Hunni's Introduces 31Bits Jewellery

31Bits Canopy Necklace $54
Now Available at Hunni's Urban Boutique

Have you heard of 31Bits jewellery yet? The collection, featuring colourful beads made from recycled paper, offers great style for a great cause and is now available at Hunni's Urban Boutique in Langley.

31Bits Razzle Dazzle Necklace $52
Now Available at Hunni's Urban Boutique

To find out how this company got it's start and how proceeds from the sale of 31Bits jewellery support educational programs such as English lessons, financial training, AIDs and health education for women in Uganda click here or check this video out below.

 

Earn double Karma points this holiday season by shopping local while supporting a social cause and head down to Hunni's Urban Boutique at 5 - 8590 - 200th Street, Langley, BC to check out 31Bits fall/winter collection.

xo
Melissa

Gettin' My Weekend On

This about sums up my goal for every summer weekend

The weekend is here! The weekend is here! Jam packed with pink beer (yes - pink beer), my annual closet-clean out sale, a Stella & Dot trunk show for a bevy of stylish local ladies and Jack White's solo show at Vancouver's Queen Elizabeth Theatre - let's just say I am amped to get my weekend on!

A summer thirst quencher from Granville Island Brewing

Like the not-so-old saying goes "it takes a man with big ol berries to drink pink beer". False Creek Raspberry Ale made with premium malt and hops and fresh Fraser Valley raspberries, this summa-time fave from Granville Island Brewing consistently sells out wherever it is sold. So ladies (and gents) add a pop of colour with this blush pink brew and stock your fridge with this palate pleaser. Makes a perfect pairing with a smoked chicken, walnut & blue cheese summer salad too! Num, num, num, num, num...  

If you have been living under a rock, been busy guzzling artifical lime-infused selections these last few summers or simply haven't tried this seasonal selection from Granville Island Brewing come visit me at the Langley Liquor Store (208th & Fraser Hwy) tonight (Friday May 25) from 3pm - 7pm where I will be conducting a tasting along with other GIB summer fave Robson St. Hefeweizen.




Pretty much my dream closet

My annual closet clean out SALE is happening this Saturday from 9am - 3pm. Hoping to get a lot of stylin' ladies out to shop my over 8 huge Ikea bags of merchandise from denim, to dresses to handbags and everything in between. Affectionately come to be know as the "Melissa P Closet Sale" my girlfriends and co-workers have always helped me clear out those "must-have" aka impulse buys and once-I-lose-10 lbs numbers that have (sadly) overstayed their welcome in my wardrobe. Bring your fives and ten spots ladies cause their is LOTS of new and gently worn on-trend items to be had for less than $20 bones apiece.

Finish the Look Fridays with Stella & Dot

Will be sharing style for summer with the latest jewelry & trends from Stella & Dot with Kendra and friends this Sunday. Find coral shapes, bib necklaces, chandelier earrings & more by visiting my website Stella & Dot Independent Stylist - Melissa Pettit. Freshen your look with bright colours and shapes from the new summer 2012 collection.

The uber-talented Mr. Jack White (insert me swooning here)

Rolling Stone Magazine's April 24th, 2012 review of Jack White's recent solo release, Blunderbuss, sums it up best when stating "White knows how to make women feel like stars, whether it's the ladies in his bands, the ones he sings his tortured love songs to, or the ones in the audience." I couldn't agree more with reviewer Rob Sheffield more. I would be lying if I said that all Jack's wailin' and howlin' doesn't make the ol' lady parts quivver. "I'm Shakin" is my absolute fave track off this stellar album and I can't wait to get the party in my pants goin' at the Queen E Theatre when Jack White III and his bevy of lady talent, The Peacocks, take the stage on Sunday night. Thank-you to random Craigslister Dylan and your fluorescent pink shirt & giant moustache for the tix!

Read more: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/blunderbuss-20120424#ixzz1vuWNvTSO

xo

Melissa

My First Trunk Show!

Melissa Pettit - Stella & Dot Independent Stylist Now Booking Trunk Shows in the Fraser Valley

Hosting my first Stella & Dot trunk show tonight! So excited to showcase my gorgeous samples to my girlfriends and neighbours. I am most excited about finding out what pieces appeal to them - so I plan to conduct a little informal market research by way of a customer wish list...see here for an example of my handy-dandy marketing skills...

