Dear Ella

2010-09-05T11:35:00.000-07:00

With school starting on Wednesday, I won't have much time to post on this blog D:

BUT, I will be posting on my tumblr! It's much less time consuming.

So... If you want, go follow me! ;) I promise I'll follow you back. Or if you'd like, go ahead and add me on facebook! ♥

Tumblr

Facebook
& let's not forget about my Etsy shop ;)

2010-09-02T21:15:00.000-07:00

Follow My Tumblr ;D

Just click right above! ^

"The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."

2010-08-30T20:47:00.000-07:00

I want to travel the world. First stop, Paris, for obvious reasons. I want to people watch while sitting outside a quaint little Parisian cafe, be inspired by the art and architecture, and shop.

This girl, Louise was featured in Teen Vogue and she lives in Paris. I found these photos on her lookbook and I love all of her looks. I feel like she epitomizes Parisian style.

xx, Melissa

The weather is here, wish you were beautiful.

2010-08-15T16:36:00.000-07:00

Sweater-Forever 21; Shorts-I don't remember

Hello from Ocean City. (: My mom, sister, cousins, aunts, uncle, and I are staying at my great aunt's town house by the beach. It's a very full house. My uncle and cousin just made us burgers and hot dogs, but had to throw away half of the hot dogs when they fell into something that my cousin identified as rabbit poo. Hehe, anyways now I'm relaxing outside on the balcony by myself. The weather is so beautiful!

Here are some more pictures that I took;

My cousins Sara and Rafi, fishing.

The waves at the beach were really big.

Sara, boogie boarding (:

The dock.

Bait D:

Rana, fishing.

My sister, Amanda and I.

xx, Melissa

August 5, 2010

2010-08-05T15:16:00.000-07:00

Hellooo (: Today, I was published in a local newspaper ;D Yay! The story was about myself and my Etsy shop.

xx, Melissa

"She wore that dress like it was a Saturday,"

2010-07-25T18:33:00.000-07:00

Vest: Charlotte Russe; Dress:H & M? I can't really remember; Sandals: Wildpair; Sunglasses: Heritage

On Saturday I went to my grandparents' house for my granddad's 70th birthday(: My sister and my cousins and I decided to go for a walk to a nearby park and my sister took these pictures of me. This vest was originally a long sleeve, cropped jacket but I couldn't find anything to wear it with, so I cut the sleeves off. I also found a piece of scrap cloth trimming in my mom's jewelry box and tied it to my wrist.

That's about it for today..♥

xx, Melissa

July 23, 2010

2010-07-23T17:31:00.000-07:00

Top: Old Navy; Skirt: Forever 21; Necklace: Forever 21; Flats:Target

I love this skirt. I originally bought it for an English project. We had to teach our class dance steps from the 1920s so we all dressed the part. This skirt was the most 20s-ish thing I could find.

There's a big storm coming so although I took these photos a while ago, I thought it'd be appropriate to post them tonight. The rain on the windshield of my mom's car made everything outside look like a watercolor painting.

With the massive amount of wind and rain we are supposed to be getting, I'm spending the night at home. I'm also pretty tired too, from my busy week. Today was my last day at LIM :( I had two totally different experiences the two weeks that I was there and I absolutely loved it. Today I went early and watched the fashion show that the Fashion Show Production class put on. I really want to take that class. Watching the show made me realize how much I really love fashion and how badly I wish to be a part of this industry.

These are projects I completed during my Visual Display and Merchandising class. I also started a fashion journal and made a shadow box.

I think I'm going to try to get some sewing done tonight...

xx, Melissa

Oh, Versace ♥

2010-07-22T20:11:00.000-07:00

I love Versace's 5th Avenue window display. They've managed to do neon without looking tacky. The store, overall, is gorgeous.

xx, Melissa

heythere.

2010-07-18T12:06:00.000-07:00

Top: Garage

Shorts: I can't remember...

Scarf: Forever 21

Sandals: Aldo

I deleted all the good/not blurry photos of this outfit by accident D: But..I decided to post it anyway. My dog Brownie was lurking around while I was taking these pictures, Hehe (:

The top is my sister's and you probably can't tell from these pictures but it has really pretty embroidery at the top.

Anyways tomorrow is the first day of my second class at LIM, Visual Display and Merchandising. My friend is also taking a class this week so I won't have to commute alone (:

xx, Melissa

Overdue Outfit Post

2010-07-14T17:28:00.000-07:00

Cami:Aeropostale

Skirt: H + M

Sandals: Wildpair

Hi! Sorry about the poor quality pictures. I'm not good at planning ahead. I normally end up taking a few quick pictures at night when I get home when doing an outfit post crosses my mind. I wore this outfit to my friend, Kristen's graduation party about a week and a half ago but I haven't gotten a chance to post it :x I've been in Wildwood for a dance competition and then on Monday I started my classes at LIM! :) I'm taking a class called Fashion Magazines and I really like it. I'm making my own magazine. It's called Sweet Pea and it is a young girl's first fashion magazine. I'm excited to see how it comes out. Taking this class makes me realize that I really like this part of the Fashion industry because I love writing and all other creative aspects that go into making a magazine. I can definitely see myself working at a fashion magazine when I'm older.

LIM is really nice too! FIT may be a school that is just as good, if not better but it's not as nice as LIM. LIM is just has more appealing surroundings and it's a private school as opposed to FIT, which is public.

xx, Melissa

"Who doesn't long for someone to hold, who knows how to love you without being told..."

2010-06-29T20:57:00.000-07:00

Today was such a strange day. Good night.

What I wore to my cousin's graduation party.

2010-06-27T12:09:00.000-07:00

Top & Shorts: Alloy

Sports Bra: Forever 21

Ring: Forever 21

xx, Melissa

"It would be so nice if something made sense for a change." -Alice in Wonderland

2010-06-25T19:29:00.000-07:00

Heythere; Had a lot on my mind today so I relaxed by my pool & went shopping..

