Convention Wrap Up


Hello friends!
 
I hope everyone has enjoyed the weeks since convention playing with all your "holiday" treats!
 
I can't help but feel that time has passed too quickly -- one day I'm excitedly planning a holiday gala for friends, then before you know it, the holiday fun is over and I'm left missing everyone --happy with beautiful memories but longing to make more!

Aside from a few brief moments of post "holiday melancholy", I've been too busy still playing "Santa Sandra" -shipping absentee packages, filling orders and answering emails -- to feel lonesome for long!

Thinking back on the festivities it all seems a bit surreal, so it's great to be able to relive our wonderful weekend through your many emails, posts and photos!

My blessings come to mind often since convention and, before continuing, I would  like to take a moment to share my thoughts on some that added to the "Every Day's A Holiday" feeling for me this year...

I'm always thrilled when new friends attend and those who've missed convention are with us again. This year I was especially delighted, as not only did we have the opportunity to welcome several new friends but some that we've missed dearly joined us once more!

To add to my happiness about the event,  after 30 years (or longer), I very recently reconnected with one of my closest childhood friends, Carla, who drove to Kansas City to help out with all the pre convention work! (My "elves" have officially adopted Carla, and are hoping we can talk her into coming NEXT year for the whole convention!)

Though not normally considered a holiday, something that made this occasion even more meaningful to me is the fact it marked the 10th anniversary of meeting my dear friend and "right hand", Michael -- a blessing that has enriched my life in so many ways!

Thank you, Michael Basala, for  your immeasurable friendship, support, help and understanding these past 10 years! The "holidays" would not have been so wonderful without you by my side!

"Every Day's A Holiday" was a theme that I dreamed of for years, and I couldn't be more proud of how that dream unfolded into reality! I'd like to express my heartfelt thanks to the many friends who were instrumental in making that happen...
 
An event such as "Every Day's A Holiday" takes a lot of "elves" working behind the scenes to make happen! It's impossible to give thanks enough to my volunteer staff of "elves" who worked tirelessly, cheerfully and selflessly to make my "holiday" dreams come true! Sherlyn Lovell, Sherry Wisdom, Barb Koffman, Linda Farnsworth, Michael Zepeda, Kate Watson, Cathy Roach, Gary Reeves --and Michael B, too -- Your support and dedication is what makes the "magic" happen!  I love and appreciate you guys more than you'll ever know -- and feel truly blessed to have each of you in my life! You are a joy to work with and I am so very thankful for your friendships!!
 
Besides my core staff, we were blessed to have several 'part time elves" pitch in at convention to make sure holiday goodies were ready for on time "holiday" delivery! Sue Connor, Rose Gillis, Terri Gold, Linda Kreigbaum, Judy Richardson, Kelly Ryan, Terri Sansoucy, Kathy Spoon and Cheryl Stillman -- thank you!  We couldn't have made it without your assistance! 
 
Our fabulous holiday table gifts this year were due, in large part, to the generosity, talent, hard work and donations of several friends I want to recognize, as their contributions were the "stars" on top of the Christmas tree...
 
Cathy Roach -- Many thanks for the amazing wrapping paper set, miniature cards and valentines, mini Halloween and shopping bags, record albums, lobby cards and 4th of July fan. I know how much work went into each piece -- your creativity and talent boggles my mind!
 
Annie Sattler -- A new friend and first timer to convention -- thanks SO much for your hours of work on my "Sandra Stillwell Presents" logo hatbox artwork, 4th of July sheet music, both the Modes Royal magazine and Kansas City poster photoshop work, and last, but certainly not least -- the wonderful miniature "Every Day's A Holiday" calendar! Thank you for jumping in to help without knowing exactly what you were getting into!
 
Kathy Spoon -- For the great TWA minis and much, much more  -- thank you for always being there for me.

Nikki Colbert --  For the Modes Royal magazine and mini lobby cards, not to mention your hard work putting together the power point programs -- I am so appreciative! 