What jewels will make up the four most popular styles at my trunk show?

By asking the women which 4 items at the trunk show they would LOVE to get for half-price (one of the many perks of hosting a Stella & Dot Trunk Show btw) I hope to uncover which jewels make their hearts jump (and will make their credit cards come out of winter hibernation).

Assorted Lindsay & Eleanor Enamel Bangles - Stella & Dot Summer 2012

As a post-secondary Marketing Communications student currently attending British Columbia Institute of Technology, I am hoping utlize some of my "savvy" market research skills to help build a stellar sample line-up targeting women ages 25-55 with incomes they happily like to dispose of on fun, fashion-forward accessories (all while spending time with their girlfriends shopping from home and catching up on a glass of vino or two).

If this sounds like a fab time to you  (if you read this blog then I know it does) please don't hesitate to leave a comment or find me on facebook (Fraser Valley Style) for more information on hosting a trunk show or Stella & Dot business opportunities.

xo
Melissa

Tracking Tools - Shine Jewels

Use tracking tools to analyse a company of your choice, that aligns with your blog's focus.

 

Shop Local at Shine Jewels 9234 Glover Road in  Fort Langley, BC

  
Shine Jewels, located along Fort Langley's popular retail stroll, opened their doors in late 2011. With the motto "Every girl needs to Shine and Sparkle",  Shine stocks a wide-assortment of unique and glamorous fashion accessories priced at $40 or less.

From Bedford (Landing) wives to frugal Fraser Valley fashionista's, facebook friends are flocking to "Shine Jewels" facebook page to check out shots of new inventory, participate in monthly contests, be the first to learn about special in-store purchase incentives, simply profess their adoration for collection and often sharing a word of thanks after a positive shopping experience. It is interesting to note that at this time, Shine Jewels is operating facebook as a person, not as a business. So rather than acquire "fans" - friend requests must be sent to follow and subscribe to Shine's activity. Shine has made the switch to the recently launched facebook Timeline format.

Facebook
761 friends








Facebook is the main social media platform that Shine Jewels use. They do a great job of keeping content fresh and up-to-date, responding to comments quickly and share content with facebook friends and subscribers. Shine seems to do a lot of cross-promotions with neighbouring Fort Langley businesses and seems to be actively engaged in the "shop local" movement. Most importantly, Shine makes a daily effort to connect with friends through personal comments, like, shares and re-posts of user-generated content.

Shine Jewels is also a member of social media community Pinterest. They have integrated their Pinterest account with the existing "Shine Jewels" facebook account, with facebook friends and visitors able to view the boutiques recent Pinterest activity.

Pinterest
12 boards
156 pins
10 likes
54 followers
154 following





Shine Jewels Pinterest boards  reflect the "spirit" of Shine Jewels brand, along with themes of modern and vintage design in both accessories and home decor. Participation in the Pinterest community is a fun and engaging way to spread the Shine Jewels brand message. Shine used the Pinterest app on facebook to share recent pin-board content and activity with facebook friends / subscribers.

On February 12, 2012 Social Times reported the following social media activity takes place every 60-seconds:

1090 Pinterest Visitors

7610 LinkedIn Searches

7630 Stumbles

2 million Youtube video views

As facebook friends increase, more followers are acquired on Pinterest or they join an online community such as twitter - I would suggest Shine Jewels use a free social media monitoring tool such as Hootsuite to update multiple social media platforms (twitter, facebook) from a computer or mobile device. The free version lets users work with up to five social networks and two RSS feeds but is limited to one user for your organization’s account; it stores stat history for 30 days and is ad supported.

xo
Melissa

My Make-Up Bag: Top 10 Can't Live Without Items

Create a top-ten list on your blog of a topic of your choosing (as long as it’s consistent with the focus of your blog). You are welcome to include images or video, and it can be fun or informative.

Here is my top 10 beauty-on-the-go must have items that I haul around in my signature over-size handbags 24/7. You will never find me standed on a deserted island without 'em!






Sugarbomb Face Powder - Benefit $28 USD (available at Sephora.com)

These four unique shades of rose, shimmering pink, soft plum, and peach blend together perfectly for a delicious "sugar rush flush". I like to pair this face powder with one of my fave facial illuminators... 

