Tuesday, April 19, 2011

well-dressed giveaway x 3 (+ interview)



When I was approached by Annette Tatum to do a book review and guest post in celebration of the launch of her new website ANNETTE TATUM, I was beyond excited. Not only have I been swooning over Annette's pale floral House Inc fabrics since discovering them via CountryHome magazine (June 2008) but I had been wanting a copy of her book The Well-Dressed Home, Fashionable Design Inspired by Your Personal Style, for my very own. Now thanks to Annette, I own a copy and 3 of you have a chance to win one for yourself, too! {Details below}



The Well-Dressed Home is a truly beautiful book; even its surprising heft adds to the sense of substance. The photographs by Karyn R. Millet are beyond lovely and the book features many "mood" or inspiration boards that illustrate harmonious blends of fashion and furnishings. After all, this is the premise of Annette's book: Create a personalized living space that reflects your style sensibilities.


Blending in with my Girlie Office {Necklace by Debi}

I really enjoyed creating a guest post for Annette's blog where I pulled shoes, clothing and accessories from my closet to see if they indeed coordinate with decor around my home. I hope you will visit the post and be inspired to play, too.


Annette (l) in her inspiring office

Hello, Annette! First I want to say that your writing is so eloquent, it was like reading a prose poem. Before you fell for textiles and design, did you write?
Annette: I was never that compelled to write until I started to blog. Seems like for many like me there is a writer in all of us! For the book I summoned friends and family to help proof read and help me write. It's hard to put your own style and ideas into words without sounding redundant at times so I took all the help I could get!



I especially enjoyed the Design Style Guide part of your book where you break down styles into categories of Romantic, Couture, Classic, Casual, Bohemian, Retro, Resort, Modern, Eclectic, Vintage, and Eco. It was fun for me to assign a mix for myself which turned out to be Romantic-Casual-Vintage . . . for now! What would your own mix be? What was it ten years ago?
Annette: I am Eclectic at heart. I like a little bit of everything and have such a hard time committing to a certain style. However, I notice that my home is probably Classic with Casual -- and not enough Bohemian. The free spirit in me would love to lead more of a "Boho" lifestyle; I also wish I had more of a "couture" lifestyle but four children keeps that look far from my reaches.



I think it would be great to be a set designer where I could create rooms for movies and experience it all. I love the movie Marie Antoinette by Sofia Coppola. The sets, the props, the wardrobe . . . in another lifetime perhaps! Ten years ago my style was more Romantic and Vintage; I have since discovered I like a more sophisticated look which I find in Classical design.



You created your first collection of bedding in 1994. Because I am guessing that we are around the same age, that astonishes and impresses me! What would you consider to be your big break and any details of how that came about?
Annette: If someone had just told me to do what I loved I probably would have even started printing fabrics earlier in my life but the road that lead me here also contributed to who I am and the lessons I have learned. I have always been creative and transitioned from architecture to product design. I dabbled in lighting, furniture and packaging design and graphics before landing in fashion. It was in fashion that color entered the picture and with fabric you could do so much more and have so much fun.


Love these top-tying curtain panels!

I found my calling and started to make apparel and then finally landed where I am right now in Home. My lifestyle has also played a part in what I do. I started Nursery as a young mother and now that my children are getting older it's no surprise to me that I am looking to branch out into more interior design and home decor fabrics.



I am also in awe of all that you accomplish, knowing that you have four children. With my own two boys I have completely embraced chip-forgiving Cottage style in most rooms. What style works for you in your busy home? Any storage tips? Annette: In my home everyone has a little bit to do with the overall style. For the common areas like our family room and kitchen, I have graduated from my "all white" color theme. When the kids were little, white was always easy to clean -- a little bleach and gone were the stains -- now I have a pale blue linen sofa and am proud to say it is still blue! I now have more antiques in my home and one of a kind vintage pieces that are not broken or falling apart because someone decided to use them as a jumping gym! So, slowly over time I am creating the home I want with an open mind and a willingness to collaborate with others.



