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!

Get a $10 coupon at MelissaBeth.com

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Design Inspiration + Ice Cream

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/

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!!

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!

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!)

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 :)

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.

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.

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.

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!!

ipad versus the netbook

source: cnnmoney.com

Apple's iPad vs. the netbooks

Posted by Philip Elmer-DeWitt

February 1, 2010 11:26 AM

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

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 Read more click link (INSTYLE's BEST DRESSED AT THE GRAMMYS)

To see Gaga live check out the video below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7CrIvrikFU

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.

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.

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!

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.

CES 2010: Lenovo steals the show

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.

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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