Super Orgasm Face Illuminator - NARS $30 (available at Sephora.com)

A multifunctional face product that gives skin a refreshed luminosity. Use as a highligher to achieve a soft, shimmery glow and or mix with liquid foundation to brighten a dull complexion.

Pink Sugar Rollerball - Aquolina $20 USD (available at Sephora.com)

Stylish and lively, with a distinctive personality, Pink Sugar takes you on a journey through the pleasures and flavors of childhood with a playful blend of vanilla and caramel. I adore the convenience of rollerball perfume! I wish I could score more of my favorite scents in a purse & travel friendly roll-ons.



Cremesheen Lipstick in Fanfare - MAC Cosmetics $14.50 USD (available at MAC boutiques, counters or online) 

Colour plus texture for the lips. Stands out on the runway. Simmers on the street! What made M·A·C famous. This mid-tone yellow pink is great neutral for my olive complexion, looks fabulous with a layer of shimmery gloss over-top.   

Le Gloss Star Lip Shine in Électrique - Annabelle Cosmetics ($8.99 CAD available at Shoppers Drug Mart)


Pure lustrous shine! Annabelle's Le Gloss caresses your lips with a smooth and brilliant shine! Translucent, sparkly and non-sticky, it feels natural, as if you weren’t wearing any. Its perfectly designed tube lets you use every last drop!

  

Le BIG Show Mascara in Black - Annabelle Cosmetics ($9.99 CAD available at Shoppers Drug Mart)

Want lashes that will turn heads? Bat your way to glamour land with the new Le Big Show mascara. The wand does it all: mega volume from the first stroke. Each lash is separated without clumps to give you seemingly endless length. Why fake what you already have? The secret: buildable formula and nylon bristles to coat each and every lash! Smooth and flake-free, the unique formula beautifies your lashes without smudging or running.

Smudgeliner in Wired - Annabelle Cosmetics ($8.99 CAD available at Shoppers Drug Mart)

 With their superior long-lasting formula and rich colour pay-off, Annabelle Smudgeliners are a must-have to add depth to any look! Let them glide to create a defined line, or blend gently with the built-in smudger tip to achieve a smoky, sultry look.

 

Eye Studio Color Plush Silk Eyeshadow in Copper Chic - Maybelline ($12.99 CAD available at Shoppers Drug Mart)

Rich color. Smooth feel. Now silk makes shadow new again. Exclusive formula with silk pigments creates the ultimate shadow texture and luminosity. Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, ophthalmologist-tested. This a great shadow quad and gives intensely rich colour when applied wet.
  

Express Finish 50-Second Nail Color in Grape Times ($5.99 CAD available at Wal-Mart)


 My favorite brand of quick-dry nail color. Brush provides liberal coverage and sets in 50 seconds. Express Finish comes in 20 fresh shades (my favorite being "Blushing Bride" a perfect blush tone) and features ADVANCED WEAR® anti-chip color and EXCLUSIVE CONTROL-FLOW™ BRUSH. 



Pigment in Tan - MAC Cosmetics ($20 USD available at MAC boutiques, counters or online)

Pigment is a highly concentrated loose colour powder that contains ingredients to help it adhere to the skin. Create a subtle wash of colour or an intense effect. Does not streak or cake. Easy to blend and long-lasting.

xo
Melissa

Facebook Fan Page Recommendations - Cashmere & Cupcakes Consignment Boutique

Find a Facebook Fan Page for an organization that is related to your blog’s focus. Analyze it. For instance, what are they doing well? What are they not doing well? Provide some recommendations for how they could improve their execution.

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Featuring a carefully edited selection of stylish high-end women’s apparel, shoes, handbags, jewelry, watches, and sunglasses, Cashmere and Cupcakes has recently taken over the large, white heritage home at historic 5 Corners in Murrayville. The boutique opened in November 2011, offering savvy style seekers an opportunity to score current and on-trend designer fashions for less. Cashmere & Cupcakes began to build brand-awareness by joining facebook on September 19, 2011. A twitter and tumblr account soon followed.

