This week I am working with my client Lesley Evers on images of her spring and fall lines. Doing slight double duty as I also shoot some behind the scenes reportage for the fab Uppercase Magazine. A whirlwind of a week, no doubt.
Congratulations to our two Borsa Bella giveaway winners; Leslee and Yara!
all photos & content © Lara Rossignol
Hair & Make Up by Joshua Conover for Look, Model: Jenny Giles with City
Many of you were probably lucky enough to receive a new gadget or two over the holidays and are now in search of a groovy way to carry it around. Borsa Bella makes beautiful crafted gadget bags, and great little purses in an array of interesting fabrics. They are giving away two $35 gift certificates to Piewacket readers and also offering a special 15% discount with the promo code Pie15 just till the end of January. Want another chance to win? Just "like" Borsa Bella on Facebook where she has weekly giveaways.
Just comment on this post and let me know what new gadget you are crushing on most and why? Whether you own it or it's on your wish list. Be sure to answer the question and include your email in the appropriate box (it will not be public) or you will not be entered. One comment entry per person, the winner will be chosen via random.org. Deadline for entry is midnight pacific time, January 15th. Good luck!
all photos & content © Lara Rossignol
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When I travel I go into hyper Virgo mode (even though I'm a Sagittarius) and get extra organized. I worry about forgetting something important and have accumulated various accessories to keep all my technology contained. No reason they can't also be stylish! With the exception of #4, I will carry all these in either my carry on bag or purse.
1. Borsa Bella laptop sleeve (I learned on my last trip, you don't have to take it out of the sleeve before putting it through the security scanner!) 2. Abas iPad case 3. Sanrio case (also fits GPS charger & car mount) 4. Paperchase case (this will go in my checked bag) 5. Kindle in an M-edge cover 6. & 7. Sanrio cases and *More chargers: Laptop and extra iphone/ipad charger which I will carry on with me. If my checked bag were to go MIA, these are the two I must have to get through my trip.
I will also be toting a bento meal like this one I made for another flight, I just don't like to leave anything to chance and most airlines no longer serve free inflight meals. Another tip: be sure to check your seat pocket before you depart the plane! I have read numerous horror stories of people leaving kindles , iPads and other various gadgets on the plane and you're not likely to see it again.
Some of you might wonder why I need both a kindle and an iPad. Yes, I can access my kindle library via the iPad but I don't really like reading on it. Too heavy and the backlighting gives me a headache. For me, they are apples an oranges.
all photos & content © Lara Rossignol
Abas, Borsa Bella, Canon G10, Kindle, M-edge, Sanrio, air travel, iPad, iPod, packing Share Article 11 Comments 
My friend a wonderful sponsor Melissa of Borsa Bella is putting up not one but two $50 Gift Certificates for Pie's Holiday Giveaway bonanza. You can then choose one of her fantastic handmade gadget covers or maybe one of her super kawaii purses. She is always adding new fabrics and designs and will even work with fabrics you send her. I am so impressed with how well made her bags are and do regret not learning to sew when I had the chance. So to enter, tell me about something you regret not learning or a skill you would love to have. I would love to speak french but have no ear for languages.
Please, one entry per IP, you can earn a bonus entry by commenting on the link to this post on BB's Facebook wall and another by following Piewacket on Facebook. There will be one Pie winner and one FB winner. Entry window closes midnight eastern time, Friday, Nov. 26th. Winners will be chosen at randon via random.org. Be sure to include your email in the box provided, it is not public and I'm not a psychic! Good Luck!
all photos & content © Lara Rossignol
special thanks to my friend and model Ai
As promised I have been on the hunt for stylish iPad accessories that provide both function and flair. I have four colorful sleeve options for you. The perfect option if you like to use yours coverless but still want it protected when not in use.
This very unique design is by Blythe King of iSocket, who uses vintage fabrics to make her one of kind sleeves. The iPad fits snuggly and there is plenty of cushion to keep it protected. This sleeve manages to be whimsical, eye catching, echo friendly, incredibly well made and all for around $80.
JAVOedge has come up with it's own unique design on an iPad sleeve. Slim and lightweight, the iPad fits perfectly and a magnetic closure adds security and easy access. The corners of one side are left exposed, so you might not want it floating around in a briefcase or book bag. This pattern comes in two other colors and it also comes in a basic black and retails for 35.95.
Then there is Borsa Bella which offers probably the most in terms of options. Whether you want to be a rockstar or a princess, chances are they have a fabric that works for you. They also can do a sleeve to cover your iPad in a cover, with handles or without, top zip or side, pocket or no pocket. Don't see exactly what you want? Just ask, they can customize it for you. Like this one above she made for me, a portfolio style case with handles and a pink zipper to hold mine in it's cover. Yeah, I probably fall into the princess category.