Sunglasses: Heritage..$5.80

Rings: Forever 21..$5.80 + $4.80

What do you think about my new sunglasses? It's usually really hard for me to find a pair I like. 8 )

xx, Melissa

My Guilty Pleasure

2010-06-23T08:49:00.000-07:00

Good morning (:

So, I have to admit that I love Pretty Little Liars. I've read the books and now I've been watching the series every Tuesday. Of course the books are better but I've downloaded quite a few songs that I heard on the show.

jack and jill by Kim Richey

More Kim Richey music on iLike

These are the only two songs I could find to post. I LOVE the lyrics to Jack and Jill.

Here are the titles of some more songs if you're interested.

More of You- MoZella
Hurry up and Choose- MoZella [This one wasn't on the show but I found it while looking for "More of You"]
Fresh Pair of Eyes- Brooke Wagoner

There's some more but you can find those on Abcfamily.com

Just type in Pretty Little Liars Music in the search box.

This is a random post but maybe I'll do an outfit post later.. <3

xx, Melissa

Remember Me?

2010-06-19T15:59:00.000-07:00

Hi (: I finally got to updating my blog. I think it's been long enough... Hehe

Here is one of the things that's kept me from posting:

This was my project for F.I.T. & it took me quite a long time to fill it up but it feels good to have finished it!

And here's my outfit for today ♥

Top: Forever 21

Shorts: Garage

Necklace: Forever 21

xx, Melissa

C'est la vie

2010-05-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I wish I could go to Paris...

xx, Melissa

T.G.I.F.

2010-05-07T10:53:00.000-07:00

Considering I wore this outfit and took these pictures almost two weeks ago, I thought maybe I should post them ;D

I took my A.P. U.S. History Exam today. I'm so happy it's over! Unfortunately, though, this means I have to start studying for the S.A.T. -_-

xx, Melissa

2010-04-30T17:53:00.000-07:00

Yay! I just registered for LIM's summer workshops. It looks like they have amazing classes so any highschool student who lives in the New York area, or who is willing to pay to board there for a week, you should register and let me know! I'm taking two classes; Magazines(the first week morning class) and Visual Display & Merchandising(the second week afternoon class).

xx, Melissa

So after a long hiatus, I come back to find..

2010-04-23T15:38:00.000-07:00

That I've reached 100 followers! Yay ;D Thankyou all so much for following me! And as for me not posting or responding to comments, Sorry! I'm just SOO busy lately with school, F.I.T., dance, and my Uncle's wedding and whatnot. I don't think I'll be posting much from now until the end of May, considering I have almost no breaks from school and an A.P. test coming up D:

Anyway, here are some pictures from my Uncle's Wedding:

My dress is from Forever 21 and my hot pink pumps(not shown) are from Charlotte Russe.

The flower girl (:

The ring bearer ;D He danced the entire night.

And from my dance competition:

Blurry, but this was my solo. I danced to the song, The Voice Within, by Christina Aguilera. I won a special award for Courage because the floors were so slippery! & I was wearing pointe shoes.

We're supposed to be dolls ;D This dance is to the song, Wind it Up, by Gwen Stefani.

We won a special award for this dance (: The song is called Run For Life and it's about defeating breast cancer.

I'm going to try to respond to all your comments soon!

xx, Melissa

2010-04-06T14:42:00.000-07:00

I'm in love with this picture.

xx, Melissa

Busy Weekend!

2010-04-05T19:42:00.000-07:00

Heythere ;D So, I've had a busy weekend. Here's pictures from my trip to the city on Saturday:

This entire sculpture is made out of pages from magazines. I love it ;D

I love spring blossoms!

Okay, so I had no idea this was a real place until about a month ago.

There was giant pillow fight in Union Square! Tiffany and I wished we had brought pillows..

We went to Forever 21 and I bought a few things. I feel like its the only store I shop in anymore. It's just so cheap & cute!

The floral top was somewhat of an impulse buy. I mean I waited on the super long line for the fitting room and tried it on but I knew as soon as I picked it up, that I was buying it. It's actually a size large, and I'm usually a small but it fits because the straps are adjustable and i like how it looks big and flowy. I tried on the romper in a small but since I'm pretty long, I got a medium instead. I'm thinking about exchanging it for a large, since I'm tall..

The peacock feather clips are for my fashion journal. Haha, I don't think I will be wearing them in my hair.

I hope you all had a great Easter! The weather was perfect here! I would put my pictures up but there are so many! If for some strange reason you really want to see them, or if you just want to become my friend on facebook ;D Add me..

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1387039627

Here's what the Easter Bunny brought me, Haha (:

The sunglasses, tank top, and necklace are from, none other than, Forever 21. I think the mini lint roller is so adorable, Hehe :) & my sister and I are going to get our nails done with our gift certificates for our Uncle's wedding this Saturday. I love weddings!

Now, I'm going to go eat the entirely too much chocolate that is in my house right now. Bye!

xx, Melissa

Rope Bracelets Giveaway!

2010-04-04T18:16:00.000-07:00

Check out this amazing giveaway on Junghwa by Amy Stewart!

Happy Easter! I'll post more tomorrow <3

xx, Melissa

April Winner

2010-04-03T06:12:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Gizelle, from Vanilla Ice Cream! Make sure you check out her blog <3

xx, Melissa

P.S. I'm looking for a good book to read. Any suggestions?

Happy Friday ♥ + 50th Post

2010-04-02T15:07:00.000-07:00

Hi! (: New Etsy Listings:

Don't forget to check out my Etsy shop! The link is on the side & 10 % of the proceeds go towards the Have a Heart Children's Cancer Society!

& For my outfit of the day, I went to my dance teacher's house for lunch with some girls from dance. Two of them graduated already and one of them doesn't dance anymore because of school and lacrosse. It was fun (: We painted Easter eggs, Haha & ate.. A lot.