Owners Tracy & Courtney Hunter offer Fraser Valley fashionista's an opportunity to stock the boutique (by becoming a consignee) and/or shop new and gently-loved items from labels such as Prada, Chanel, Burberry, Yves Saint Laurenet, Bally, Phillip Lim, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Mackage and Marc Jacobs. Casual names such as J.Crew, DKNY, Banana Republic, Zara and Michael Kors can also be found filling Cashmere & Cupcakes at attractive re-sale prices. 

 

Cashmere & Cupcakes uses popular mobile photo-sharing app, Intragram, to capture and post photo's of new inventory items to their facebook page, twitter, and tumblr accounts on a daily basis. By posting pictures of items from highly-coveted designers, Cashmere & Cupcakes  are slowly, but successfully, growing an eager fan base of social media subscribers (over 330 twitter followers, 80 facebook page likes and 13 Instagram followers),  hungry to score the latest designer deals.

Located inside a beautiful heritage home in the heart of Langley's Murrayville community, shoppers can expect a warm & inviting experience. Cashmere & Cupcakes  theme of casual luxury is conveyed through photo's of the boutique's white-washed walls, plush furnishings, baroque mirrors and glistening chandeliers posted on their various social media pages, such as Instragram (which they recently joined on February 20, 2012).

With 30 Instagram photos posted to-date, this app allows Cashmere & Cupcakes to take a mobile photo, apply a digital filter to create distinctive features and a square shape (see above), in homage to both the Kodak Instamatic and Poloroid cameras. The finished product is just another way to share the Cashmere & Cupcakes essence of casual luxury with their fans and followers. As Instagram grows in popularity, I believe more of the Fraser Valley's most fashionable women will follow Cashmere & Cupcakes en mass.

For having been operational for less than 6 months, the owners of Cashmere & Cupcakes have demonstrated the ability to use social media to attract quality followers. These followers pose questions, reply to tweets, comment and share the boutiques posts and photo's.

I would recommend that Cashmere & Cupcakes covert in-store customers to social media fans / followers by advocating the benefits of becoming a social media follower / fan such as:

• Exposure to new and/or seasonal arrivals
• Highly-anticipated incoming inventory
• In-store promotions and/or special events

The use of the in-store iPad (at the cashiers desk) would be an excellent way to show customers that the boutique is worth following. Incentives such as gift certificates, would be a great way to encourage existing fans and followers to share Cashmere & Cupcakes brand message with their own followers / fans.  

As the business grows, I would recommend the addition of a facebook landing page, which is essentially a mini website within Facebook. A landing page designed to capture the spirit and essence of the boutique (in script, imagery, colour) could be used to promote deals, call attention to new products, or simply welcome visitors. Page viewers would see this instead of the page’s wall or feed.  

xo
Melissa

♥ On for the Stella & Dot Spring 2012 Collection

My fashion forcast went from dismal rain to sunny skies the second I discovered that my Vancouver-based Stella & Dot Star Stylist, Anita Groundwater, mailed me a copy of the new Spring 2012 Stella & Dot catalogue. Sharpie marker in hand, I eagerly began sifting and circling my through 100 glossy pages featuring the latest in destination-inspired jewellery. 

For those not are familiar with Stella & Dot, the company was founded in 2008  by San Francisco’s Jessica Herrin whose vision for the company was built on the foundation of entrepreneurial spirit and a genuine desire to make women feel happy, and empowered. The success of the Stella & Dot brand is discussed here Sequoia Invests $37 Million in Direct Sales Jewelry Start-Up Stella & Dot – Tricia Duryee - Commerce – AllThingsD . Check out more articles like this on Digg!

Now back to the bling…
Some of my fave trends from this collection include a bold bib necklace in cobalt blue leather and gold-tone stud accents, exotic arm candy featuring bracelets in coral, ivory and turquoise enamel, dazzling jade gemstone earrings and glorious statement necklaces such as the Serenity Necklace seen in the February 2012 issue of People Style Watch.



Serenity Necklace - Stella & Dot ($208.00 CAD)

Reality tv stars also have a serious ♥ on....
The Serenity Necklace, along other highly covetable items from the Stella & Dot spring collection, were recently featured on Emily Maynard, star of the upcoming eighth season of The Bachelorette.


