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.

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...

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

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