I'm wearing: Top cinched at the waist-Forever 21; Striped tank-Forever 21; Teal Tank-Kohl's; Ripped Jeans-Delia's; Cotton Mary Janes-Urban Outfitters

(Sorry about the yellowish tint on some of them. Haha, we were playing around with the accent effect on my camera)

I don't have my F.I.T. class tomorrow but I'm going to the city anyway with Tiffany(She's the tan one in the last picture :)) & I'm craving Mizu! I haven't been there in ages. They have amazing fried ice cream. I hope we go there tomorrow night..

Haha, this is a pretty random 50th post. ;D

xx, Melissa

[Amateur] Photography. ♥

2010-03-31T17:52:00.000-07:00

Now, It's Official.

2010-03-30T09:21:00.000-07:00

Wahoo, I got my business cards! A while ago actually, but I forgot to post about it ;D I just blacked out my phone number because I don't random people from the internet calling me.

Oh, and if you're interested, I'm wearing: Fifi Lapin Top-Forever 21; Silly Bandz Bracelets-My sister. I think she got them at a card store..

"A bear, however hard he tries, grows tubby without exercise."

2010-03-29T15:36:00.000-07:00

Ahaha, I love Winnie the Pooh and when I saw this quote by A. A. Milne, I had to make it the title of this post. It's not totally random. I got the best workout of my life at dance today, but now I'm really sore and wiped out. So I decided tonight was the perfect night to stay home, do this post, and start my spring break homework. Anyways, here's a few more pages from my fashion journal:

B.T.W.

My review on youtube it up! Check it out here.

There were a few minor mistakes, so just to clear things up if you watch it...

-My headbands aren't knitted, they are crocheted(I think she mistook them for the same thing, Hehe (:)

-My business does have a name, and it's Dear Ella.

-I'm not a college student. I'm only 16 (:

Other than that, she was really sweet and straight-forward. I can't wait to see Natasha's opinion and review!

xx, Melissa

My New Favorite Accessory

2010-03-26T12:07:00.000-07:00

Ponytail Scarves

I bought this ponytail scarf from the Coach store in the Pier Shops at Atlantic City, last summer. Up until about 2 weeks ago, I used it only as a headband, tied at my neck. Then, one day instead of wearing it on my head, I decided to tie it to my simple, H+M bag. I feel like it makes my bag look so much better. So, finding more ponytail scarves has become my new obsession. (: Unfortunately Coach is the only store I've found so far that has a wide selection. I've tried using different terms like scarflettes and hair scarves, but I still haven't found a lot. Here are a couple from Coach that I really like.

Since I love scarves, I feel like these are a great transition from Winter to Spring, for me. (:

xx, Melissa

So.. Yea.

2010-03-23T15:16:00.000-07:00

Hiya (: I'm feeling a lot better since my last posts. Here are some pictures from this past weekend:

These are from my mom's birthday party. The weather was so nice!

I bought this dress for my N.H.S.(National Honor Society) Ceremony. It's from Forever 21-surprise, surprise. Haha (: I bought it because I really like the lace and the zipper.

Hehe, my friend Tiffany gave me this rubber band bracelet.

This weekend I also started to work on my Fashion Journal. Here are the first two pages. I wish I had more time to work on it during the week!

& Last but not least, here is my outfit for today!

I'm wearing: Jacket-Forever 21; Top-Avon(What?! I know ;D); Jeans-The Garage; Studded Booties-Forever 21; Peace Sign Necklace-Juicy Couture; Braided Bracelet-H&M; Bow Earrings-Forever 21(Christmas Gift from my lovely cousin Sara ;))

xx, Melissa

Giveaway!

2010-03-16T16:03:00.000-07:00

Hihi! I'm a little blog crazy today. This is my third post, so far, but I just need to let everyone know about an amazing giveaway on Magpie Girl. Click here! She is so talented and this giveaway is really great! Make sure you check it out <3

First Dear Ella Award!

2010-03-16T11:04:00.000-07:00

This award goes to...drum roll please...Rose Taylor, from Chai, Love, Vintage!

Check out her blog. Right now. Really. All you have to do is click her blog name.

So, yea this is going to be a new thing. I shall award a new blogger each month ;D

If you feel you deserved this award and I didn't give it to you, your probably on my list of bloggers to award in the months to come. <3

xx, Melissa

Ice Cream makes everything better.

2010-03-16T10:27:00.000-07:00

Hey. I would've posted this yesterday but I felt so sick. I have a sore throat, which besides the loss of my voice and burning in my throat, is the best type of sick to be, in my opinion. It gives me an excuse to eat ice cream all day. Other than that, I was pretty bored.

My boredom led to the creation of my own youtube channel, which I will most likely never use again, considering the time it takes up. Like I'm not busy enough already. BUT...if you want to see the one video I've uploaded, Click right here. You'll probably be bored with it unless you're interested in learning how to crochet, Hehe.

So, tomorrow is not only St.Patrick's Day, but it's my mom's birthday, her 40th, nonetheless. And....I haven't gotten her a gift yet D: As a last minute thing, I made her a bookmark, this morning. It will buy me some time to get her something before this weekend when we have her party!

I raided my mom's jewelry box the other day and I found some interesting vintage pieces. (Sorry the lighting in these photos isn't very good.)

^These are my favorite (:

I was really upset when I realized this ring didn't fit me.

I love these earrings. They aren't vintage though. My mom has only had them for a couple years and she wears them to weddings.

I feel like I had something else to say... but I can't remember, which isn't really surprising. Haha (:

xx, Melissa

Rain Rain Go Away.

