Welcome Up and Comer, Dana Schallenberg!

We’d like to introduce our up and coming Fashion Consultant, Dana Schallenberg. She has truly embraced handbags as a lifestyle and has opened her world to Endless Possibilities! Read more about what motivates her and let’s welcome Dana into our amazing Beijo Family!

1. Tell us 5 facts about you. (Your family, your goals, etc.)

   - Married to Doug, we have 3 boys. Skylar 24, Dillon 19, Roman 5.
   - We live in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. I work full time for Guardian Life Insurance.
   - I am all about the warm, sunny weather and being on vacation. I love to travel and would love to see Italy. When I saw that I could win a trip to Cancun I was in, I just put the numbers down and went for it.
   - I love the purses and enjoy helping others get the same great deal I got when I was a Hostess.

2. What attracted you to Beijo?The shiny purses and I wanted so many.

   That’s what made me want to host a show. I couldn’t just pick one, the hostess program was awesome! Then when I saw the potential to earn some extra cash and trips, I was in! I figured I had nothing to lose and everything to gain!

3. What motivates you?

   Helping others, sharing about any great deals I know about! Travel and vacations!

4. If you could use a Beijo Bag to describe your lifestyle, what would it be and why?

   I am Over the moon about Beijo and winning a trip to Cancun! I know that because I love to Show and Tell Beijo the Endless possibilitiesare the Key to my success!

101: Dressing for YOUR Body Shape

Much like our unique handbags, not all women are made alike. Getting dressed isn’t always the easiest task, especially when clothing sold in retail chains don’t come in such standard sizes. Here’s how we’re debunking the ‘one size fits all’ approach so we can make your mornings and shopping adventures a bit easier.

1. Apple shaped (thicker around the middle): To even out the proportions of your body, look for clothing that fit a bit looser around the midsection but tighter everywhere else. Choose a pant that leans and lengthens, with a slim-cut fit. Dresses should have a bit more structure, such as a shift dress, to help slim and conceal any trouble areas. Tunic tops or empire-waist tops will always flatter your gorgeous figure.

2. Pear shaped (larger at the bottom): Choose bottoms that slenderize your thighs while still creating a longer and leaner silhouette, such as a dark colored wide leg trouser or pant. Look for jackets with a tailored fit to even out the lower half of your body. A-line, flowing skirts that taper in at the waist will help highlight your figure in all the right places. Tops with wider neckline will also help balance our your proportions.

3. Hourglass shaped (curvy): Lucky you! You have the body every woman dreams of, but that doesn’t always mean it isn’t still tricky to get dressed in the morning. Keep an eye out for clothing pieces that work WITH your natural curves. Pants with higher waists draw the eye to your teeny midsection. Keep an eye out for wrap dress and v-neck tops with diagonal lines to flatter your curves. A classic pencil skirt will slim and maintain the appeal of your womanly figure.

4. Rectangle shaped (straight up and down): We like to call you blank canvases. You have the ability to create whichever shape you please, but you do have to put some thought into transforming your youthful figure. Try to create illusions of curves by trying on slim fit boot-cut pants and fitted jackets that create fuller hips and a narrow waist to help provide gradual shapeliness. To help accentuate your femininity, look for tops with ruffles and fluttery sleeves to not only create a smaller waist, but also add some volume to your shoulders and bust area. Flouncy skirts with shape and body will help you create that hourglass figure.

Remember, it’s all about understanding and embracing your natural curves. From there, simply work on balance and accentuating your favorite areas!

What’s Driving Her?

Meet Kathy Campbell. Through dedication, hard work and a positive fighting spirit, Kathy now has a new Mercedes Benz through the Drive Performance program! Want to know what’s driving her?

1. What drives you in your daily life?

Next to my bed I have a small plaque that says: “Good Morning! This is God I will be handling all your problems today. I will not need your help. So have a good day! I Love You!” With this message to start my day, I know good things can, and will happen everyday! I have a supportive husband and three daughters ages 14, 11, and 9. They “drive” me to want to be the best I can be as a mother, wife and business owner.

2. Favorite part about your Beijo business?

The Favorite part of the Beijo business for me is definitely “the sell”. I love to sell these bags! I am so proud to share with the ladies the details of each design, the story behind Beijo, and of course the possibility they can do it too!

