Project Runway

Helping me get through our endless summer are my 3 favorite reality shows. I love "Design Star" on HGTV and "The Next Network Food Star" on the Food Channel. But my favorite is "Project Runway" on Lifetime. I awoke this morning with a smile as I remembered that Thursday night I got to see Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn. (As I write this it does seem to be a little pathetic. What a small life I lead.)

This is season 9. The designers are, as always, quirky and bitchy, but this batch seem very talented. As they judges eliminate the weakest, there are 5 or 6 who are very strong contenders. It should be a fun season.

If you've missed the start of Project Runway, you can see episodes at this link. Its good reality TV. (I know many of you think that is an oxymoron.)

The Birth of a New Design II

Here it is! The new corduroy jumper being tried by sweet Ava. I'm pleased with the way it fits. She normally wears a size 5, so this being a size 6 is a bit large. The proportions of bodice and ruffle fit the length of the skirt. Not too fussy or frilly so the wearer is overwhelmed, but not too tailored. After all a princess must be able to twirl. Over all I'm vey pleased.

Doesn't it look cute over a solid knit shirt? I found it at Target. It is a simple look. Ava said she was very pleased with it. The remaining question is - pocket or no pocket. I like the simplicity without, but what girl doesn't like a pocket?

Now I'm ready to construct the next one. I've got a few great pieces of corduroy I'm itching to sew up. Sizes will be 3-8. I'll suprise you with a pocket or not.

Hooray!!!

Birth of a New Design

I've been working on a corduroy jumper. Today I was ready to talk about it, but I can't upload my pics. Very disappointed. Maybe I'll have better luck tomorrow when I'll have my first sample on a live model. Wish me luck!!!!

UPDATE. An hour later and the photos are available. Hooray and off I go.

I've been drooling over the new print corduroys that have been around for a couple of years. Yes, I'm slow. Wasn't sure how I wanted to use them. After my print explosion of last week, an idea began to nibble in my mind. I wanted a garment which had a bit less mix of color and print, but I didn't want to lose the funkiness and boldness completely. I think I am on the road to a new design. Let me know what you think.

Here is my first try. I love the white and black houndstooth patterned corduroy. I've used it in cotton 2-3 years ago. So I drew up an idea of a jumper, (I'm so bad as a sketcher!), with the corduroy used for the skirt. Made my notes for size of pattern pieces. Then it's onto accent fabric choices.

After I pull a bunch of cotton print fabrics from my stash, I arrange them around my base corduroy. In this case I begin to eliminate what does not give me the splash of color that I'm looking for against the black and white. Just two pops of brightness in bodice and ruffle. (I'm still thinking about a pocket.)

Here is the finished jumper. I have a shirt and leggings hanging with it all ready to take to Mama Ds house for her daughter,Ava, to try on. This is the final check to see if I have the proportions between straps, bodice, skirt and ruffle pleasing. Also feedback on the ease of putting on and wearing. Will it be comfortable to sit in, run in twirl in? Will Ava think it is fun but beautiful?

I'll be back tomorrow with more photos and some answers to my questions. I hope?

The Exchange at Annarella

File this under "you can't keep a good woman down."

For 9 years Pamela and I birthed, raised and then released Annarella. It was a great ride but it had to be closed. Now Pamela and 2 partners, Angie and Carly, are embarking on a new adventure. Meet The Exchange at Annarella - a design and consign boutique.

This is so exciting! An upscale consignment store for women's clothing, jewelry, personal accessories, home accessories and furniture. An opportunity to recycle and renew your closet and your home.

Along with the consignment component Pamela will continue to offer her design expertise in Annarella Home Studio. Currently she has several small continuing projects and is finishing up a project for the NARI tour. Go to website and click on image for tour. Her house is the one in downtown Georgetown.

So when you need design services Pamela will still be around and keeping everyone in style and comfort.

Lastly Annarella Girl will have a home at the Exchange. I'm excited to be part of this new concept and space which will be a totally unique mix of new and gently used items displayed and cared for in the Annarella way. I'm the first independent handmade business to be invited to have a presence ay the Exchange. Yhanks Pamela, Amgie and Carly.

Welcome to the wonderful world of blogging

Tyson Skross has become a blogger. He's posted 2. Take a trip over to see him. Ty's blog.

While you're surfing the internet, take a trip on Allyson Smith's website. Its been updated to include all her current work.

I'm starting my driving trip to Wilmington, Delaware, for the Wilmington Flower Market, May 7,8,9. We're taking our time and stopping to see some family on the way. I'm not sure what internet access I'll have while away, but we'll be back by May 15.