2010-03-14T08:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my second F.I.T. class. We had to design something inspired by super heros. It was a fun task. I designed a dress with rings wrapped around it. Her name was Saturn, obviously inspired by the planet. I'm not exactly sure what her super power was. I was thinking something along the lines of saving people from their commitment issues, hence the rings (like marital) but that's a little bit of a stretch, hehe. The class was great but the weather was miserable & of course I missed my bus home and had to stand in the rain for 15-20 minutes. I would have made it too if I had remembered right away that I needed to stop at the supply store to buy more markers, instead of walking to the corner and then walking back. Now I feel even more sick than on Friday. Anyways, this is what I wore. (Ignore my messy room)

Grey lace tank-Kohl's; White tee-Garage; Pink Top-Urban Outfitters; Jeans-Foxy Lady; Flats-Forever 21; Broken Pearl Necklace-Forever 21

Some interesting(or not so interesting) facts about this outfit:

These are my favorite jeans because they are the opposite of jeggings. Instead of leggings that look like jeans, these are jeans that look like leggings. I've had them for a long time. I used to wear them to my job. They are so comfortable. The shoes are my sisters and I wouldn't be surprised if they're still wet right now. Thankfully she hasn't noticed they're gone. She's never worn them before so I'm guessing she'd be upset if she knew I wore them in the pouring rain.

That's it for now <3

xx, Melissa

Opposite of Ugg-ly.

2010-03-11T18:16:00.000-08:00

I stumbled across these gorgeous sandals from Ugg Australia and I absolutely love them!

Unfortunately, they're $120, so I'll have to look around for maybe a cheaper substitute, hehe.

Happy 101

2010-03-10T19:22:00.000-08:00

Hithere bloggers (: So, last week I received my first two awards in the same night. I found it funny because so did two other bloggers who I adore and follow. I'd like to thank Tuesdai Noelle & Sammy for rewarding me (:

This award is called the happy 101 blogger award and the rules are:

1.)When you have received this award you must thank the person that awarded you this in the new post.

2.) Name the 10 things that make you happy

3.) Pass this award onto 10 other bloggers and inform the winners.

Things that make me happy:

1) My dogs

Even though Oreo and Brownie can drive me crazy, I love them. (:

2) My family

haha, um yea. This is an aberration from my brother, Thomas's, normal behavior. That's why I love this picture.

My sister, Amanda, is my best friend. We laugh together, fight together, cry together, and then laugh again.

I love my mommy (: She's the kindest and most considerate person I've ever met.

My dad kind of lives in his own world at times but I love him for it.

I cannot express how thankful I am to have such a supporting family.

3) My best friend

Tiffany and I have been friends since kindergarten and we've gotten even closer since highschool started. No matter what we've been through, and we have lost a number of "friends" along the way, we've stuck together. We find the same things hysterical when everyone else just stares at us, wondering what's going on. Hehe, I love her.

4) My sketchbook

I hate reposting pictures, but I don't have any new sketches at the moment!

5) Frappachinos

Yum :P

6) New York City

Living so close to the fashion capital of the world is amazing. <3

7) Inspirational Designers

Balenciaga

Anna Sui

Stella McCartney

Jill Stuart

Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel

& Of course, Alexander McQueen.

8) Elephants

Are they not adorable? Haha, and elephants are very smart. I hear they have a really good memory, which I don't have so I admire that.

9) My Lovely Followers

Duh, I mean this blog would not be the same with out my pretty little readers!

10) My Camera

Must I explain this one? I think all bloggers and people interested in fashion can understand.

Now, I'd like to pass this award onto the following blogs:

Aurora♥

Cassieopeia

Chai, love, vintage

"...a reflection by Tuesdai"

Lovely Laura

Nicola Ticola Ponders

Pandora's Box

Sorreal

vanilla ice cream

We were Floating

Oh & don't forget to check out Gizelle's give-away on Vanilla Ice Cream!

Click Here.

xx, Melissa

So Much to Do, So Little Time

2010-03-07T11:17:00.000-08:00

I feel like I have a never ending To Do list. It's crazy. Let's see, I have to:

1. Read a whole play for English by tomorrow.

2. Study for a math test(most likely not happening. I think it's impossible for me to study for math)

3. Look for inspirational photos, magazine clippings, fabrics, etc for my F.I.T class (which is amazing, btw. My professor's name is Christopher Uvenio. He is from Italy and has worked for designers like Donna Karan and Bob Mackie. Right now he has his own menswear line, I believe and it's sold in Europe. He is so unbelievably creative and I am so thankful to be in his class.)

4. Post my blog award post.(Wasn't that redundant.. & I may incorporate that into this post)

5. Send out products to be reviewed by the girls I mentioned in an earlier post, on youtube.

6. Find a crochet pattern for a beanie for a one year old. (If anyone knows of any, please let me know! I know how to make the actual hat but the sizing is throwing me off)

7. Start crocheting baby hats. (I'm making 4 for one customer, but she wants them for next winter so I've got time)

8. Finish sewing bias tape onto bolero I'm making. (I finished this, this morning but it's been on the list for a while so I decided to write it. It's nice seeing I have at least one thing done.)

9. Clean my room. ( This one is always temporarily leaving my list but when I start catching up on everything else, it somehow appears again.)

10. Buy makeup needed for dance competition.

11. Study for S.A.T.

12. & I'm sure there's more that I don't even want to think about at the time being.

I'll have to post about my awards and reward other bloggers later! <3

xx, Melissa

Wishful Thinking

2010-03-05T17:57:00.000-08:00

Heythere (: You could probably tell from these designs that I can't wait for spring! This feels like the longest winter ever. This weekend is supposed to be really nice, though.

& I'm actually really happy with how the jumpsuit came out (:

(I really need to get my scanner fixed! ewkfhjjfn!)

So, I got a haircut today & got my highlights touched up. Jack, my crazy and lovable hairdresser, also added a different color to my bangs. I like the change ;D (even though it may not be very noticeable in these photos)

Tomorrow is my first day at F.I.T. (yay!) which means I have to wake up super early D: but that's okay. It's worth it ;)

xx, Melissa

50 Followers (:

2010-03-01T19:36:00.000-08:00

I'd like to thank you all so much for following! I would love to do a giveaway but I'm crazy busy right now. Hopefully, soon I'll have time to come up with something, so stay posted!

