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