Thursday, December 19, 2013
Monday, December 16, 2013
What's your OOTD when traveling?!
It's sometimes hard to travel by car/airplane/train and stay stylish. Here are some stylish, yet comfortable, outfits that don't compromise style.
What's inside our carry-on? well, of course it's our kiss and make up cosmetic case! The clear removable pouches are perfect to use for small liquids when going through security.
Be sure to layer. AND if traveling in flip flops or ballet flats don't forget to pack some socks in your purse so you don't have to go barefoot while going through security.
I'll be traveling next week and amidst the chaos of traveling with two small children, two car seats, 2 laptops and a large double stroller i will try to take a pic of my ootdwt :))
What's inside our carry-on? well, of course it's our kiss and make up cosmetic case! The clear removable pouches are perfect to use for small liquids when going through security.
Be sure to layer. AND if traveling in flip flops or ballet flats don't forget to pack some socks in your purse so you don't have to go barefoot while going through security.
I'll be traveling next week and amidst the chaos of traveling with two small children, two car seats, 2 laptops and a large double stroller i will try to take a pic of my ootdwt :))
Monday, December 2, 2013
CYBER MONDAY - get your shop on.
Get 25% off today at MelissaBeth.com.
Use coupon code "cybermonday" at checkout and receive 25% off EVERYTHING.
It's time to travel in style!
Use coupon code "cybermonday" at checkout and receive 25% off EVERYTHING.
It's time to travel in style!
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Travel Pic of the Day
Dreaming of some place warm... here's the travel pic of the day @CNN.
Sicily, Italy.
I am ready to pack my bags!!
http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/21/travel/travel-photo-of-the-day/
Sicily, Italy.
I am ready to pack my bags!!
http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/21/travel/travel-photo-of-the-day/
Friday, November 8, 2013
Packing Tip #4 - Pack it in
Okay - there were a few more tips that I skimmed over (how to fold properly and how to bundle) and went right into the next important packing tip. How can we cram all of our crap into just ONE suitcase?! This is the question all women are dying to know!!
Here are Real Simple's step-by-step guide to packing your bag efficiently. The first tip is a little strange if you ask me. I am not sure packing with garbage bags is something that I can actually do myself - but some people who are traveling and don't want to wrinkle clothes might see this as sheer genius.
1. Line the bottom with a plastic trash bag. After you’ve packed, add another one on top. This helps fend off wrinkles. Plus, “if your luggage is off-loaded from the airplane in the rain, your clothes won’t get wet,” says Hannon.
2. Stash footwear and heavy stuff along the wheel base. Fill shoes with socks or bulky bangle bracelets, then put them in individual bags (splitting up pairs saves space), with the soles facing the sides of the suitcase. Rest other heavy items, like a hair dryer and a toiletry kit, next to or on top of shoes. “Placing these near the wheels stabilizes the bag’s center of gravity, so it won’t topple over when upright,” says Krantzler.
3. Lay the foundation. Start with tightly packed rolled clothing.
4. Build the second level. Layer folded dresses, pants, and skirts on top of rolled clothing. Alternate the sides that the waistbands are on so that the stack is balanced.
5. Move on to the third level. Add thick sweaters, jackets, and folded shirts.
6. Finish with the top level. Lay crushable items, such as a voluminous dress or molded bras. Stack bras flat so they spoon each other, and stuff the cups with socks. (Don’t bend molded bras in half—you’ll crimp the foam.)
7. Wrap belts around the interior frame of the bag.
8. Stock essentials, loose toiletries, and chunky costume jewelry in the lid compartments. Store delicate earrings in pill cases, and string dainty bracelets and necklaces through drinking straws, taping the clasps to one end. Then secure the straws in a plastic bag, says Poole.
9. Tuck leftovers—swimsuits, hosiery, underwear, scarves—into corners and any remaining nooks.
10. Store dirty laundry in a Melissa Beth Rinse, Wash and Repeat Laundry Bag . Press the air out as you tightly roll each bag, like a vacuum pack. Lay the compressed bags flat in a side pocket.
11. Cradle fragile souvenirs in your bulkiest sweaters and arrange them in the center of the bag, where the least movement occurs, says Krantzler. For extra protection, store messy liquids—like that bottle of extra-virgin olive oil from Tuscany—in a reusable inflatable plastic bag designed for this job (try the VinniBag; $28, vinnibag.com).
If you’re bundling, simply place the bundle in the bag and follow the accessories tips.
If you’re using a soft-sided bag, like a duffel or a weekender, place flat shoes along the bottom, with the soles pressed against either side of the bag. Add rolled clothes, packing them tightly to prevent shifting in transit, which causes wrinkling, says Klosky. From there, follow the accessories tips, with these exceptions: Lay heels and boots flat on top of the bag, then add the toiletry kit.