This is a random photo of fake flowers I took during a huge snowstorm. I wanted to make this post pretty, somehow. <3

xx,Melissa

Some More Etsy Business

2010-02-28T17:46:00.000-08:00

Hiya. I feel like I've been lacking with posts lately but I've been a little busy. This one will be pretty short. I've decided on a foundation to donate 10% of the proceeds from my Etsy shop to. It's the Have a Heart Children's Cancer Society. If you are interested in making donations(other than buying from my shop, hehe) you can click here.

Today, my mom, my sister, and I went shopping and made a stop at Michael's, the craft store.I bought these adorable little satchels to send out headbands in.

I found matching ribbon, to maybe wrap around my scarves to give them some kind of pretty little packaging.

I also ordered adorable business cards, so I am pretty excited. I've received an order for four baby hats from a lady my aunt works with. They're for next winter so I have quite a considerable amount of time to make them, which is pretty nice.

This is turning out to be quite a boring post but I do have one more thing to say. Two girls, Natasha and Maddy from Youtube have contacted me asking me to send them some products to review on their website. Here's the link to their channel. I've started making their headbands, so keep an eye out for my review. ;D

xx, Melissa

Btw, my workshop at F.I.T. starts this Saturday! I'm so excited ;)

New Listings!

2010-02-26T15:14:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday! Today was the second snow day, THIS MONTH. We never have snow days so it's pretty exciting. ;D

Anyway, I've recently listed three new headbands in my Etsy shop. I plan on giving half of my profits to a charity but I just haven't picked one yet. I would like it to be something for children with cancer. In the 8th grade, my Fashion Design class crocheted hats for a children's hospital. It was really nice and since I can't make over 60 hats on my own, I'd like to help some other way.

Btw, this is Mei Mei, my sister's doll head. ;D She got her for Christmas and did her makeup all special for this little photoshoot.

xx, Melissa

P.S. If anyone has any requests for something crocheted, let me know. I'd be happy to make it for you. It doesn't have to be a headband or scarf either. I'm always looking up new patterns and finding new projects.

Ilse Valfre

2010-02-23T14:03:00.000-08:00

I'd like to introduce you to, Ilse Valfre. (:

I recently saw her as Teen Vogue's Best Dressed Reader of the Day and when I ventured onto her website, I found these amazing illustrations. She agreed to answer a few questions.

Me: What made you start illustrating as a child?

Ilse: As a creative mind I found illustrating helped me express the way I saw thing as a child, it made things easier.

How did you get into modeling?
I was in the store urban outfitters shopping with my older sister, and a model scout came to me, and started offering me work at her agency. I loved it! I could be me, I could be in touch with fashion and I also met very interesting people on the way.

You have been involved with so many different things! Illustrating, fashion design, modeling, and teaching. Do you have a favorite?
I just couldn't choose, I find them all very fulfilling in the different aspects of my life, As I do believe we are not inspired or moved but only one thing, but we are the result of the many things that make up our lives.

We know you have many creative outlets, but where do you find the inspiration for them? Every day life, where you least expect it, inspiration comes.

How would you describe your style and how it relates to your clothing line?
For personal reasons my clothing line has been paused, I’m now focusing on my illustrations. But my fashion sense comes mostly from my father, even though I am the ultimate girly girl.

Teen Vogue selected you as the day's best dressed reader, so I'm sure everyone would like to know, where do you do your shopping? (:
I love thrift stores! My personal favs are Urban Outfitters, Marc by Marc Jacobs, TARGET!!!! ...I love target! I think fashion should be accessible to all! Also getting what suits you the best out of your favorite stores, no matter the price!

What is your children's series, "The Bambinis" all about?
I love the differences within cultures around the World, I choose my personal favorites and made up adventures of their everyday life with a splash of style. When I was a teacher, my students where from different nationalities, so I took that as an guideline and developed a non fiction story of three characters who go about there lifes as three year olds. I really must thank being a teacher, all those hours observing the little ones really inspired me, and I came up with the idea of mixing up style and three year olds interacting .

Do you have anything exciting coming up in the future?
Yes! I modeled for The Converse add campaign, that will be coming out on summer 2010, so that’s pretty exciting! I'm also co working with a friend of mine, founder of De la Barracuda Shop, and my illustrations will be printed on clothing; stay tuned for the upcoming look book of my creations.

Lovely Lace

2010-02-22T13:53:00.000-08:00

This is just a quick outfit post. The pictures aren't so great but Oh well.

I'm wearing: Sweater-Forever 21, Lace Tank-Forever21, Grey Tank-Aerospostale, Skinny Jeans-H&M, Studded Ankle Booties-Forever 21, Necklace-Sister's Jewlery Box

Break's Over..

2010-02-21T17:40:00.000-08:00

Hellooo. Long time no post ;D I've been frantically catching up on my homework this weekend that I had the whole break to do. I typically procrastinated, but now its all done! Wahoo, happy dance! Anywho, the Great Wolf Lodge was so cute. I got to do a little bit of shopping while I was there, at the Crossings Outlets. I only went to Charlotte Russe. I got a 10% discount for having my student I.D. I knew going to school would pay off some day (:

My mom's been really generous lately. She offered to pay for that Urban Outfitters order and this shirt. It was $15. I love lace.

I decided a denim jacket is a necessity for spring and when I saw this I wondered why I don't already have one. I would have rather had this jacket not cropped.

It was $25.

This necklace cost $20 and it turned out to be a piece of crap. A bunch of the gemstones are loose and about to fall off. I bought it thinking I could sew it onto a neckline on a teeshirt. I need to whip out a glue gun and fix it before I do that.

Random fact: I start Driver's Ed this week! Ahhhh. My mom took me driving yesterday and when I attempted to turn, I went straight towards a street sign instead. Of course a car shows up on the normally empty street when I almost crash and honks behind me, making me even more paranoid.

Random Fact #2: Today, I finished my Valentine's Day chocolate with some peanut butter. Mmm. So good.