3. If you could be a Beijo bag, which one would you be?

Although, I might like to think of myself as “The Trendsetter”, my husband would probably call me “The Diva”, my kids know me as “In Your Embrace”… I consider myself “Everything Goes”! I may not always be the most graceful, but I get the job done, and look for humor and joy in “Everything”!

Slide Into Summer

It’s finally summer and beach season has hit us with a BANG this year! Take charge and slide into summer with some of our favorite versatile bags, fully prepared to be your partner in crime next to the blue waters and soft sands.

• A Family Affair - Perfect for the beach, a book/tablet bag, or just for everyday use. This “go-to” bag will transition easily from season to season. It’s trimmed in Beijo’s classic material with 2 knotted straps, so you can easily change the length. You’ll love the roomy interior and zip pocket to secure smaller items. Snap closure and large outside pockets on both sides for cell phone, sunglasses, magazine, umbrella or small water bottle; you’ll be able to carry everything the family needs in this one great bag.
• Everything Goes - A large tote that features two rope handles that allow for the strap length to be adjusted by tying them into knots. Sometimes simple is best! Stay organized with a lined zip compartment, cell and interior pouch pockets. Each side has a snap closure, which allows for additional room.
• Lunch Hour - Heads will turn when enjoying your lunch in style! The iconic shape and contrasting classic pearlescent trim give this small to medium sized, double-strap tote, a lovely, sophisticated look. The lunch bag features a top Velcro closure and fully insulated interior.
  *Provides 6 hours of temperature control when used with frozen chill packs.These lunch bags are exceptionally easy to care for: simply wipe this high-quality nylon fabric with a damp, soft, like-colored cloth and mild soap.
  
• A Place for Everything - Medium sized and complete with a very large outside zip pocket along the back and two front pockets, you’ll have quick access to your everyday essentials. A top zip closure opens to a roomy interior featuring a zip compartment, cell pocket and interior pouch pocket. The hardware feet along the bottom provide upright support and additional protection. As the saying goes….”A Place for Everything, and Everything in its Place.”
• Elegance in Hand/In Your Embrace - Gorgeously patterned and coated, these canvas shoulder totes are collapsible and easy to fold up. Pack them full of everything you would need for a stop at the gym, park or beach. Both come with a snap top and three inner pockets to carry your cell phone, PDA and water bottle. Two sizes to fit everyone’s needs.

1 Dress, 5 Ways

Every woman has that one dress they absolutely love, that one dress that we feel completely comfortable in and make us feel utterly fabulous. Here are 5 looks we put together with your go-to dress so you can keep that baby on all week!

1. Wear it as a Skirt. Like any good pair of jeans, you can substitute a chambray shirt to act as a neutral. Throw it on, and top it off with a statement necklace and you’ll be ready go. Try adding a pair of boots and a small cross body (Call me) bag for a casual yet put together look.
2. Wear it as a top. Depending on the neckline, you can transform your dress into a posh top. In our example, because the dress has a fuller skirt, we chose a skirt that will hide any bulge but still maintain a streamlined figure. Grab your favorite relaxed cardigan, some flats and your favorite adventure (Hip Essential) bag you are all set to explore!
3. Mix textures. Mixing patterns and textures is always in and allows you to show off your creative side. We chose a light weight and neutral sweater-like jumper to go with our loud and sassy dress. Pair this look with an understated wedge or espadrilles, and a classic (Head Over Heels) bag in a contrasting color to make your outfit POP.
4. Wear it to the office. Time for you to let everyone know who has the POWER. This is a perfect opportunity to showcase your bold yet sophisticated side. No need to hide who you are at the office anymore! Grab your favorite fierce blazer, cinch the waist with a belt, and grab your bold yet lady-like (Mine All Mine) bag. Hop into those business woman shoes and you are ready to take on the world.
5. Take that baby out on the town. Now, this outfit? This is where your dress gets to truly shine. Keep accessorizing to a minimum and let your dress do the talking for you. Edge up your outfit and create a more night-appropriate look by grabbing a figure flattering belt, your favorite heels and dazzling (The Envelope Please) clutch. You’ll turn all heads tonight.