I am not a big fan of storing; I usually discard. Every six months or so, I go through the house and throw away or donate things we don't need or are done with. It's so energizing and healthy to get rid of the clutter. In this process I often find myself moving furniture around to try new combinations. I have a good girlfriend who will come over and we have fun rearranging furniture for the afternoon -- sometimes with surprising results that often work better than when we started.



What room in your home or office would you best fit in at the moment?
Annette: Like my wardrobe, spring is here and it's a good time to clean house again and get some new ideas going. In a perfect place and time I would say my home office best reflects my style sense in clothing -- it's full of inspiration that I love and like my wardrobe holds some treasures that I might never wear or use but I keep them because they make me happy!

Warmest thanks to Annette for her thoughtful answers and generous giveaway!



BOOK GIVEAWAY x 3
For a chance to win one of three copies of Annette's book, The Well-Dressed Home, simply leave a comment. Three winners will be chosen at random. The giveaway ends on April 23, 2011.

For additional entries:
Please do any or all of the following and leave a comment for each letting me know:
- Visit my post at Annette's blog and leave a comment about which photo you like best
- Sign-up for the Annette Tatum newsletter (find at right sidebar of Annette's blog)
- Become a Fan of The Well-Dressed Home on Facebook

Thank you for reading and good luck!

xo
elyse

Photos provided by ANNETTE TATUM

80 comments:

Debby said...

I'd love to win a copy of the book. Love the colors and her style. Maybe I could figure out what my style is.



grammypetals@yahoo.com

stefanie said...

oooooo, that looks like a beautiful book, I am going over right now!

Diane Mars said...

Well please do count me in, I think it would be so fun to get a new book for Spring! oxox, Diane

Anonymous said...

I hope hope hope I win! Love it!
Beth goodvariety@yahoo.com

josette.272@gmail.com said...

bravo ton blog est une merveille bisousssssssssssss jojo

Suzie Button said...

I'd love to win a copy! I like the photo of the dress hanging on the window the most! Susan purrpage3 at verizon dot net

aimee said...

congrats to you. lucky girl! awesome giveaway.

blessings,
aimee

aimee said...

i like the pic of the dress on the window sitting area. soooo cute! i do like all the pics. im so happy for you.
blessings,
aimee

Suzie Button said...

I signed up for the newsletter! Susan purrpage3 at verizon dot net

Suzie Button said...

I am a fan on FB too! Susan purrpage3 at verizon dot net

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Great interview! I could surely use that book....thanks for the chance.
Hugs,
Penny

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I left a comment on Annettes blog too. Loved seeing the way your clothes match your home.
Hugs,
Penny

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I signed up for Annettes newsletter. What a great way to keep up with her!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I just visited The Well Dressed Home on facebook and became a fan...
Hugs,
Penny

Mizz Kim said...

Looks like a beautiful book and one to definitely have! I love the picture of the dress hanging in front of the window.Actually,all of the photos were great! (I can't wear yellow either even though I adore that color!)
Happy Spring!

Suzie Button said...

Thanks for a sweet giveaway! Susan purrpage3 at verizon dot net

Betty said...

I don't know that I could look in my closet and find a style. It's all black and pink with some brights thrown in. One whole row of denim which is worn more than anything. I don't think my house reflects my closet at all which may be why I am not always happy with my house. Hmmm
I loved your review and your interview with Anne. I will definitely look for this book.

Lapiz de la Guerra said...

That book cover is GORGEOUS! I'd love to have a copy!

Lapiz de la Guerra said...

I visited Annette's blog and I love your bedroom picture the most. The shoes on the red chair did it for me! Thanks for introducing Annette to us.

Blessed Serendipity said...

I never thought about dressing like I decorate, but I guess our likes would carry down to the clothing we choose. I would love a chance to win this lovely book.

Danielle

Blessed Serendipity said...

I love the picture you posted with the painted chair and the pink sweater draped over the side of the chair. I also love the little flower decal on the back of the chair - sweet.

Danielle

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Thank you for introducing me to this book; all the photos were beautifully done. I'm not sure what my style is but whatever it is it must mesh with the farm.

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Favorite photo - the full length dress hanging against the window.

NanaDiana said...