Emily Maynard (center) sporting the Serenity Necklace by  Stella & Dot

Here's a sneak peak at the next Bachelorette, Emily Maynard. Six new totally chic pieces from the highly covetable spring collection can be spotted during this video.

Fans of Bravo’s Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (RHBH) saw the girls sportin’ a few pieces from the Stella & Dot collection throughout Season 2. Check out these jade beauties on Camille Grammer…

                                               Serenity Stone Drops ($54.00 CAD) - Stella & Dot

Fraser Valley & Van City girls, contact Stella & Dot Star Stylist, Anita Groundwater to shop these stunning pieces and more or host your own Stella & Dot trunk show. 


xo
Melissa

My Blog Personality: Fa-Blog-ulous



My fun & colourful closet ...a reflection of my blog personalty



After taking a much needed brain break from my studies and  procuring design inspiration for my freshly-painted and newly carpeted townhome on Pinterest, I dedicated some time to source a description that would best describe my social media personality. In effort to keep the content of this blog genuine, I will not try to create a trend-setting blog personality. As a self-described “style interpreter”, content and information shared in this blog will be presented in an interesting and appealing fashion in effort to reach the 18-45 year old Fraser Valley fashion, beauty, home decor and lifestyle enthusiast. For the sake of this BCIT Social Media Marketing project, my blog personality will unfold and reveal itself much like the contents of my suitcase on my annual Vegas vacay – a bold, colourful, sparkling mix short on comfort and long on style.

After checking out some lovingly re-purposed wood furniture one of my favorite local bloggers at 4 the Love of WOOD  http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/, I came across an interesting article entitled "The Seven Personality Types on Social Media" posted on Social Media Today’s website and have come to the conclusion my social media personality would best be described as:

The All-Rounder

These are one of my favorite social media personalities to be around. Smart, sharp, intuitive, sassy and direct. They observe, add value, and are nice people all-round. They give, share, contribute, and clearly love to be in the middle of the positive social conversations. These types are also excellent networkers offline, too, so find them, nurture them and stick with the winners.

I would also agree that the author and creator of 4 the love of WOOD represents many traits of The All-Rounder social media personality.  Passionate about her love for antique, vintage and re-purposed furniture, Kristy shares her thoughts on her latest designs and provides colorful, informative and insightful commentary throughout her posts. Readers are engaged through her enthusiasm for her projects and willingness to shares “how-to” tips and tutorials illustrating her efforts to create her gorgeous re-purposed furniture.


The Sponge, The Drain, The Guru, The All-Rounder, The Chameleon, The Observer,The Maverick - find out more about  your social media super-hero personality here http://socialmediatoday.com/chrisstreet/381801/seven-personality-types-social-media


xo
Melissa

Transparency - Solid v.s. Clear

I don’t get it? What is the big deal lately as to whether or not businesses, agencies or government should  be prepared to offer the public full-disclosure or “transparency”? I expect the majority that is so quick to demand transparency from these organizations consist of individuals who are motivated by specific political or social agendas or have ties to special interest groups. Believe me when I tell you when it comes to the issue of transparency – the only thing that might keep me up at night is whether or not my new Secret Scent Expressions Invisible Solid in Cocoa Butter Kiss deodorant lives to its claims to leave no unsightly marks behind on my black silk blouse.

For the sake of this week's Social Media Marketing assignment let’s just say the above mentioned favourite product of mine fails to live up to its $4.29 price tag. As a result, I have to incur the expense and inconvenience to take my blouse to the dry cleaners. Am I going to be so incensed that I will be rush to social media, take to  blogs or feel inclined to tell 10 people (who will tell 10 people) that “My deodorant doesn’t live up to the advertised benefit a solid leaving no residue behind”. No I will not.

In the case of private companies who are in the business of marketing goods and services to consumers - the transition to transparency needs to be carefully executed. A full understanding the responsibilities, risks and excellent public relations is needed. Social media, while a valuable two-way communication tool between companies and their public, is also an easily accessible platform in which to air petty consumer grievances. In the case of my Secret Scent Expressions Invisible Solid deodorant, should I have any product concerns,  I would not take to the company's social media sites to air my dirty laundry.

