease in size, vendors and overall excitement about MacWorld! It was a bit lame. The only thing that stayed the same was that there was a about a 1:100 female to male ratio.
Has CES taken over MacWorld? Is the era of the trade show changing?

Check out this great article in Digital Trends about the decline and MacWorld's future.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Attn Model Mayhem Members/CraigListers

Melissa Beth Designs is NOT looking for models.

Melissa Beth does NOT have any affiliation with Model Mayhem or ANY agents that claim to represent Melissa Beth. Melissa Beth does not have any postings on Craigslists.

Melissa Beth is NOT creating a jean line or a clothing line and we are NOT looking for models for ANY type of product.

Yes, Melissa Beth is a cool company and should possibly consider these avenues but we LOVE bags that is our core focus.

If you have further questions please contact Dean at Model Mayhem
mods@modelmayhem.com

Model Mayhem has also updated their website to inform you about scams and how to further report these. Please see the link below.
http://www.modelmayhem.com/po.php?thread_id=575330


Or make sure to mark the craigslist posting as serious spam.


BisBuzz: Tip of the week

Small business owners:
My tip to you, is "when you can - pay by credit card!"

Charge it! It may not seem like an obvious choice, but credit cards offer many benefits for small businesses

1) If you do not get your goods/products/services you ordered from a company
Maybe they went bankrupt THIS RECENTLY HAPPENED TO ME!, or they just failed to ship you the goods or your products just arrived damaged. If the company will not fix your problem you can file a chargeback and in most cases you will win.

2) You get an extra 30 days on paying your credit card bill

3) You may get points for air miles or travel. Why not get a free trip somewhere when you spend money?!

4) You will have an extremely accurate record of your expenses

5) Build business credit.
"A small business credit card provides a newly established business the opportunity to build business credit. This will be useful in the future as your business grows and you need capital in the form of credit lines or loans". Although you may not need a line of credit or a loan, you may need it one day in the future and building your credit can help you in the future when you grow your business.

However, make sure you pay your credit card bill on time, as credit card fees can be extremely costly!



Friday, February 5, 2010

Melissa Beth hits Signapore

Quintessentials is the newest store to carry Melissa Beth this season.

This ultra chic boutique is carrying the complete Melissa Beth collection.

Bina, Quintesstional's owner says "Our store is a multi-brand handbag and jewellery store we introduce new brands, looks and trends before they hit the mainstream. Some of the lines we have bought may have been just on the verge of media acclaim - Dewi Kroell, Botkier, Fiona Paxton, Kotur over the past few years. Our customers enjoy the pleasure of owning new "discoveries" and labels. We specialise in the unique, the quirky and the cool and because we buy in limited quantities they also enjoy being the only ones on this tiny island carrying or using their "discovery"."




Tuesday, February 2, 2010

ipad versus the netbook

source: cnnmoney.com

Apple's iPad vs. the netbooks

By 2011, Apple will have captured 7% of the low-end computer market, says an analyst




















So says Deutsche Bank's Chris Whitmore in a note released Sunday.

In fact, he writes, with the release of the iPad this spring, Apple (AAPL) will instantly add more than 50 million users to its addressable market.

"We expect the iPad to compete very well against existing low-end notebooks and netbooks, particularly in the segment of the market where surfing, reading, game playing and emailing dominate the usage model."

Apple's current share: 0%. Source: Deutsche Bank

to read more click here

Monday, February 1, 2010

ipad- cool tech gadget OR feminine hygiene product?

source: CNN.com

iPad name draws feminine hygiene jokes

San Francisco, California (CNN) -- Punch lines about hygiene products flooded the blogosphere on Wednesday only moments after Apple Inc. announced it would call its new touch-screen computer the "iPad."

"The mocking goes along the lines of: Yes, the iPad is small, lightweight and slim. But can you swim with it?" wrote the Los Angeles Times' tech blog.

The term iTampon -- a riff on the fact that the iPad can be taken to sound more like a maxipad than a slick new computer -- was the third most-talked about trend on Twitter on Wednesday evening.

Some female bloggers wrote that Apple seemed not to have any women on its marketing team

"With "iTampon" quickly emerging as a trending Twitter topic, it's probably safe to say that many women found themselves cringing as they asked, 'Do any women work at Apple?' " wrote Annie Colbert on the blog "Holy Kaw!"

read more (click here)

InStyle's Best Dressed at the Grammys

source: cnn.com


All eyes were on Lady Gaga at this year's Grammys and, as expected, pop's newest sensation pulled off something most unexpected: a partnership with the last designer anyone would ever have dreamed of pairing her with -- Giorgio Armani.