Hehe, my mom gave me, my brother, and my sister these chocolate puppies. That's where the eyes came from.

xx, Melissa

Happy Wednesday

2010-02-17T16:42:00.000-08:00

This one will be a quickie, since I have to go pack. I'm going to the Great Wolf Lodge, tomorrow ;D It should be fun. We're staying over night. For those of you who don't know, it's an indoor water park. I get to wear my new bathing suits that I bought on clearance at the end of the summer.
I've been shopping deprived until last Saturday, when I bought that cute blazer, if you remember. Today I made some more purchases. If you haven't checked out the Urban Outfitters sale, do it. Now. It is amazing! Some items are up to 80% off. I couldn't buy that much because I don't have time for a job this year D: I've been trying to make my money last. So, after much deliberation, I decided on two pairs of Maryjanes and a button down shirt.

I also browsed Forever 21. I debated buying the pumps below, but they have 5" heels and I'm not sure if I could handle being 5'11". I plan on doing some more shopping in Forever 21 but maybe when I get back from my vacation.

My Glimspe at New York Fashion Week

2010-02-15T21:35:00.000-08:00

We had a little change of plans for the city. My friend Marina asked me Valetine's Day morning if I wanted to go to Bryant Park, to wait outside Fashion Week. So, Marina, Tiffany, and I went for about an hour. I coudn't believe there were girls there for almost five hours. I'd take ay chance I could get to be near Fashion Week but is waiting around in the cold for that long worth it for just a photo? Anyway, from this experience, I learned that I would be a terrible paparazzi. I almost got trampled, waiting patiently for a picture, which as the as the last one shows, weren't great in quality. I felt really bad for the celebrities who were attacked by the paparazzi. There really wasn't good security because people were coming and going from all directions.
Can someone please tell me who that man is in the second picture? Because he was the funniest person I've ever "met". He may have been a little intimidating at first but when he started posing awkwardly for photos, he was somewhat charming. I was told that he's called the Doctor of Fashion.
If you look very closely, you might be able to see Whitney Port in the cab. ;D We were on the opposite side of the street and kind of dissappointed that we missed her. But, I think I'll live. Hehe
Selita Ebanks looked gorgeous, and Marina got a photo with her. She didn't even know who she was when she asked for a picture too. Haha.
I was debating whether or not to post the last picture becase it's so blurry. We were about to leave and then Alexis Dziena showed up. I wasn't exactly prepared. It was adorable when she agreed to be someone in the crowd's Valentine.
It's amazing how many stylish people this single event gathers together. There were a lot of people was tempted to take pictures of because of their outfits but I felt a little weird doing so. Maybe next time I won't be so hesitant and I'll post some street styles I like. (:
I've seen other bloggers post pictures of the amazing meals they ate at restaurants but I'm going to refrain from doing that since I had two cheese slices of pizza and Nestea. Not exactly exciting. The little cafe we went to was cute and inexpensive. It may have been called Divine Treats. I can't remember.
After eating, we walked to Park Avenue, passing the Museum of Sex along the way. We wanted to see the Hotel Giraffe, which I recently discovered. Tiffany's favorite animal is a giraffe so we had to see it. It was really nice, but so quiet. After that, we walked around the F.I.T. campus. By then, everything was closed. After a quick stop at Starbucks, we went home, met up with our friend Jamie, and went to go see Valentine's Day. It was really sweet and I loved it. It was sold out when we got there and Tiffany and I almost didn't get into the theater because afer Marina and Jamie ran in, we were asked for our tickets. We eventually got in but had to sit on the floor. :O So gross, but the movie was good so I guess you could say it was worth it.

My Valentine's Day turned out pretty well. How was yours? :)

xx, Melissa

What a Life

2010-02-13T16:15:00.000-08:00

Hi, bloggers. So, tonight's pretty boring, considering I'm sitting at home. It's not too depressing though because I just purchased this vintage blazer, on Etsy. It's from one of my favorite shops on there, Billie Goat Vintage. Can you believe this was only $33? Most blazers I find, vintage or not, are no less than $50.

This is my fourth post in about two days. Pretty crazy, I know. I actually don't like posting so much at one time because its just too much to handle, but I've made quite a few discoveries this weekend. Speaking of discoveries..Is this bedazzled bra not the funniest article of clothing you've ever seen?

This is definitely not something I plan on adding to my wardrobe any time soon. Apparently its lingerie and it sells for $53 on SenseofFashion.com. It's a bit freaky for my taste, even if I had a reason to wear lingerie.

Anyways, I'm going shopping in the city tomorrow, which should be fun. I want to visit the F.I.T Style Shop, that sells the students' work. I'm going with my friend Tiffany, since her boyfriend has a hockey game so she won't be seeing him on Valentine's Day. (She's cooking for him tonight. So cute!) If we get home early enough, I want to go see the movie Valentine's Day. It looks adorable. Our friend Jamie will probably come with us. I'm happy I'm going out instead of being home. On Valentine's Day. Thinking about how I don't have a Valentine. Hehe.

So, that's enough for tonight. Expect some photos tomorrow, possibly? ;)

xo, Melissa

2010-02-13T12:09:00.000-08:00

Ask it here

http://www.formspring.me/dearella

My Current Craving

2010-02-12T21:04:00.000-08:00

Get ready for a long picture post..

Anna Sui

Alexander McQueen

Cynthia Rowley

Off the Runway

Forever 21

Marina Makaron Moscow

Urban Outfitters

There are SO many possibilities when it comes to bold and colorful prints. I am IN LOVE with Anna Sui's Spring line. It's so vibrant and young. I wanted to post every piece in the collection here, but eleven will do. One of my favorites was the opened, patterned dress. Another was the blue jacket and skirt with white appliques and amazing gladiator sandals.

Ah, Alexander McQueen. His death is such a tragedy. Just look at his Spring collection! I adore the abstract patterns. I especially loved the asymmetrical piece. It really makes you look twice. The last royal blue piece is ethereal. (<--One of my vocabulary words, for English. ;D)

I know I've been going on about how much I love color and vibrancy but, I do like the subtlety of Cynthia Rowley's collection. The purple tones are really nice. I'm also a fan of jumpsuits. I find her take interesting.