M-edge provides the sleekest option, with this beautiful leather sleeve. Simple and very well made, it is also offered in black and brown. The inside is a pale grey and is soft and well cushioned. The closure and stitching details make it a very nice looking case and the quality leather feels wonderful to the touch. All this beauty will cost you 59.99 or you can opt for a synthetic version for $10 less.
Now you can win one of these above or the iPad sleeve or your choice from Borsa Bella, that's right two prizes and two winners! To enter just comment on this post and tell us your favorite and what your using now to hold your iPad. If you do not own one yet that's okay, it's only a matter of time. Entry deadline is midnight est time July 5th. Only one comment entry per person and include your email in the box provided, it can only be viewed by me. You can earn an extra entry by following Pie on Facebook, which enters you automatically in all Pie giveaways. Winners are chosen via random.org.
all photos & content © Lara Rossignol
Blythe King, Borsa Bella, Javoedge, M-edge, covers, iPad, iSocket, sleeves Share Article 51 Comments 
Pie is taking off early for the weekend so I can get caught up on work and other obligations. Do not forget to get in on theBorsa Bella giveaway, the deadline is midnight eastern time Sunday.
photo & content © Lara Rossignol
Borsa Bella has added some lovely new fabric choices and two new case designs to their line of gadget bags. IncludingiPad covers and the new "roo" bag.
A stack of the gorgeous new fabrics... but how to choose?
I must thank my neighbor Ben Kealy for the loan of hisiPad for the photos, check out hisreview of this uber hot gadget. Be itiPad,Kindle,Nook or even a laptop, there is aBorsa Bella to suit your gadgets and taste. They also do custom orders, so if you don't see what you want on the site, just ask.
The "Roo" bag is a regular e-book case with a pocket. Your reader, in a cover, fits snuggly and then still fit easily in a purse or bag. It also includes a handy little strap if you rather it fly solo.
I especially ❤ these spring colors!
To help celebrate Pie's one year anniversary (yesterday)Borsa Bella is offering a $50 Gift Certificate to one lucky winner! To enter: leave a comment on this post and tell me what is on your gadget wish list. Please include your email (it is visible to only me) so I can contact you if you win. One entry per person (yes, I do check IP #s) and you have until Sunday the 18th, midnight eastern time to enter. You can earn an extra entry by following Pie onFacebook, allFacebook followers are automatically entered in all Pie Giveaways.
Congratulations to the winner of Pie's weekend mini giveaway, Angelica, #49. Winners are selected by usingrandom.org
all photos & content © Lara Rossignol
Afte the holiday there is bound to be a number of new Kindle, Sony Reader and Nook owners as the recent serge in e-book popularity continues. As users of these devices soon learn, what you choose to cover it with, is almost as important as the choice of device itself. Maybe it is the delicate screen, or the need to have a book like feel or just a desire to make it look fabulous. Whatever it is, there are a number of covers on the market and it can get a little confusing. I have owned two Kindles and have tried many different options, here is my rundown of those that stand out.
Oberon Cover & Borsa Bella Case
First, it is important to know the difference between a cover and a case, many confuse the two. A cover is fitted on your reader in some way and provides protection when closed and support as a reading platform when in use. Most fold back so you can comfortably read it with one hand. While a case can be a "sleeve" type container that can protect your reader without a cover or a larger version, designed to hold your reader in a cover for added protection. Anyone that has experienced the aftermath of a leaky water bottle or uncapped pen in their purse or bag, will understand the need for a case for your cover.
The Oberon cover above are embossed leather and a distinctive and popular choice, though pricey at $75 and up. While Borsa Bella makes a variety of cases from sleeves to travel bags and will even customize them with your own fabrics. You can find some sportier options from Belkin and Waterfield
A "Naked" Kindle Sleeve from Borsa Bella
M-edge Go CoverM-edge is another popular brand with a slick look in a variety of colors and styles. I tried their Go cover, a very simple design offered in a rainbow of colors, that utilizes the hinge system along with elastic corners. I liked this cover, though it was a little heavier than I expected. The gray interior is a little drab as well but soft and comfortable to hold. There is also no closure, which takes away from the security factor. Cole Haan also offers some nice options (for Kindles only), though they are also one of the priciest starting at $99.
Javoedge Flip Cover
After reviewing Javoedge covers back in August for Pie, they have become my new favorite. I bought this red cherry blossom cover about two months ago and love it. Very light weight and priced under $50, they come in an array of cool styles and colors. I really love the magnetic closure and it holds the reader very securely with a built in sleeve. I also love how comfortable it is to hold and the flip style is incredibly handy, allowing you to stand it up and read hands free. They also have great customer service, when my first cover arrived damaged, they made the exchange process very easy.