OMGoodness~ I do not know this person's work but I am beyond WOWed! I am headed over to see more! xxoo Diana

Pansy Cottage Girl said...

Tinker~
You have done such a beautiful job. The article makes we want to do-over my house. Thanks for the inspiration. Your writing ability never ceases to amaze me!

Stevie said...

Elyse you are such an inspiration! What a nice giveaway! Thanks for entering me! xoxoxo

KatCollects said...

Beautiful book, count me in!
Hugs,
Kathy

KatCollects said...

Ok, I visited her blog. My favorite photo is of the beautiful gray dress hanging on the wall. So cute.
Hugs,
Kathy

Mrs. Cherry Heart said...

Wonderful book! I love her style!
I love books that inspire.

Hugs, Dolly

Mrs. Cherry Heart said...

Ohhhhhh lots of beautiful pictures!
I swooned over the vintage window, pink carnation and ruffeled summer dress.
I want to recreate that for our bedroom.

Smiles,
Dolly

KatCollects said...

Ok, now I'm a fan on facebook. I'm on a roll : )

KatCollects said...

Last but not least, I added my name for the newsletter. Mission accomplished : ) I hope you have a great day.
Hugs,
Kathy

Mercedes Spencer @ Liberty Biberty said...

Wow! I'd love to win a copy of the book! Great interview!
Mercedes

Lorrie said...

This sounds like an interesting, helpful and inspiring book. I'd love to figure out my style!

birdie blue said...

looks like a beautiful book, elyse. i would love to enter the give-away, especially after reading your great review.

i'm also going to hop right over there and visit your guest-post.

so crossing my fingers.
xo
~molly

Theresa said...

Wonderful giveaway!!! I would love to win:) Have a blessed day, HUGS!

Theresa said...

LOVE the chair with the sweater, necklace and shoes:) HUGS!

Kate said...

ooh how exciting! i would love one of the books! Kate x

Kate said...

and for another entry, i adore the photo with the blue chair, lounge and floral cushion and the dress hanging on the old window! stunning!! Kate x

Kate said...

i am now following "The Well Dressed Home" on facebook! yay! Kate x

Marie said...

Hi Elyse - You had me at "that first image"...as you know, it's my fave color! How lovely, I better check out this book since you seem to like it a lot.

May you find lots of peace this holy week dear friend!
-Marie

koralee said...

Oh my friend...your images are all so lovely....I do like the one of your living room..with your pretty dress hanging off of that lovely window frame... STUNNING!!!! Thanks for the chance...I have always wanted this book.

Now just had to get back to you about the cupcake liners..when I was using them I really did think they looked so much like something you would have. I did get them from a friend in Holland BUT the package says Green Gate on them...and I know that their goods are lovely....you may want to google them...their dishes are amazing....hugs for now my sweet friend.

koralee said...

Became a fan on facebook my friend. xooox

Vintage Gal said...

I would LOVE to have that book. It just looks DE VINE ;-)

Aisyah Helga said...

I'd love to win one of these books!

hazeleaf@yahoo.com

Aisyah Helga said...

And I love the second photo on Annette's blog with the shoes and flowers in the CK's cup.

Sandi (Meme) said...

Oh boy! Please sign me up! I never win, but it's SO fun to try! Thanks, Sandi

Suz said...

Elyse,
I would love to win a copy, too. She sounds surprisingly down-to-earth and practical and I need to take her advice about clutter. We just store, store, store! I am going to run over to see her blog, too. This is more intriguing to me than most home decorating.
xo,
Suz

hilary@oldhousetruelove said...

this book looks full of fabulous inspiration!

Into Vintage said...

HI Elyse,

Thanks so much for this interview and giveaway. I don't need to have my name in the drawing as I already own Annette's beautiful book. :-) I'm sure the lucky winners will love it as much as I do.
-amy

Anonymous said...

Elyse I have seen so much about this book and would love to have my own copy!! Thanks for the opportunity to maybe win a copy dear friend!!

Hope your having a lovely week! I got to plant a few pansies - the first dirt diggin in a long time and I am as happy as a spring chicken!

bee blessed
mary

Anonymous said...