Annarella Home Design Studio is moving to the Atrium at 800 S Austin Ave. Pamela will continue to work with her existing and new clients. Email her for info annarellahome@yahoo.com

Have a great May Day. Make sure to smell the roses.

It's been a long time

Wow! I took 6 weeks off from blogging. At times I missed it and mentally talked to all of you, but mostly there has been so much going on in my life I just haven't had extra time.

Annarella, the store, has closed. Annarella Home, the design studio, continues. Annarella Girl, the custom clothing line, has been born.

The back story - for 8 years, Pamela and I created a retail experience that combined top design ideas and furniture for all your interiors (Pamela) with art and unique gifts (Ellie). while business grew and expanded with the aid of our great customers, last year the tightening economy began to be noticed. I decided that I no longer had the passion and energy necessary to run my part.

Pamela is and will continue her design business, Annarella Home. she is accepting new clients and continues with many ongoing projects. Spread the word that she is available with her exceptional talent for creating the look and feel you deserve in your home or office. Her contact information remains the same as the old Annarella info. Now I am working for her - manning the phones and sitting at the reception desk.

I'm plunging ahead with Annarella Girl. This spring I am attending 3 arts and crafts shows. I look forward to talking to everyone and getting feedback which will help me decide if I want to keep this as a small hobby or begin the process of growing a new business. So stop in and see me at the Bloomin Fest in Lampasas this Sat, April 4; next weekend Fri - Sun, April 10-12 at the Bluebonnet Festival in Burnet; and May 7-9, Thurs thru Sat, the Wilmington Flower Market in Wilmington Delaware. I'm looking forward to meeting lots of new people and hearing what they think of my sundresses, skirts and new tee shirts.

So that's what we've been upto here. I've discovered that closing a business is very unexciting and sad. There have been quite a few pity parties held although I seem to be alone in my attendance. What I am enjoying after all these years in retail is having a more relaxed schedule since the design studio is only open from Tues thru Sat currently. and as I take my dresses on the road even those hours will be altered so it's best to call or email ahead.

I'll let you all know how my shows are going and will keep you up-to-date on new fabrics and designs. Old email still works but I do have a new one also.

It's good to be back!

Catching Up

It's been a busy week, so I've neglected all of my blog friends. Sorry. So I'll catch you up on a few of the doings.

First, there's been a lot of talk about a bill being introduced in the Texas legislature. As I understand it they are trying to tighten the restrictions for designers working on commercial projects by allowing only licensed interior designers for a commercial project. For a long time there has been a bit of friction between interior designers and decorators. In order to call oneself an interior designer, one must have a degree and state license which is renewed each year. They are qualified to work on projects that include changing walls, electrical, etc. A decorator is not licensed and can work on space planning, color ways, furniture placement etc. Typically an interior designer charges slightly more than a decorator because of the higher level of education. But a license does not necessarily make one a good designer when it comes to the aesthetics of a room. The emotional feel of a room is often from the color palette, type and style of furniture and its placement, the judicious use of accessories, window treatments and floor coverings.

Locally there has always been a peace between the two camps. We are careful not to refer to Pamela as an interior designer. She is a decorator with 14 years of experience. She is quite happy to leave any structural changes that a client wants in the hands of an architect and she has worked with many of the local builders and architects to incorporate her client's needs and wants. Her forte is in listening to a client and helping them get the home that function well for them and be aesthetically pleasing. She wants a client to enjoy going into the spaces they have worked on together. She is good at this and has many satisfied customers.

To change the law may be fixing a problem which is not there. (And we all know that can just create a whole bunch of new problems.) Keep the distinction between interior designers and decorators as it is now. Punish anyone who claims to be an interior designer but is not licensed. But allow a decorator to work with architects as a consultant for chosing fixtures, flooring, colors, placement of electrical outlets etc. Don't stand in the way of a decorator from working with the aesthetics of homes. There is a need for both of them in the world of design.

On a final note, at Annarella Home we encourage potential clients to ask for references and talk to people who have used Pamela for their design projects. We are proud of her talents and think she is special. She doesn't want to have to go through the licensing process because she doesn't want to know how to move walls. She would rather leave that to the architect. Her passion lies with the furniture, colors and textures of fabrics, the challenge of space planning, and accessorizing to create a mood.

See picture below for an example of what she can do.

If I have mispoke about the intent of the bill, it is my fault and lack of understanding, not Pamela's or anyone else. Feel free to set me straight.

Ellie

Organized and loving it!