I found the top from Forever 21 in the boutique section. There were other variations of the pattern, as well.

I learned about Marina Makaron Moscow from another blogger, Marjorie. Here's the link to her blog:

Shine By Three There you can find an interview with the designer.

Anyway, the patterns Marina Makaron designs are absolutely beautiful. The bow at the top is also one of her designs.

Urban Outfitters never lets me down. (: I love the geometric print on the first one and as for the second one, I've always been a fan of florals.

xo, Melissa

Apparently, Forever 21 shares my obsession with elephants.

2010-02-12T20:25:00.000-08:00

Snow Day

2010-02-11T09:45:00.000-08:00

I'm wearing:

Basic White Tee-H&M, Floral Skirt-Forever21, Black Sheer Stockings-(I don't remember..), Ballet Flats-Target, Pink Pearl Earrings-One of the many Jewelery Stores in St.Maarten, Tangled Pearl Necklace-Forever21

Hello bloggers ;) I'm not a big fan of Michael Bloomberg right now. He actually kept schools open today when the roads and sidewalks are still clearly covered in snow. I heard that the South Shore of Staten Island got hit the worst. Anyway, I walked all the way to the bus stop, 3/4 of my walk was through snow, by the way, and then found out my Latin test was postponed. -_- So, I walked home and had my own Snow Day ;D
Oh & no, I didn't wear this outfit out in the snow. Hehe.

Later, I'm going to my sewing class. Did I mention I'm making a floral print bolero? I can't wait to finish.

Well, there's not much else to report today except for Alexander McQueen's death. :( So upsetting.
His amazing creativity will be missed.

SALE

2010-02-09T17:07:00.000-08:00

Check out my Etsy shop!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/dearella

I will give an extra 10% off to bloggers who follow my blog!

Blizzard

2010-02-06T11:33:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love the look outside after it snows. Everything seems to glow even though we're surrounded by clouds.

My beagles, Oreo and Brownie.

I actually don't have a dog named Duke. Haha, this was given to us when my aunt moved.

He's in hiding. ;)

Ah, one of the only rooms in my house that gets enough natural light & it's my sister's messy bedroom.

I'm Wearing:

Printed Scarf- Forever21, Gray Long Sleeve Shirt-Garage Ca., Distressed jeans-Garage Ca., Military Coat-Delia's, Bag-Forever21, Crystal Bow Barrette-Swarovski, Western Ankle Boots- Aldo

The Result of my Regents Break,

2010-02-02T20:04:00.000-08:00

Oh, and by the way, please don't copy my designs. Kaythanks <3

2010-02-01T08:59:00.000-08:00

So, my dad and my brother came home last night & I got my camera back! Now I can show you my finished skirt. It probably wasn't the best project for a beginner, so it took me a long time but I really like how it came out. I can't wait to start my next project! I bought the pattern and fabric on Friday. I haven't decided exactly which combination of the pattern I want but it's sort of a cute short-sleeve cropped jacket. With the left over gray fabric and some purple floral fabric, I'm going to attempt to make a little clutch today. I don't expect it to be very good because I don't have any lining or anything to close it, but I might as well try.

Mixed Feelings

2010-01-29T09:07:00.000-08:00

I REALLY miss my camera. I finished making my skirt last night :D But I can't post a picture of it yet. :( I also designed this outfit that I LOVE but I can't post that either. Ugh. Well, I'm going to take a shower and try to figure out what my next project will be. I want to go to Joann's today to pick out a pattern & buy some more fabric (: I think I want to make a sleep mask on my own... It seems easy enough. Or maybe an envelope clutch...But i don't know how to make button holes yet..
We'll see ;D

xo, Melissa

P.S. I really like these sets. They were not made by me but I've gotten permission to post them here.

Say It!! ~Tagged by Seth & Mel featuring Christian Louboutin shoes

A Beautiful Dream! ~Tagged! by Seth & Mel featuring Elizabeth and James dresses

For Now by Seth & Mel featuring Vanessa Bruno Athé dresses

2010-01-28T09:25:00.000-08:00

I miss my camera. My dad brought it with him when he went to Colorado with my brother to go skiing. :(

My Obsession

2010-01-27T19:55:00.000-08:00

Yay! I am finished with my Regents so now I have the rest of the week off. ;D At the moment, I am loving the website Polyvore. With the extra time I've had, here's two sets I've made so far.

Dainty Rebel

2010-01-24T09:03:00.000-08:00

Hi, Polyvore. ;)

Lipsy Biker Jacket...oli.co.uk $79

Folding Wayfarer RB4105 Sunglasses...Ray-Ban Site $150

Metallic Braid Headband...Forever 21 $2.80

Electric Butterfly Organza Clip...Tarina Tarantino

Hammered Charm Tiered Ruffle Dress...Arden B. $88

Chanel N°5...izzybeautyshop.com $140

Lanvin glass pearl and ribbon necklace...net-a-porter.com $655

Jo No Fui Studded Zip Bracelet... luisaviaroma.com $185

Gold Crystal Rose Elastic... Juicy Couture $45

Sergio Rossi - Swarovski Peep Toe Low Boots... luisaviaroma.com

I am in LOVE with these shoes.

My Project is Finished! (Well almost...)

2010-01-24T07:42:00.000-08:00

This weekend I cleaned up my sewing area and cut out pictures from my Teen Vogues to put on my walls. (:

I'm actually really happy with the outcome.

I am missing a few things, though. I need a better chair, because if you noticed, I've been using my brother's exercise chair. Hehe. I also want to fill up the ENTIRE wall with pictures from magazines. I'll get there someday... I could also use a few organizers for scissors and fabric.

Since my sewing area is in the basement, I wanted to brighten it up. (:

Where flowers bloom, so does hope.

