And the winner is...

Congratulations to Alaina Kitz of Gig Harbor, WA, she is the winner of the Holiday Experience contest presented by Ana Louie.  She will enjoy the magic of downtown Seattle, including luxury accommodations at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel and the cheer of the Seattle's Traditional Santa Breakfast, as well as a photo session with Heleyna Holmes Photography. 

Hot Cocoa, Pretty Dresses, Fashion and Fun Photos from Our Holiday Party

On December 1, 2011, forty of our closest friends joined together for the inaugural Holiday Party.  Le Petit Shoppe in Seattle's Laurelhurst neighborhood graciously hosted the event and offered a 20% discount on purchases throughout the evening.  Families were encouraged to attend and children enjoyed the hot cocoa station, complimentary finger foods and some nail art by Drew.  

The Louie family 

 Enjoying the hot cocoa station.

Cynarah Ellawala, Fashion Network-Seattle, mother and daughter

Ana and Ann Marie Louie 

Photos by Team Photogenic

See all the photos at http://www.teamphotogenic.com/event-viewer/categories.asp?eid=19409

Enter to Win the Seattle Holiday Experience

Find Ana Louie Apparel on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ana-Louie-Apparel/160328327339492 (you must be signed in to your own account in order to "Like" Ana Louie Apparel)

Ana Louie Holiday Contest rules:

1. Contest begins at 12:00 am PST on December 1, 2011 and ends at 3:00 pm PST on December 14, 2011.
2. Must be 18+ years old to enter and must be a permanent legal resident of one of the 50 states.
3. Enter to win by "Liking" Ana Louie Apparel on Facebook or emailing info@analouieapparel.com with "Holiday Contest" in the subject line.
4. Winner randomly selected.
5. Winner will be announced on December 14, 2011 and must communicate acceptance to Ana Louie before 7:00 p.m. PST on same day. If acceptance is not communicated with Ana Louie LLC via Facebook, email or phone prior to 7:00 p.m. PST, award will be revoked and awarded to another.
6. Non-transferable. Winner must be available to redeem prizes on December 16 and December 17, 2011. State issued identification will be required upon check-in at hotel and to pick up tickets at will-call.
7. Winner agreesto release, indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Holiday Contest entities from any and all liability, claims, losses, accident, illness, injuries (including embarrassment, defamation and invasion of privacy of any kind, including death).
8. Ana Louie will not be responsible for extra charges incurred by guest.  
9. Ana Louie LLC does not provide transportation to/from experience.
10. Winner grants Ana Louie LLC permission to announce and use name for Advertisements. Ana Louie will be able to use photo’s in marketing material.
11. Any person related to an employee of Ana Louie LLC cannot win.
12. Upon entering, you agree to have read and agree to be bound by the Official Rules of this Contest.

Ana Louie Holiday Party

Fido Looks Great as a...

I'm sure that you already know what you're going to be for Halloween but what about your dog?!  A girl's best friend can't skip trick-o-treating, right?  Here are some cute options for Fido...

Thanks to iVillage for the inspiration and photos.

Announcing...New Holiday Photos from Ana Louie

Take one beautiful Autumn day, two adorable girls, a talented lady behind her camera, and add a small set constructed in a lush Seattle park = the perfect receipt for some new Ana Louie holiday photos. 

See more on our Facebook Page.

Photos thanks to Heleyna Holmes Photography.

Super Cool (and age-appropriate) Websites

 

From learning how to be more socially responsible and completing activities to fuel food donations, to finding some inspirational woman in science and learning how to be a savvy consumer, there are some super cool (and age-appropriate) websites out there.  Luckily we discovered commonsensemedia.org, an organization committed to helping parents and kids navigate the world of media - television, movies, websites, etc.

Here are some of their top rated websites we thought you'd enjoy.  Click to read reviews, see ratings and more :

Girls for a Change

"Nonprofit helps girls become catalysts for social change."

HowStuffWorks

"Excellent tool for kids with nuts-and-bolts questions."

Girls Inc. Online

"Girls can do (almost) anything in online community."

I Was Wondering

"Girls can find great role models on stellar science site."

Project Girl

"Artsy site empowers girls to critique media messages."

You Are Here

"Interactive FTC site makes it cool to be a savvy consumer"

 Tikatok

"Kids write and share stories safely on super-creative site."

Free Rice

"Learning and ending hunger, a few grains of rice at a time."

View from the Work Room: The Evolution of a Girl's Holiday Dress

Here at Ana Louie, the Gisele is arguably the standout of our Holiday 2011 collection.  The shine of the sleek silver bodice and skit framed by the organic lace asymmetrical neckline and peek-a-boo hem.  However, the Gisele didn't start out as a shimmery show stopper, its roots are in much more muted fabric and color.  Check out the Gisele before it was THE Gisele...what do you think?

before...

after...

Make a Difference by Greening Your Halloween

Whether they opt for scary, trendy or glamorous, choosing the right Halloween costume is one of the first fashion statements little tikes make.  But, did you know that if half the children in America swapped Halloween costumes rather than buying new ones, it would save more than 6,000 TONS of waste in our landfills?  There's a great Seattle-area company that is out to change the amount of waste, not to mention the amount of sugar consumed, during Halloween.  

Greenhalloween.org helps families, schools and children organize costume swaps and they have an online swapping marketplace too.  National Costume Swap Day is October 8, find some tips and on how to swap here and in the videos below.