Having made the decision to spend more time on my line of custom designed, hand-made girls' dresses, I've been spending lots more time in my sewing/crafts room. This space has doubled as a guest room and a general "if its clutter it must go here" area. Well, for Christmas my daughter gave me the gift of 24 hours of time to help de-clutter and organize this room so it could serve as a business office as well as a sewing room for my growing business. This last weekend she came and we conquered. I now have a room which functions beautifully for the sewing. And is ready to serve as a home office as I phase out of the backroom here at Annarella Home. I even have lots of space to grow.

Although I don't have images of my re-done space, I went googling today to look for low cost ideas to create a home office and craft space. (Did I mention that we ended up spending only on lumber for two shelves, small can of paint and a new, large waste basket - for a total of well under $100?)

Here are a few clever ideas from Better Homes and Gardens that are budget friendly and functional.

I loved this idea of a desk made from an old door with added legs. It makes for a wide, flat area which is something I need. Also they took a parson's chair and slipcovered it for a comfortable desk seat.Here they've used slatted display walls like you see in many stores. Painted it. Added shelves and pin-up boards etc. Especially clever is the hanging file system. Simple and seviceable!

Here an old metal tray has been painted to create a magnetic board. I've also found a metal cookie sheet works well. Depending on what you need to attach, mesh stretched over a baking sheet works well to display or hold earrings, necklaces or anything small enough to be held by pins. Let your imagination roam.

Change is good

On Inaugaration Day 2009 change is a key word. It's exciting to see such crowds and such enthusiasm. Even if America must face reality and a lot of tough work tomorrow, it is fun to celebrate change and possibilities today.

As a lot of you know already, Annarella is making some major changes. We've been selling our inventory at 50% off so we can consolidate into 2 rooms and become Annarella Home, Pamela's design services. This week we should be able to begin to move all the fabrics into their new home, our second room. We will be vacating the atrium and adjoining design studio. Although there is a little sadness, this feels more and more right as we progress. The current economic climate means we have to tighten our belt and find ways to trim the overhead without hurting the wonderful design services that we can provide. So we are reducing the gift items we carry as we reduce our retail presence in downtown.

Our new store hours are Tues -Sat 11-5. But Pamela can be reached on her cell for questions and appoinments 512-818-6026. We welcome appointments for before or after regular hours. For the time being we will remain at 800 S Austin Ave here in downtown Georgetown. We promise to keep everyone updated on all coming changes.

Ellie will expand her Hugs from Mimi girls handmade clothing line. Right now I'm working hard at developing new designs and looks for spring. I'm building up stock with an addition of two skirts. Meanwhile I'll be working with Pamela. My smiling face will still be the one behind the desk. So stop in and see me. Any questions about the clothes can be emailed annarella@thegateway.net as I work on a schedule of art fairs I'll attend and on a website.

So change is good here. Thanks to everyone who has had such good things to say to us. Thanks to everyone who has said they'll miss us. We're still here just morphing.

Warm throws for a cold day

Annarella Home has always loved the throws from Kennebunk Weavers. (This is the Bedford Cottage website as they bought out Kennebunk Weavers, Browse it all or click on the KW button.) Even though we live in a warm climate, the soft throws are a perfect weight for a cool evening or even a hot summer when the air-conditioning is turned too high. Well, we still have a few left on sale for 50% off. What a deal as we suffer through our cold weather this January.


Isn't this cute? The throws don't come with the dogs, but I couldn't resist.

Picture your sofa or chair with a spot of color like these. The black is a soft faux fur with a suede back. Throws like these add not only color but texture to your rooms.

It is the little touches like the ones I've been discussing this week that create spaces that you want to come into, that make you smile, that give you comfort. This is what home is all about - a welcoming space.

Have a good weekend. Venture out to see what we have left at 50% off.

A touch of sunshine

On a blah day I love to jumpy on etsy and see what pretties the handcrafted world is showing. If you've never been on etsy, it has goods of all kinds from jewelry to baked goods to clothes to art. It is a fun place to visit. And it is a very good thing to support artisans.

Today I was just noodling around looking for things with a spot of yellow in continuation of my theme this week of chasing away winter. Here are some things that intrigued and pleased me.

A print to brighten your little one's room from Modern Pop. I believe in surrounding children with interesting prints on their walls. This one will become a family treasure to be passed to future grandchildren.

This stoneware bowl by glentypottery will make a sunny way to eat your morning cereal. I love the smooth, sensual gleam of the bowl. Pottery is a low cost way to give your table interest.

This charming art print, "Quail," comes from studio lyon. Matte it and add a simple frame for a pop of color anywhere. (Keep the frame simple so that the print is the focus.)