2. Stash footwear and heavy stuff along the wheel base. Fill shoes with socks or bulky bangle bracelets, then put them in individual bags (splitting up pairs saves space), with the soles facing the sides of the suitcase. Rest other heavy items, like a hair dryer and a toiletry kit, next to or on top of shoes. “Placing these near the wheels stabilizes the bag’s center of gravity, so it won’t topple over when upright,” says Krantzler.
3. Lay the foundation. Start with tightly packed rolled clothing.
4. Build the second level. Layer folded dresses, pants, and skirts on top of rolled clothing. Alternate the sides that the waistbands are on so that the stack is balanced.
5. Move on to the third level. Add thick sweaters, jackets, and folded shirts.
6. Finish with the top level. Lay crushable items, such as a voluminous dress or molded bras. Stack bras flat so they spoon each other, and stuff the cups with socks. (Don’t bend molded bras in half—you’ll crimp the foam.)
7. Wrap belts around the interior frame of the bag.
8. Stock essentials, loose toiletries, and chunky costume jewelry in the lid compartments. Store delicate earrings in pill cases, and string dainty bracelets and necklaces through drinking straws, taping the clasps to one end. Then secure the straws in a plastic bag, says Poole.
9. Tuck leftovers—swimsuits, hosiery, underwear, scarves—into corners and any remaining nooks.
10. Store dirty laundry in a Melissa Beth Rinse, Wash and Repeat Laundry Bag . Press the air out as you tightly roll each bag, like a vacuum pack. Lay the compressed bags flat in a side pocket.
11. Cradle fragile souvenirs in your bulkiest sweaters and arrange them in the center of the bag, where the least movement occurs, says Krantzler. For extra protection, store messy liquids—like that bottle of extra-virgin olive oil from Tuscany—in a reusable inflatable plastic bag designed for this job (try the VinniBag; $28, vinnibag.com).
If you’re bundling, simply place the bundle in the bag and follow the accessories tips.
If you’re using a soft-sided bag, like a duffel or a weekender, place flat shoes along the bottom, with the soles pressed against either side of the bag. Add rolled clothes, packing them tightly to prevent shifting in transit, which causes wrinkling, says Klosky. From there, follow the accessories tips, with these exceptions: Lay heels and boots flat on top of the bag, then add the toiletry kit.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Packing Tip #3 Roll It.
Real Simple's packing guide has been helping me take the stress out of packing for family of 4.
Roll It, Fold It, or Bundle It
Rolling and folding are classic expert-packer methods; bundling is advanced—but ingenious.
Roll It, Fold It, or Bundle It
Rolling and folding are classic expert-packer methods; bundling is advanced—but ingenious.Rolling
Great for:
- Unstructured bags, like a duffel or a carry-on tote.
- Stretchy knit fabrics that are unlikely to wrinkle, including T-shirts, workout pants, light sweaters, and jersey dresses, as well as jeans.
- Stuffing seven days’ worth of stuff into a weekender.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Packing Tip # 2 Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
Real Simple has a some great tips on how you can pack easy! Tip #2 REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE.
"Lighten your load further with multitaskers—which don’t have to be those girl-explorer zip-off cargo pants. T-shirt dresses, leggings, tunics, and maxis take you from sightseeing to dinner. Let yoga pants moonlight as pj’s, or use your cover-up in place of a robe. New York City–based designer Yigal Azrouël favors sarongs, because you can tie them multiple ways as a cover-up or a stylish wrap at night. If possible, wear a garment for the dressiest occasion early in the trip, when it’s less likely to be dirty, says Poole. For instance, one tank can stretch for days: Pair it with a skirt and heels for dinner on Saturday, capris and sandals for shopping on Monday, and shorts and sneakers for a Tuesday hike.
Embrace the accents. Satisfy your craving for variety with little things, like fun belts, bold jewelry, and printed scarves. “Chunky, colorful bracelets and necklaces draw the eye so people don’t focus on the clothes,” says Alanna Richman, the owner of Alanna Bess Jewelry.
Choose fabrics wisely. Blends containing nylon, elastane, or polyester beautifully resist wrinkling. Prefer something more natural? You’ll have the most luck with wool, Lyocell, or modal. Cotton mixed with polyester or spandex will also hold up better than 100 percent cotton. Anything with texture (crinkled gauze, ruched jersey, seersucker) or a busy print helps camouflage fold marks, says Los Angeles–based stylist Nicole Chavez. When in doubt, scrunch the material in your hand to see if it crumples easily. Keep in mind: The longer clothes stay stashed in your suitcase, the deeper creases get. For quick touch-ups, pack a travel-size (and TSA-approved) bottle of Downy Wrinkle Releaser spray ($2 for three ounces, at drugstores)."