All of these, with the exception of Cole Haan, also offer covers for the Kindle DX, Sony Readers and are adding or have added Nook covers to their lines. TheNook also has a variety of interesting covers commissioned by an accessory savvy B&N, who hooked up with high profile designers like Kate Spade and Jonathan Adler. Oh and don't forget to check out etsy for something handmade and very unique. I just discovered these very tempting covers by hob-op.
As a special Pie promotion, just through Saturday, the 10th, use the promo code: Piewacket and get 10% off your Borsa Bella order!
all photos & content © Lara Rossignol
Borsa Bella, Cole Haan, Javoedge, Jonathan Adler, Kate Sapde, Kindle, Nook, Oberon, Sony Reader, case, cover Share Article 15 Comments
Borsa Bella's popular & lust worthy "Twilight" pattern.
One of my new sponsors,Borsa Bella just launched a brand newwebsite. Owner Melissa Warren, a long time Pie supporter, is a talented designer of purses, gadget bags and e-book cases. She is also adding laptop sleeves to her line. I may have inspired her after ordering this gorgeous custom one.
I am also excited to have on boardSpacify, an online retailer of modern furniture and accesories. They offer a variety of designer and eco friendly options. Be sure to check out their Modern Classics section which sports reproductions by some archetypal mid-century designer's includingGeorge Nelson,Harry Bertoia andEileen Gray.
the classic George Nelson bench
Another sponsor,Chronicle Books, is offering a pretty incrediable deal through the 4th. Checkout some of my favorite items featured under sponsors, like the Pictorial stamp set andFrida Kahlo book.
top two photos © Lara Rossignol
Another "Outtake" from the Sandpiper Winter Lookbook
There is a lot to report this lovely Monday morning. A winner was picked for theKristen Malone Glass giveaway, Pie makes theLinks a la Mode onIFB for the second time and I am honored to haveBorsa Bella becomes Pie's newest sponsor. Congrats to Amy ofAML Consulting, she won the beautiful Firefly candle holder. Lucky #6 out of 54 entries was the chosen number viarandom.org.
Every weekIFB chooses the top twenty links from dozens of blog submissions, it is an honor to make the cut. Lots of great stuff to check out in this weeks picks...
all photos & content © Lara Rossignol ✽ Hair & Makeup:Faith Brooks ✽ Model: Kimber R./Elite Atlanta
As glamourous as I know my life must seem, when I travel to play in pool tournaments it's all about budget. Along the way I have discovered a few little tricks to make road trip travel a little more comfortable and even stylish. 
First off, stick with a name brand motel chain, unless you have a good referral and in either case check out online reviews. Some of the well known chains have invested in re-branding. Last weekend we stayed in a Hojos in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Though my room was small, it was clean and the bathroom had been redone. I love this cute soap packaging but be sure to bring conditioner. Most motels only provide the bare essentials, if that. You can also check online to see what amenities the rooms have, no need to pack a hair dryer if the room comes with one. 
Anyone that saw the ABC investigation on the true cleanliness of hotel rooms might appreciate this. It may sound a bit extreme but I can tell you, I sleep much better by packing my own pillow and blanket! I strip the bed of it's blanket and bedspread, which are not cleaned often between guest and leave the sheets which are. Such a simple fix that gives so much peace of mind. 
These fit nicely into a large laundry bag with room leftover for other bulky items like your shoes and a sweatshirt. The pillow is a contoured one to prevent neck strain, I was waking up with a lot of neck pain but not once since I made this 18.99 investment. Now I take it with me always, even when staying with friends or family. 
Other essentials; healthy snacks, Kindle, bottled water, spare pair of reading glasses and most important my iPhone. Along with the obvious communication benefits, it is a reliable alarm clock and I like to play something on the iPod function to fall asleep too. It can help block out the noise from outside and other rooms and the speakers are strong enough that you can use it without headphones. 
I also find having designated containers for my essential items helps me stay organized and keeps me from forgetting items both coming and going. An oversized purse, that I can fit my laptop into is also a must. Leaving my laptop in the motel is just too risky. The one below by Orla Kiely works great and I love my Borsa Bella custom laptop sleeve. 
Before my next trip, I think I will also load up on some of the new Starbucks instant coffee, Via. It would be nice to have handy when your on the road and there is no decent coffee in sight. I could really have used it on this trip. Also, if you have any of your own travel tips or road stories to share please post away! 
all photos & content © Lara Rossignol/ Via photo courtesy ofStarbucks