How about a splash of personal sunshine. Coryell Designs? The stone is oro-verde quartz. Looks like lemon chiffon.Last, a splash of red on a butter colored pillow by Insaneity. A bit of pizazz for a chair or on the bed. This is handpainted so it costs slightly more than anything else I've shown. But it is unique, and I love it!

So if you're looking for a way to brighten your spaces, browse etsy. Suppot the hand=made community.

Chasing the winter blahs, part 2

Continuing on with small and inexpensive ways to change your home's insides so that you leave the drabness of winter out of doors.


Jim Nilsen has always been a favorite photographer here at Annarella. His small framed shots are like little jewels that when grouped can brighten an entire wall but also work well as a spot of interest in a bookcase or on a table top. He shoots in South America, Europe and India capturing the colors and feels of each region. The precision of each image is juxtaposed with a mood-saturated pallette. One or several in your home will be sure to chase away any winter blahs.

Here are a few of my favorties from his website. Forget the cold outside and enjoy the tour around his world.Brazil

Mexico

France

Italy

Greece

Au revoir. Ciaio. Good by for today.

Get out of the winter blahs

There's the period after we take down the holiday decor, pack away those special dishes and store the red, gold or green candles, when the nesting instinct cries out for a change. The skies are gray, the trees are brown. The outside is a symphony in muted whites, browns and blacks. Inside the house we are ready for something new - something different - something with color. The easiest quick but satisfying trick is to add some color with new pillows.

Imagine this combination of colors in a mix of large to small. square and rectangular pillows on a sofa and a chair.

Mixing a pattern and stripe with solids; smooth with textured; a sheen with a matte finish will brighten your spirit and add so much interest to your room.

Just pick a color palette and chose the different patterns and textures. If you're afraid of making a mistake or the choices become overwhelming, call or email Pamela at Annarella Home. You'll love the difference a few pillows will make and your pocketbook will love the low cost.

Tips and Inspirations for Your Home

There are 3 trends in interior designs that help create serene but interesting rooms. Spaces that reflect the character of the individuals that live there. At Annarella Home designers, Pamela and Mindy, incorporate these ideas into many of their projects. Below are a few photos that I hope will show Blend, Layer and Mix. Enjoy.

BLEND - Notice the quiet color palette of this bedroom. It ranges from cream to taupe. So the whole is quiet and serene as a bedroom should be. What keeps it from boring? It doesn't all match. The turned foot posters of the bed are ornate, but the chairs in front are simple. By not matching everything perfectly the room becomes interesting, but the monochromatic color palette helps it all blend.

LAYER - Again a very subdued palette as a backdrop, but this rooms has so many different textures to keep it interesting. From the big block stone floor to the diamond patterned tile front on the fireplace to the rustic wood block mantel piece there is so much texture for the eyes and fingers to feel. It makes the smooth finish on the table and chairs pop. So often we think of textures being different fabrics in a space. Here I want you to think out of the box and add different natural materials like glass, iron, stone and wood to create a timeless space with interest.MIX - Put old and new together. Notice the dressing table which comes from an entirely different era than the bed. By mixing styles and eras but not adding lots of clutter, this bedroom has personality. It doesn't look like a catelogue page; it looks like it was put together to reflect the style and personality of the occupant. I think this should be the goal of every good design.

Dining in Style - Chairs

Sooner than you or I can imagine Thanksgiving will be here. I find my thoughts going to the dining table. I love to break out the "good china" and silverware to set for the feast. As a family we all like to participate in planning the menu and then cooking it. It's a little early for us to really get into the spirit, but its not too early if I want to add any decor to my dining room.

I've been thinking about chairs. Since we like to eat and talk and eat and talk for hours, I've been looking at comfortable seating. I absolutely love these chairs from IDS.

Wouldn't these look nice around a dining table. There are over 60 fabrics to choose from. And notice the different leg styles.

Padded seats are very comfortable. This bench could hold 2 full-size adults or 3 wriggly grandchildren.IDS has just started making the occasional arm chair below. It is a little big for my dining room, but I'm tempted to use it to create a reading corner in my master bedroom.And finally I can't resist showing this square upholstered coffee table. Here, at Annarella, we've had requests for a piece like this. I'm so pleased that IDS has designed this. Love the legs. Check out their website under new items for some more designs.If you have furniture or window treatments you're thinking about for a festive holiday house. Come see us soon as we are getting cut-off dates for delivery from more and more of our manufacturers and work rooms.

