Travel Pic of the Day

Here is one of my own travel pics for the pic of the day.

These are my two munchkins @Sapadilla Bay in Turks and Caicos.

Travel Pic of the Day

CNN's travel picture of the day is quite amazing.  Although you may not be rushing there immediately yourself if you've had enough of winter...

Along the shores of Lake Superior in Lusten, Minnesota, this is a picture of frozen ice.  It crackles as the frozen waves cracks on the shores.  I am not sure I would pack up bags and trek there myself right now.   I am dreaming of a warmer place where I can pull my flip flops out of my cute shoe bags and show off my pedicure.

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.

Sin título #934 by solespejismo featuring burberries

Loving Gold

I am loving little gold details in everything I see this spring and Tory Burch is definitely speaking to me this season.  Tory Burch bracelets and printed reva ballet flats are on my must have accessory list.
And wouldn't these flats would fit so nicely into my Melissa Beth shoe bags :)

Definitely inspired by the gold hardware...

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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/

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.

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"."

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.

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

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.

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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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..

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.