It is not worth my time or energy to spend countless hours  posting, tweeting, blogging and ranting about about my armpits waging war on my silk-chiffon tops.  I suppose if I didn't have a life, a family to take care of, a job to do, school to attend or paint to watch dry I could make time to post a complaint comment expressing my displeasure with my own choice to purchase a solid pit stick over a clear pit stick. After finding a way to somehow blame the company for my inability to read a simple label- I would check my various social media feeds to find out if I have been if my comment has made the top feed, been shared or re-tweeted. I would be monitoring this incessantly while I wait 24 to 48 hours for the company to address my complaint concern.  I would also be anxiously checking my in-box for a coupon valued at $2.00 off my next purchase (with mail-in rebate) from this company.  

To what degree do the makers of Secret owe their public (aka me) transparency? Should they risk competitive intelligence, set themselves up for potential future losses by disclosing proprietary information, such as the formulation of their Invisible Solid deodorant, so no other silk blouses will have to suffer the indignation of being forced to return home from the dry cleaners pinned to a unsightly wire hanger? Should Secret issue a public statement expressing their sincere regret to the users of Secret Scent Expressions Invisible Solid who may have suffered humiliation and pain associated with small white marks associated to using a white, smooth yet chalky substance in an area that is as likely to come into contact with a dark colour top as it is a light colour one? Is Secret wilfully trying to alienate those customers who choose to wear all black because “it’s more slimming”? Oh yes - I can see the headlines now reading “Makers of Secret Deodorant Discriminate Against The Pleasantly Plump".

Should Secret just decline to comment on the matter? No they should not. A reasonable response to the issue would be to address the failure for the product to live up to its claims - taking action by immediately reducing the distribution of Secret Scent Expressions Invisible Solid in Cocoa Butter Kiss. Secret should then re-focus their efforts on developing an integrated marketing campaign targeting little black blouses everywhere for Secret Cocoa Butter Kiss Clear Gel. Oh wait –  the clear gel formulation is already on the market! The to the moral of this story: I failed a to follow a reasonable degree of good ol’ caveat emptor on my recent trip to the drug store. Guess I owe my wardrobe an apology for any inconveniences I may have caused.

xo Melissa

PS - I really, really do love Secret Scent Expressions Invisible Solid in Cocoa Butter Kiss! Click this link for more fab products from Secret! http://www.secret.com/scented-deodorant.aspx

Secret Scent Expressions Invisible Solid & Body Splash in Cocoa Butter Kiss

Stylin' with Randy Fenoli of TLC's Say Yes to the Dress

I have begun rehearsing my most sophisticated "ooohs" and "ahhhs" in anticipation for the upcoming Style & Strut event taking place this Sunday, January 22 at The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver. Billed as this year's premier bridal fashion event, I look forward to style-scoping and hob-knobbing (aka literally bumping into) a crowd of chic bridez(illas) and their entourages comprised of a mix of loyal (aka patient)  MOH's (Maid of Honors - that's me), BM's (Bridesmaids) MOTB's (Mother-of-the-Brides), MIL's (Mother-in-Laws) and assorted GBF's (Gay Best Friends).  I will be attending with a VSBTB (Very Special Bride-To-Be), my good friend Kathryn, who will be saying "I Do" this summer in an intimate ceremony & reception Vancouver's historic (aka posh and proper) Hycroft Manor.

With an emphasis on designs for modern and elegant bride, Style & Strut's fashion show will  feature bridal wear from Bisou Bridal (Vancouver) and Isabella's Bridal (North Vancouver) showcasing gowns by Oscar de la Renta, Monique Lhuillier, Lillen and Lazaro along with Jim Helm, Jim Helm Blush and Canadian label Paloma Blanca respectfully. A self-proclaimed "Lazaro girl" -  I anticipate models flaunting down the runway in sexy fit & flare, figure-flattering mermaid and timeless princess sihouettes featuring luxurious embellishments,  rows of glorious ruffles and  endless layers  of soft tulle.

The VSBTB (Kathryn) and I  look foward to the opportunities to interact with vendors, try on  glamorous accessories, browse lavish decor, marvel at  an array of stunning floral arrangements all while noshing on fine Hors D’oeuvres and sippin' sweet sparkling wine. Most importantly (I can speak for Kathryn here since we have been friends for over 15 years) we can't wait to attend a special VIP presentation by Randy Fenoli, Fashion Director at Kleinfeld and Star of TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress.