In fact, the self-installed Queen of the Fame Monsters, whose crystal-shard-in-your-face stage antics are as deliberately avant-garde as they are rivetingly entertaining, was outfitted not once, but three times in out-of-this-galaxy Swarovski-drenched outfits by the venerable white-haired lion of Milan.


To see Gaga live check out the video below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7CrIvrikFU


Friday, January 29, 2010

When life gives you lemons...

No one said that was life was fair. This saying would drive me growing up!
But it is true, life isn't fair and I truly believe it is what WE do with "life" that shapes us and can make a real difference.



Lemonaid Crutches, is an amazing , inspirational example of someone who has triumphed over tragedy by being creative. Lemonaid Crutches makes designer crutches, yes you read this correctly, DESIGNER CRUTCHES!

So when you are down and out, you can still have a sense of self and style!
What's even better, is they are designed to even make you feel good on the inside!

50% of all of their profits go to support Step with Hope, a foundation which is dedicated to helping people cope with profound loss.

Check it out, the founders' story is inspiring.



Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Apple's Ipad




The curtain has been unveiled. Apple launches their ipad (which looks like a cross between an iphone and netbook"

So why is this the next biggest thing since this ipod?

- it is claimed to be "better than a laptop and better than a smartphone"

-the 10" screen will be lightning fast and will be the best browsing experience ever.

-it is pretty design savvy, looks like a larger iphone which has the same rotating and touch screen capabilities as the iphone

-its cheap, at $499, $599 and $699 Apple - a computer at Apple hasn't been this cheap since maybe the 80s. (when that would translate to like $2000+)

This baby will hits stores at the end of March. Want super chic ipad protection?! You know it Melissa Beth has a super cute 10" ipad sleeve. The soft inside lining wont scratch the ipod and the custom neoprene print will keep your new ipad fully covered.


Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Golden Globe Trends: How real people can benefit!

Come on, we all watched it... the Golden Globes, like it or not, predicts the trends consumers will crave for the next few months.

So besides the crazy cleavages that many celebs did not hesitate to bare (umm, Mariah you know what I am talking about!) mostly the Globes inspires our color choices and elements of design.


Top 3 trends

1. Neutrals
As seen by many celebs its okay to be neutral/sheer. It's sexy without baring it all.
How can real people follow this trend?
Its about simplicity with intricate fabrics, shapes and design.

2. Colorize your accessories
Check out Courtney Cox's and Julianne Moore's gorgeous earrings (I think they are the almost same, whose getting fired over that one!)
Both ladies are dressed in black, but know how that color and $100,000 earrings (or more) can truly make an outfit.
Real people can follow this trend?
Add pops of color to their wardrobe with pops of color in their bags, purses, shoes, scarves and jewelry.


3. Be unique
No celeb would be caught dead wearing the same dress as another leading lady. Have fun with fashion and give your wardrobe a touch of you. These celebs look like no one else and have embodied fashion in way that relates to their personalities.
How can real people follow this trend?
Be yourself and have fun with color and fashion.




Sunday, January 17, 2010

Take the Old and Make it New



My love for design spills over into home decor. While I helping my cousin-in-law finish to redecorate his bedroom we found a gorgeous antique lamp in his house.

It reminded me of my gorgeous antique tea cup collection but the lamp wasn't quiet right. It was a bit funny looking with a high misplaced candleabra and its extra tall structure. I loved the components of the lamp so much I was determined to take apart the lamp. A quick call to grandpa and he told us how we could easily pop off the light socket and take all of the hardware pieces off the lamp.

We ended up with a gorgeous unique lamp (see attached final product poor quality picture) that added a soft touch to his modern industrial-style furniture pieces. Don't be so quick to chuck out the old and replace with new. You can re-design them to work with your home. I guess the saying "everything old is new again" is very true!




Saturday, January 9, 2010

Back to the Future Gadgets and Gizmos


Laptop technology just keeps getting cooler and cooler!! It's such an exciting time to design new laptop bags and tablet cases for all these cool tech savvy gadgets. Lately I feel like all those Back to the Future 2 sci-fi inventions (when MJ Fox goes to the future) actually all exist. Well, except for flying cars!

Well, the Lenova Idea Pad Hybrid laptop/tablet is no flying car but it's definitely Back to the Future worthy. I may even need to watch the movie again to see if they had something as cool. The Screen on the Lenovo IdeaPad actually detaches (without any screws or hinges) and becomes a tablet. When you attach the screen you still have the functionality of a key board. The design alone is extremely sleek (you will win me over with cool design any day!) and it's been getting a lot of praise for its tech savvy features at CES. Launches spring 2010. To read more click the article link below.