While I try to follow this at home with our garbage and compost I don't think this means start wearing plastic bottles and old pizza boxes. Although I seem to remember Marnie in the HBO Girls wearing something like that in her episode as a hostess for the cool art guy.
Embrace the accents. Satisfy your craving for variety with little things, like fun belts, bold jewelry, and printed scarves. “Chunky, colorful bracelets and necklaces draw the eye so people don’t focus on the clothes,” says Alanna Richman, the owner of Alanna Bess Jewelry.
Choose fabrics wisely. Blends containing nylon, elastane, or polyester beautifully resist wrinkling. Prefer something more natural? You’ll have the most luck with wool, Lyocell, or modal. Cotton mixed with polyester or spandex will also hold up better than 100 percent cotton. Anything with texture (crinkled gauze, ruched jersey, seersucker) or a busy print helps camouflage fold marks, says Los Angeles–based stylist Nicole Chavez. When in doubt, scrunch the material in your hand to see if it crumples easily. Keep in mind: The longer clothes stay stashed in your suitcase, the deeper creases get. For quick touch-ups, pack a travel-size (and TSA-approved) bottle of Downy Wrinkle Releaser spray ($2 for three ounces, at drugstores)."
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Packing Tip #1 Pack Mentally
Already planning your Thanksgiving get-a-way to see the fam or your trip to over the Christmas holidays. I know I am!!! Packing is always the worst part of any vacation. Last year I literally had 3 suitcases just for my 2 kids (who were under 2!)
The key is to stay organized!
Real simple's Laura Sinberg's has some great tips on how to pack and stay organized. A manta I must try and follow - packing for 2 kiddies, myself and my hubby. Her first tip - PACK MENTALLY. I don't think this means pack like a mental case - although that is usually how I get everyone packed the night before.
Pack Mentality
Follow a simple formula. Pack three tops for every bottom. Generally, pants and skirts take up more room than shirts, and when you wear them multiple times, no one is the wiser, says Justin Klosky, the founder of the Los Angeles–based organizational-consulting company O.C.D. Experience. A weeklong trip, he says, shouldn’t require more than six tops, one pair of pants, one pair of shorts, one dress, and three bras. “Choose staples you feel most confident in so that you’ll be less inclined to bring alternatives,” says Lesley Grosvenor, a cofounder of Clothes Up Style, a wardrobe-advising service in Los Angeles. Then, for a handy reminder about all the other stuff you’ll need, from floss to batteries, print the vacation-essentials checklist atrealsimple.com/packingchecklist.
Stick to a color scheme. “Start with two neutrals for your core basics and add two to three fun shades that coordinate,” advises Alan Krantzler, the senior vice president of brand management at Tumi, a travel brand. A dark palette hides stains and easily sails from day to night. If that feels too uptight for your jaunt to Margaritaville, try a breezy mix of white, navy, red, teal, and pale yellow. Or “plan your wardrobe around one shoe color,” says Judith Gilford, the author of The Packing Book ($15, amazon.com). You need only three pairs—sneakers, flats or sandals, and heels or wedges.
Be a lightweight. Not all clothes are worth their weight. Leave behind pieces with bulky linings or heavy embellishments. Think thin and opt for pants made of polyester-rayon or acetate-spandex. Also, stretchy jeans or jeggings can take up half the space of regular denim.
The key is to stay organized!
Real simple's Laura Sinberg's has some great tips on how to pack and stay organized. A manta I must try and follow - packing for 2 kiddies, myself and my hubby. Her first tip - PACK MENTALLY. I don't think this means pack like a mental case - although that is usually how I get everyone packed the night before.
Pack Mentality
Decide what you’re taking. And, just as important, what you’re not. These streamlining guidelines will help, whether you’re bound for a beach or a boardroom.
Follow a simple formula. Pack three tops for every bottom. Generally, pants and skirts take up more room than shirts, and when you wear them multiple times, no one is the wiser, says Justin Klosky, the founder of the Los Angeles–based organizational-consulting company O.C.D. Experience. A weeklong trip, he says, shouldn’t require more than six tops, one pair of pants, one pair of shorts, one dress, and three bras. “Choose staples you feel most confident in so that you’ll be less inclined to bring alternatives,” says Lesley Grosvenor, a cofounder of Clothes Up Style, a wardrobe-advising service in Los Angeles. Then, for a handy reminder about all the other stuff you’ll need, from floss to batteries, print the vacation-essentials checklist atrealsimple.com/packingchecklist.
Stick to a color scheme. “Start with two neutrals for your core basics and add two to three fun shades that coordinate,” advises Alan Krantzler, the senior vice president of brand management at Tumi, a travel brand. A dark palette hides stains and easily sails from day to night. If that feels too uptight for your jaunt to Margaritaville, try a breezy mix of white, navy, red, teal, and pale yellow. Or “plan your wardrobe around one shoe color,” says Judith Gilford, the author of The Packing Book ($15, amazon.com). You need only three pairs—sneakers, flats or sandals, and heels or wedges.