A fan of the show since it's launch in 2007, I have look forward to experiencing the  weekly does of wit, charm, style (and sass) Randy brings to the show - in-person! His genuine desire to help make brides look and feel their most beautiful, Randy's appearance at Style and Strut is something I can't wait to experience!

Memo to the VSBTB - be prepared for a marathon of season 7 of SYTTD (Say Yes to the Dress) prior to event. Why? Because I'm the MOH that's why.

xo Melissa



“Educate, Elevate & Empower the bride to help her be the best she can be and choose the most important dress of her life.”

~Randy Fenoli

(

Randy Fenoli, Fashion Director at Kleinfeld and Star of TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress



Ready to Get My Yoga On

Lock your knees! Point Your Toes! Lock Your Knees! Lock Your Knees! These words have been running rampant through my mind this week as I began week one of my "non-official" Bikram 30-Day Challenge That's right 3 classes down...and 27 more to go. Unlike the "official" Bikram Challenge (which involves sweating through a Bikram session every day for a month) my goal, simply put, is to attend 30 classes so I too can reap the benefits of the healthy spine healthy life Bikram mantra and...

 SHED THE LBS SO I CAN FIT INTO MY LBD'S

Bikram purportedly provides a great cardiovascular workout. As much as I enjoy pushing myself further than I ever thought possible while in Ardha-Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose), as a full-time student I don't have the extra 2,700 minutes a month right now to subscribe to Bikram Choudhury's daily 90 minute sweat-fest. This type of commitment would require me to give up not only my studies but also 2,700 minutes that would likely be devoted to catching up a Molotov-cocktail of quality reality programming such as Slice's Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,  TLC's Say Yes to the Dress (NY & ATL y'all) and the usual Monday night trainwreck of ABC's The Bachelor.

Let me be honest...sometimes I need a day or two between all this touching my forehead to my knee business as it takes me awhile to get the:

a) memory

b) sting

c) taste

d) all of the above

of my own sweat out of my nose, eyes and mouth ok?

If this was a pop quiz and you answered d) then you and I have more than just an interest in fashion, beauty and home decor in common.  It is possible you too  may have woken up one morning with some mighty tender boobies wondering if perhaps this might be the tell-tale sign of a (likely unplanned) pregnancy? Snap out of it girl! You soon realize the need to ice your chest comes as a result of the particularly intense effort you gave mounting your elbows in Locust pose during the previous night's Bikram class.

Week 2 of my commitment to begins tomorrow. Working my coccyx to my spine in over 104 degree heat with up to 50 short-short sportin' men and gals of all shapes and sizes clad in dizzying arrays of psychedelic-print Lycra is going to be part of my gettin' my groove and my butt back in my Guess jeans in 2012.

 
Big ups to Bikram Langley owner Candice Lim-Hing and the fun, friendly and flexible staffers who help encourage legions of us Langley-ites (and soon 'Ridge-dwellers) that we can do anything for 10-seconds. It's not called yoga perfect..it's called yoga practice.

Want to take the deepest breath of your life? Try classes for free at the Grand Opening of Bikram Yoga Maple Ridge taking place on Saturday January 28th. See below for more details on this exciting event!

NAMASTE

One Jacked-Up Beauty Junkie

 

Almost time to stock up on my benefit favourites from my local Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutique. So much love for benefit cosmetics...the amazing quality, sassy packaging and cheeky product names keep me coming back for more each season. In the words of one savvy southern-belle beauty insider..."BADgal Lash Mascara will JACK YOUR LASHES UP TO JESUS". The good Lord may have endowed me in some places - sadly my eyelashes aren't one of them. While not a Holy Roller by any definition...I parted with $26.00 CAD and put my faith in benefit's best-selling fluffy carbon-black coated bristles and prayed for a lash-miracle to occur!

Is it true you ask? Do I feel a little closer to the man upstairs with each stroke of the silver-tipped wand? Well despite the claims of getting closer to God - the only thing my lashes get closer  to are my eyebrows. And this ladies...is a worth a rousing Hallelujah!

Does anyone else have any divine beauty interventions they wish to share? Feel free to spread the beauty gospel below.

xo Melissa

Source: shoppersdrugmart.ca via Melissa on Pinterest