 

Enter Ana's Closet

From pretty pink, pale green and custom made to dramatic tones, artful flair and handmade cool, a girl's bedroom is her sanctuary - her closet a treasure chest!  If you haven't toured Ana's closet yet, take a spin by clicking on the photos below and let us know what you think.  

We've also found some videos of absolutely cool girl's rooms just for a little inspiration. Enjoy!

View from the Work Room: Fanciful Swag and Are Those Business Cards?

At events and meetings or simply bopping around town, I always have business cards with me.  You never know what opportunities to connect may present themselves!  But I was determined to have something beyond the basic business card, so thanks to our friends at Blink we came up with a pink button-like tag that has the Ana Louie logo on one side and my contact information on the other.  I can't tell you how great the response has been!  People love these things.

In working with Blink we've also had the opportunity to create some fanciful swag to support or front office marketing efforts: a pencil bag and sketch case, tote bag, key chains and more.  The coolest thing is that because Ana Louie was inspired by (and named after) the sketches of my 8 year old daughter, the pencil case makes total sense!  P.S.  It also works really well for storing mom's make-up.

If you're interested in receiving swag, press kits, or any other Ana Louie fun, please send me a note and let me know annmarie@analouieapparel.com

Fashion First Show-SODO with BLINK 9-16

How to Use a Pencil Case as an Evening Bag for Ladies Young and Old

Looking for a fun handbag alternative for ladies young and old?  May we suggest a pencil case.  That’s right!  Today there are so many beautiful, chic and stylish options meant for storing pencils but they can be used for special occasion bags too!  In her book Style, Kate Spade says “It probably seems a little unconventional, but I really do use PENCIL CASES as evening bags.  I like that they’re small and have such a compact design.”  We agree! 

Here are some very cute finds:

 

 

 Check Target and CoolPencilCase.com as well as your favorite designer's website for more options.

Did you know:  “While today most pencil cases are rectangular in shape, early pencil cases were round or cylindrical. In the mid-1800s, sterling silver pencil cases were made in London to house telescoping pencils. “ -eHow

View from the Work Room: Tresures of Lace and the Sash Say Party Dress

The first thing I see when I look at out Sash Say dress is the lace!  On this piece it's not simply a finish for textural element, the lace is the standout.  It starts at the neckline, flows over the shoulders, runs down the front and finally ties around the back.  I was not quite aware of the sheer number of options available when it comes to lace or the history of such a fine and detailed element - I did know however that nothing says a young ladies party dress like a lace!

"Lace is, by definition, an artefact without provenance. Many pieces were used and re-used by succeeding generations. In many cases it is possible to recognise the style of construction, although since many lace makers were copying each other’s techniques, one cannot be certain that for example a piece in the style of Bedfordshire was actually made there." -http://www.laceforstudy.org.uk/about/

The darker lace, used on the Sash Say, is Midland Lace made of viscose.

425 Magazine Features Ana Louie in its Fall Kid's Fashion Spread

We are thrilled that the Ana Louie Equestrian Jacket is included in 425 Magazine's fall feature on children's fall style. It is paired with Blu Pony Vintage Violet Clara B. Dress; Report Footwear "Tiffani" flats and Snoqualmie Valley Eyecare glasses. Pick up a copy of the September/October 2011 issue today!

Also check out this very cute behind the scenes video of the photo shoot:



Big THANK YOU to 425 Magazine for including Ana Louie.

Back to School Tips and Finds

It's that time of year again.  The time that many moms (and dads) look forward to - back to school is here!  There are so many things to think about this time of year:

School supply list √ 

Longer pants √ 

New lunchbox √

Haircut √

Besides getting the kids back on schedule and prepped for learning, I've been skimming the net and have assembled some tips, ticks and cool finds! 

Enjoy,
Ann Marie Louie

1.  Make a splash with the most used school accessory - the school bag!

Backpack Safety:*

• Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back.
• Pack light. Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back. The backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of your child’s body weight.
• Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles.
• If your school allows, consider a rolling backpack. This type of backpack may be a good choice for students who must tote a heavy load. Remember that rolling backpacks still must be carried up stairs, and they may be difficult to roll in snow.

2.  Create a space that makes homework fun!

About.com recommends a space to spread out and inspire.  That also has tools for organizing work, supplies and time.  Check out more tips here.

Developing Good Homework and Study Habits:*

• Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework. Youngsters need a permanent work space in their bedroom or another part of the home that offers privacy.
• Schedule ample time for homework.
• Establish a household rule that the TV set stays off during homework time.
• Supervise computer and internet use.
• Be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but never do a child's homework for her.
• Take steps to help alleviate eye fatigue, neck fatigue and brain fatigue while studying. It may be helpful to close the books for a few minutes, stretch, and take a break periodically when it will not be too disruptive.
• If your child is struggling with a particular subject, and you aren't able to help her yourself, a tutor can be a good solution. Talk it over with your child's teacher first.

3.  School Lunch Inspirations - Prepare and Carry with Style.
 

 

There are so many yummy options for creative lunches these days and talk about super cute lunchbox selections!  Real Simple Magazine has some great recipes and tips for making some healthy lunches that they'll love.

Eating During the School Day:*

• Most schools regularly send schedules of cafeteria menus home. With this advance information, you can plan on packing lunch on the days when the main course is one your child prefers not to eat.
• Try to get your child's school to stock healthy choices such as fresh fruit, low-fat dairy products, water and 100 percent fruit juice in the vending machines.
• Each 12-ounce soft drink contains approximately 10 teaspoons of sugar and 150 calories. Drinking just one can of soda a day increases a child's risk of obesity by 60%. Restrict your child's soft drink consumption.

*American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)