Elyse i love all those cute shoes you have but the picture with the tiny flowers all over- they are adorable!!!

Chris Gerke said...

l love all the pictures. Hope I win.

Ms. M said...

This book is irresistable! I will be glad to have one!

fablanche3petal at gmail dot com

Jill said...

Great interview, Elyse! Her book looks wonderful~ I would love to win a copy!

Hugs,
Jill

Lisa Gatz said...

Hi! I would love to be entered in your drawing.

Lisa Gatz said...

I "liked" Annette's fb page

Lisa Gatz said...

I signed up for the newsletter

Lisa Gatz said...

.....aaaaannnd, my favorite pic from her blog that you provided was the last one: pretty dress with door and vintage curtain. Love it!

peggy aplSEEDS said...

i would love to win! please count me in!

LatteLisa said...

I'd love to be in if this is open to international readers.

stefanie said...

her blog is gorgeous..I am loving your pictures, my most favorite is the yellow chair, I love the decal and the sweet sweater!!!
good job!

Anonymous said...

Lovely interview!

I have this book (so please do not include me in the giveaway - I want someone else to win!!!) - and I especially enjoy the inspiration boards!

Wishing you a happy one,
Zuzu

free indeed said...

I love seeing other's creative style. I wish I had the decorating eye, but I am inspired by what I see and sometimes find something I can incorporate into my own living space. Thanks

GerryART said...

Thanks for the eye candy. I see a couple of ideas that I'd love to bring into my home.
I know Annette's choices will be wonderful to have right here in front of me in print.
Gerry

GerryART said...

Oh, yes, I did become a Fan of The Well-Dressed Home on Facebook
I could not resist.
Gerry

Joyce said...

I would love to win this book. With fingers crossed.......

Marcia W. said...

This is a beautiful book - please enter me into the drawing so can work on having a style vs hodgepodge.

debi said...

Oh, this is a fun post! I'm going to have to check out that book. I wonder what style I am.

debi said...

Great post Elyse! I actually have two favorite photos. The chair in your girlie office, love the sweater hanging over it (thanks for the mention), and the last one, with the sweet grey dress hanging on the vintage window. All your photos are yummy though!

Maureenie said...

It's a very interesting book! Now off to the other pages and facebook!
Blessings,
Rhonda

flowers on my table said...

Thankyou for the opportunity to enter the giveaway. I have done so on Annettes blog. I enjoyed the interview, I am not familiar with her but she sounds like a very creative person and her book looks really interesting. Happy Easter, love Linda x

Sky said...

Love, Love, Love your living room. I am usually a pink girl but your living room just looks like you can just snuggle on in with a good book and reeeeellllaaaaax. Great guest blog piece. Have a great day :)

Unknown said...

These are beautiful! I would love to win a copy and use it to kill time all summer! Crossing my fingers and toes!
mommypants13@gmail.com
http://mommypants13.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

I signed up for Annette's newsletter
mommypants13@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I love the pic of the pink flowery shoes on the table next to that bracelet and necklace
mommypants13@gmail.com

Simple Home said...

Great interview! I am in the process of discarding alot of things, and it was encouraging to read this :-)
Blessings,
Marcia

Anonymous said...

I just found your blog in "Romantic Country" (Summer 2011) and have added it to my list of blogs to read for enjoyment and for inspiration! I really enjoyed your most recent blog about "The Well-Dressed Home." What an interesting idea! For several years, I've told my daughter that decorating a home is like dressing yourself.

There are so many of your photos to choose as a favorite! I like them all and found several ideas to try at my house, but the one photo that "spoke" to me the most is the one of the silver flats where you mention "Skipper." I had a "Skipper" doll and she was one of my favorite "Barbies," and I love wearing flats, especially ballet flats. This photo took me back to dressing "Skipper" and all the different colors of flats I had for her to wear. (I had so many because I have 4 younger sisters and we shared our "Barbie" clothes and accessories along with our own things!)

Thanks again! I look forward to reading your future posts as well as the past.

Bluebirds and Roses said...

HI Thank you for coming by my blog and visiting my new cottage! Any sign of spring in RI??!

Bluebirds and Roses said...

PS Happy Easter!