2010-01-23T16:43:00.000-08:00

Hi! (: So, I just got home from Church. I absolutely loved the flower display this week & I felt inspired to design this. I had the whole dress planned out before I got home. Usually I just have some sort of idea of what I want when I start sketching and see what comes of it. Anyway, here it is.

xo, Melissa

The title is a quote by, Lady Bird Johnson.

T.G.I.F.

2010-01-22T15:17:00.000-08:00

White tee...H&M

Green vest...H&M

High-waisted striped mini skirt...Forever 21

Sheer navy blue tights...Urban Outfitters

Farah Ankle Boots...Forver 21

Heart Pendent...Forever 21

Cheetah Print Ponytail scarf...Coach

♥

xo, Melissa

So, basically I wish I could buy everything from Urban Outfitters.

2010-01-19T12:49:00.000-08:00

Silence and Noise is my favorite brand ♥

Finally!

2010-01-18T14:10:00.000-08:00

Yay! I finally opened my Etsy shop. I can't write much because I have to study for finals and I have dance in a little bit. I'll post some items that I'm not selling on Etsy, here. I might make some similar items to sell.
<--I made this bow with a pattern from creativeyarn.blogspot.com.

Here's a headband who's pattern I also found on Creative Yarn.

Okay, I have to go but please check out my shop! I've put a link for it on this page.

Etsy

2010-01-17T17:45:00.000-08:00

Ohmygosh, I found this vintage sweater on Etsy the day after Christmas and I've wanted it so badly since then! Unfortunately, I spent all of my money on Christmas gifts and I don't have much time this year to get a job D: Surprisingly, no one has bought it yet. If someone does end up buying it before I get the money for it, I was wondering if I could just personalize a sweater myself to look like this. I could most likely find a simple sweater and maybe sew some sequins and tiny embellishments onto it? I'll have to ask Linda, my sewing teacher ;) If it's possible, this will be my next project.

Speaking of Etsy, tonight, during Desperate Housewives(one of my favorite shows), I'm going to finish sewing my appliques onto the collection of scarves I've finished. Then, I can open a store on Etsy. :D If people like them and buy them, maybe I won't have to personalize a sweater...but I kind of like the idea of doing it myself now. Anyways, this is one scarf I have finished. I've made three small flower appliques and added them to the bottom.

Rainbows apologize for angry skies.

2010-01-17T16:58:00.000-08:00

Hithere. Today's

weather inspired me to design this. ;D I've always loved yellow raincoats & rain boots because they're so bright! Yet they're worn on the most dull and boring days. Kind of ironic, I guess. Hehe

xo, Melissa

The title of this post is a quote by Sylvia Voirol.

Good Morning

2010-01-16T21:36:00.000-08:00

Hello Kitty Pullover... Forever 21

♥

I love this sweatshirt. It's super comfy and adorable.

Darling Dakota

2010-01-16T16:23:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh, afeuihfrknukdjbkfjb. I absolutely loved her photo shoot with Teen Vogue ! ♥

I wish I owned every single item of clothing she wore for it.

She's a gem, in a black leather jacket.

2010-01-16T16:17:00.000-08:00

Leather jacket... Forever 21

White tank...Aerie

Light-wash skinny leg jeans...Garage

Studded Booties...Forever21

Fingerless Lace Gloves...e-Bay

Pink cloth braided bracelet...H&M

Grey handmade, crocheted bracelet...Me ;)

Silver pendant necklace...Garage

♥

Oldies

2010-01-15T20:06:00.000-08:00

So I found my old sketchbook...Here are some designs from it. . .

♥

This one is by far, one of my all time favorites.^

To be honest, it was actually meant to be a dress patterned with assorted metro cards ;D

♥

This one is also one of my favorites.^

♥

Sorry, about the picture quality. My scanner is broken.skfhkdjfhoigjion. So, I used my camera to take pictures.

Happy

2010-01-15T13:11:00.000-08:00

Happy, happy fashion - there is not much more to it than that.

-Marc Jacobs

I Love These Blogs Like a Fat Kid Loves Cake.

2009-12-30T10:12:00.000-08:00

It Looks Good to Me

This blog is filled with beautiful watercolor sketches.

Fifi Lapin

She is just adorable. <3

Trend De La Creme

This blog has basically anything and everything you could possibly want in a fashion blog.

Le Blog de Betty

Betty always looks amazing! Although many parts of it are in French, I love this blog & it's list of web shopping.

Creative Yarn

Love, Love, LOVE her patterns.

Spud & Chloe.

Yay, more patterns ! (:

HELLO World .

2009-12-30T06:40:00.000-08:00

Hi there :) My name is Melissa and I am 16 years old. I don't really have any nicknames. It's kind of unfortunate. Well, my dad has called me Pakissa which my friends seem to find hysterical, and one of my friends at rare times calls me Melvin. Anyways, I live in New York with my family and two adorable but destructive beagles.

I love to dance but that's not what this blog is about. I absolutely love fashion design. I just recently started taking sewing classes and now I can make pillows :D (Wahoo!). My current project is a pencil skirt which I can't wait to finish. Not only am I learning to sew, I have been crocheting since the 8th grade. So far, taking fashion design that year was one of the smartest decisions of my LIFE. I love everything about scarves; making them, wearing them, buying them, and finding new ways to make them. Besides the 2 stitches I learned in the 8th grade, I have pretty much been self-taught on crocheting everything else that I make--of course with the help of howcast.com and some very well explained patterns. Starting in the Spring, I'm taking classes at F.I.T., which I am really excited for :)

To be honest, I did not think it would be so easy to write two paragraphs about myself. Well, enough about me. You're probably wondering why this blog is called Dear Ella. . .™. Dear Ella. . .™ is going to be the shop I open on etsy.com. I plan on selling homemade scarves and assorted things. Dear Ella. . .™ is all about a little girl named Lily who writes short and sweet notes to her imaginary friend, Ella, who happens to be a charming elephant. Kind of odd but I like the idea ;) I would LOVE it if I could expand it into a whole fashion line. My designs vary by the kind of mood I'm in, so the line would vary in styles.

xo Melissa