Rain Drops Keep Falling

After months of no rain, dead bushes, rising dust we've been getting bits of rain for the last month. All of us still hold our breath and wish for a good soaking rain. You know the kind that makes each blade of grass wiggle its toes in ecstasy. But the day before the Christmas Stroll its a little harder to be happy for a rainy weekend.

The Stroll has never been cancelled or postponed to my knowledge, so I assume it will continue in a soggy fashion. But what a disappointment for all - for the kids who look forward to meeting Santa, playing games and seeing the parade; for the organizers who have worked so hard to book the entertainment, create Santa's workshop, plan the parade and assemble all the wonderful vendors.

Let's pull on our mucklucks and anotaks, and go forth to enjoy this tradition of downtown Georgetown. Certainly a few rain drops won't stop the joy. Come down and enjoy the smiling faces of the kids - of all ages. Dodge the rain by stopping in to see all the shops and restaurants. Stroll the arts and crafts section. See you there!

The End of the Show Season

This Saturday is the Christmas Stroll in downtown Georgetown this Saturday. Mama Ds and Annarella Girl will be sharing a booth with Diva Chicks outside the store on 7th st.. We will have a smattering of items outside and the store will be fully stocked. This is it the last show of the Fall. Come see us. Wait until you see the baby cowboots from Mama Ds. They are adorable. What else could a Texas baby need? Diva Chicks has lots of stylish clothes. I love the flowy tops which are so comfortable. And outstanding accessories!

The sluggish economy is still impacting us. People are cautious with their purchases. They are sticking to their budgets. I understand since I am doing the same. So I really appreciate everyone who likes Annarella Girl enough to buy.  You've embraced the new corduroy jumpers and long sleeved onesies. Each purchase is an "ooh, you like me, you really like me." Thanks for the hugs and love.

I'm taking those warm hugs and indulging in a girls week in Florida. A very relaxing way to end my business season and mentally gear up for Christmas when my family gathers here. Somehow the house gets decorated, gifts get bought or made, and fudge appears in the kitchen. (Thanks to my husband who shares most of the work.) This is my favorite time of the year.

How is your holiday season progressing? Are you getting lots of warm hugs? Throwing you one from me.
See you.

Notes from the Workroom

Another rainy day in central Texas. A good day for organizing and catching up with cutting out both skirts and dresses to sew this coming week. I finally feel like I'm getting ahead of inventory. With an upcoming kiosk in The Exchange at Annarella, I have a deadline (and don't we all work more eficiently and faster with a deadline?) I'm focused and excited. The Exchange is a very good thing for central Texas. A great opportunity for Annarella Girl.

Because I will have a permanent home now, I've decided to only go to two shows for the upcoming holiday season. In Georgetown the FBC Christmas Spectacular is Nov 12, 13, 14. In Houston the Cougar Christmas Market Dec 12 & 13. I'm forgoing the outdoor shows this fall. I'm not up to battling the wind and rain. The above shows are under roof which means an easier setup for me!!!

These are 3 photos from my workroom. A little peek of some finished dresses and 2 different skirts in the early stages. You probably can't make out much in the pics, but I'm always available by email to chat about colors and fabrics and looks. Or see you November 2 at the grand opening of The Exchange at Annarella/

Pretty Girls

Thanks to photographer, James Polnick, I have lots of photos of my dresses on 4 very pretty girls. Two months ago I did a trunk show of the Hugs from Mimi Handmade Dresses in Houston where I met some wonderful girls (and their mothers, grandmothers and fathers) who agreed to be in a photo shoot with their dresses. Here are the marvelous results.

This is James daughter, Brighten, who certainly does brighten up at the sight of a camera. She was a champ and just kept smiling on and on. The one just below makes me giggle.

Next is Lauren. She is a little more serious, but those eyes!! She is adorable.

Blond and quiet, Macy, posed the most seriously of all. Doesn't she look so grown up?Here Macy and Brighten show off like but not matching sun dresses.Ryann, my granddaughter, is the final model. She is all girl and loved being my top model. She is my guinea pig. If she likes my creations, then I know I'm on the right track. I can't wait to see her over the holidays, as I have two new designs for skirts she needs to critique.Best friends, Macy and Ryann.It was so great to see the girls playing and being so comfortable inthe dresses while they looked soooo good. I feel like little girls should wear clothes that are comfortable for running and sitting with no scratchy fabrics. For the moms the clothes should be easy care. Who has time for lots of ironing?Here are all the models resting after a hard day of looking good, smiling and posing. They were all so cooperative. Thanks.

If you want me to do a trunk show next year, just holler. I had a great time in Houston. It was fun to get the instant feedback from Moms and their daughters. Email me at annarella@thegateway.net

Don't forget tomorrow, Dec 13 is Market Days in downtown Georgetown. Also the tour of historic homes put on by the Georgetown Heritage Society is Saturday and Sunday, the 13th & 14th. Click on the name for times, places and tickets. This is a highlight of the ho;iday season here in Georgetown.