Be a lightweight. Not all clothes are worth their weight. Leave behind pieces with bulky linings or heavy embellishments. Think thin and opt for pants made of polyester-rayon or acetate-spandex. Also, stretchy jeans or jeggings can take up half the space of regular denim.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Don't Let Your Friends Pack with Shower Caps.
I've heard from many customers that before their Melissa Beth shoe bag they actually wrapped their shoes in shower caps when traveling. While it seems like a thrifty idea - a shoe bag is obviously a more practical, stylish and long-lasting choice. Do you think these shower-cap shoe bags make their way back to the shower once they get home?! eek.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Happy Halloween.
I love being creative! In case you don't want to show up at work tomorrow in a full costume (those bunny ears didn't impress anyone last year). Here is a cute idea for your next mani so you can still feel festive and even a bit trendy.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Wash, Dry & Repeat - Your Dirty Laundry Finally has a home
As an avid traveler there was nothing more annoying than having dirty laundry float around my suitcase. I shamefully began traveling with a plastic bag so I could throw all my dirty laundry inside.
Picture shown with our new Ooh La La Lingerie Bag and She She Shoe Bag
On my last vacation to Turks in Caicos I began to think NO MORE! The plastic laundry bag was so 'blah' and surely as a designer (with my own collection of gorgeous travel accessories) I could do better than this.
And so I was off to change the world (well at least my suitcase anyway) and makeover the travel laundry bag.
A few short months later we are ready to launch our Wash, Dry and Repeat Laundry Bag.
Check it out. Dirty Laundry here we come!
Picture shown with our new Ooh La La Lingerie Bag and She She Shoe Bag
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Before and After
As as designer I love to make everything beautiful.
Check out my wing chair and side table make overs!
Ugly Green Wingchairs - purchased on Kijiji for $50.
I LOVED the shape and thought it would look fabulous in my living room.
Making everything beautiful is what I do best :)
Check out my wing chair and side table make overs!
Ugly Green Wingchairs - purchased on Kijiji for $50.
I LOVED the shape and thought it would look fabulous in my living room.
My aunts MIL's old end tables. - great shape, but ugly ugly wood.
Tadah!
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
What's on your Desk?
My desk is usually a total mess!! Unless I am expecting visitors in which case I frantically hide everything in the cupboards. It is covered with all my VERY important things that I may need at any given second - samples, fabrics, papers, 2 laptops - you get the idea. But here is what I would love for my desk to look like. The desk is a bit small (where would i put all my papers, samples and fabrics?)
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Happy Birthday #YourNumberOne
As a mother of two little boys, I am constantly busy!! The weeks go by so fast they feel like days!
Its the little moments in life that make you stop and embrace the moment. Happy Birthday baby R!
Its the little moments in life that make you stop and embrace the moment. Happy Birthday baby R!
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Sneak Peak: New Prints this Fall
We are super excited about our new custom prints this fall.
Check out 3 of our new prints for Fall 2013.
Stay tuned for more to come soon!!!!
Check out 3 of our new prints for Fall 2013.
Stay tuned for more to come soon!!!!
Monday, May 13, 2013
Backyard Essentials
Now that the weather is nice you can have some backyard fun.
Here are some stylish essentials to help you relax this summer.
Here are some stylish essentials to help you relax this summer.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
SAMPLE SALE
Toronto fans come visit us April 25th for a SAMPLE SALE
@ the Burroughes Building 639 Queen street West.
12-830pm.
@ the Burroughes Building 639 Queen street West.
12-830pm.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Kate Domina
On a quest to find some amazing new art.
I have fallen in love with Kate Domina's work.
Love, love, love!
Torontonians - she is having a show May 2 @ Gallery 129 Ossington. Can't wait!!
Check out more @ http://katedominaart.wordpress.com/
I have fallen in love with Kate Domina's work.
Love, love, love!
Torontonians - she is having a show May 2 @ Gallery 129 Ossington. Can't wait!!
Check out more @ http://katedominaart.wordpress.com/
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
These are a few of my favorite things....
I am no stranger to beauty products. In fact some might say I am a product junkie. Here are some of current favs in my cute pink make up case. Featuring pretty pleats cosmetic case in mulberry.
Monday, April 8, 2013
April showers bring May flowers
I am sure you are expecting some rain this month.
I use the rain as an excuse so I don't have to get outside and run.
But why not dance & splash in the rain instead?! I know a handsome little 2 year old who would love to join me.
I use the rain as an excuse so I don't have to get outside and run.
But why not dance & splash in the rain instead?! I know a handsome little 2 year old who would love to join me.
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