Final floor clearance for 2008

For a year we've been changing here at Annarella. Our thrust has been to find furniture and accessories that are price-friendly and eco-friendly.Its been an exciting challenge, but we found Lee Furniture who make stylish, comfortable and durable upholstered sofas, chairs, benches and stools. For tables, armoires and wood goods we've decreased our imported stock and bought American. Not only are these solid wood but the carbon footprint created in their making is less. Thanks to everyone who has encouraged and supported us through this adventure.

Now the final arrival of new floor pieces is near. In order to keep our signature look - uncluttered, airy and bright - we have a select group of furniture we want to sell to make room for our last shipment. Here are some pictures and info:

corner armoire with removable shelves - originally $1898, now $898

loveseat with pillows - originally $1850, now $925

chair - originally $1619, now $800

solid mahogany armoire with leather trim and TV ready - originally $3550, now $1420

vineyard table with 2 arm chairs and 4 side chairs - originally $3965, now $1750

trestle table with hand carved apron - originally $3800, now $1900

You can see we're serious about these special savings. There are several more chairs and a gel-burning fireplace also. If you see something interesting, come in as soon as possible. At these prices we don't anticipate that these pieces will last long.

Celebrity Inspirations

Some days I just like to look at pictures for inspiration. It sounds rather lazy and indulgent, but really it is expanding my mind and feeding my imagination. So I want to share some pictures from a new design book by Margaret Russell and the editors of Elle Decor titled So Chic.

While some of the rooms featured are over the top or look very stiff - (ie. a designer did this and no one really lives here), I liked the rooms that feature comfort, airy space, and no clutter. Hope you enjoy them, too.

This is Ben Stiller's terrace. Doesn't it look comfy and not overdone? It mixes neutral colors which don't distract from the surrounding lush foliage. A few bright pillows add a punch of color for interest. Its simplicity and serenity make it seem to work for many different functions. I imagine it being a natural place for the family to gather during the day, or a great spot to relax with drinks and friends in the evening. Sarah Jessica Parker's dining room in her Bridgehampton home. Designers talk about eclectic styling and putting together elements that don't match. This is such a good example! By painting and upolstering all the different chairs in black, they all "go together," but the interest of the variety is not lost. And spotlighting them in a white room makes a wow statement.

Isn't this a spectacular tapestry over a bed covered in embroidered silk bedding and pillows? Tamara Mellon"s London bedroom is elegant and romantic but stops short of being fussy. The matching lamps and bedside chests complement the space and add function to the room, but don't distract from the drama of the focal point, tapestry and bed. The simple bouquet of flowers on only one chest adds a touch of surprise and informality. Well done!

Did you get any ideas? I certainly did. Beautiful can be simple, family friendly and comfortable.

The New Trend in Slipcovers

Slipcovered furniture is back. But don't confuse the new trend with the old ill-fitting, constantly sliding, rumpled look of the 1900's. Or the mail order, "easy fit" tie on ones that don't fit at all.

While these have a casual look, they are custom fitted so you aren't constantly tucking, smoothing or shifting to make them look neat. Why? Because they are made by the manufacturer from the same pattern as the furniture under them.

For active families with children or pets, slipcovers are a great way to keep your furniture looking great. With the improved washability of so many fabrics, they really are easy care. Remove them, treat for any spots or stains, throw them in the washer and dryer and they will look as good as new. If you've always had to choose mud brown or a similarly uninspiring dark color just because you need something to hide as many spots as possible, with today's slipcovers you can indulge in light, bright colors and not regret it 3 months later.And as an added bonus, Lee furniture, our favorite custom furniture with slipcovers, guarantees that they will always have the patterns for all their styles, even years later, so a new fitted cover can be made whenever you are ready for a change. This truly is furniture for a lifetime of comfort and style.

Come in to see the chairs and sofas with slipcovers on our floor. They will inspire you with the many possibilities.

Just a note of interest to all. Annarella Home is now open every Friday and Saturday evening until 8.So our new hours are Mon-Thurs. 10-6, Fri and Sat. 10-8, Sunday 11-5. Of course, we are available at other times by appointment.

Magazine Inspirations

This hammock chair called "Slink" comes from American Leather. Doesn't this look comfy? Picture it in a living area as a seat for reading, watching TV or just looking out the window.If the chartruese is a little loud for your color scheme, there are over 60 different leathers or ultrasuedes to choose from.

One of Elle Decor's picks of their September issue. Don't you love seeing what the top design magazines think is inspiring?

Many magazines are talking paint this month. One of our favorite websites for exploring color is Sherwin Williams. You can go into the design ideas section and click on color visualizer. Once there you can play with colors for exteriors or interiors. There are different rooms that can be "painted" with 1000s of hues. Of course all computer monitors show color shades differently, but you can get some good ideas before you head off to the paint store. Have fun!