And, for indulging me with the festive holiday purses, felt skirts and so much more --

Kim Hayes, Linda Kreigbaum and Judy Richardson -- Thanks to each of you ladies for the hours of work, great company and fun while putting those together!! 

Others whose important contributions I'd like to recognize are:

Jeff Lega -- For your invaluable work on the "Every Day's A Holiday" convention collection photos and  "Sandra Stillwell Presents" blog updates! You were an outstanding reporter, and our friends at home thank you as much as I do!

Terri Gold -- Thanks, too, for sharing your fabulous photography skills and for the convention coverage! Your multitude of photos help bring convention to life for those who can't be with us and enable those of us who were there to relive the fun over and over again!!

Gary Reeves -- Quite simply -- I can't thank you enough for being our "go to" guy -- ready to do whatever we need!  What a huge help you are!

George Sarofeen -- Thank you for presenting the fascinating Charles James program (and for being a great tablecloth steamer!) I am in awe of your knowledge and abilities!

Special thanks goes to "Santa" Michael Zepeda -- You were SUCH a great sport and SO much fun -- the holidays wouldn't have been the same without you!! You can be our Santa any time!

Much appreciation also goes to Joan Greene for her generosity in sending the lovely Greene Lam designs Cordelia doll for centerpieces! She couldn't have been more perfect!! Joan -- your support and kindness was much appreciated. You were with us in spirit!

Especially to Dorinda Balenecki and Ken Young from Horsman, Ltd --  Thank you very much for being a special part of convention again this year -- and for hosting our "Trick N Treat" Halloween dessert reception with the fabulous Vita centerpieces! Your invaluable support and participation is always greatly appreciated! It was an honor to have you with us again this year and we look forward to your joining us for years to come!  

In addition to our convention "elves", there were still others who couldn't be with us but created magic from home --  so I'd like to thank Alana Bennett for her help with petticoats, Kathy Johnson for the beautiful hairstyles , and Tommy Bennefield for his fabulous jewelry! Thanks, guys, for the perfect "finishing touches".

And to our manufacturers across the miles -- THANK YOU for working so hard to get everything to us in time for the "holiday openings" and so beautifully bringing my visions to life -- I couldn't be more proud of what we accomplished.

Most importantly -- to all of our "Every Day's  A Holiday " attendees:

For me, personally, nothing compares to the joy of spending holidays with friends. No  words can sufficiently express my thanks to those of you who made the trip to Kansas City to make that possible! Your being there truly made every day of convention a special "holiday" for me!

I know it takes sacrifices to attend an event -- and your participation meant the world to me! I am forever grateful for your support.

I'd also like to extend sincere thanks to the absentees and others who support convention through purchases, as well as to our generous "convention helper" donors and each of you who purchased tickets
- your support helps make convention possible each year!

And finally, much appreciation to everyone for your overwhelming enthusiasm for this years "Every Day's A Holiday" fashion collection. I put my heart --and a few childhood memories and fantasies -- into this collection, and the fact that you love it so much means more than I can express.

I have some exciting ideas to explore for our 2014 "Sandra Stillwell Presents" convention -- so please watch for news about this not to be missed event

I hope to see you all next year!

Sincerely,
Sandra

Hello friends!

I hope everyone who attended "Every Day's A Holiday" in Kansas City had a safe trip home and have been enjoying your holiday treats!

I'm finally home from Kansas City and now have the rental van unpacked and turned in!

The next task is to respond to the many requests that have come in for a "Every Day's A Holiday" convention collection purchases -- I can't begin to tell you how thrilled and thankful I am with your wonderful response to the fashions!

I've made a list of your requests and will fill orders according to date and time of receipt. I will be sending out confirmations as soon as I get through all the orders.

A few of the items sold out at convention, but I'm fairly certain we should be able to place a reorder as long as the fabric is available. However, it's important that you let me know asap if you would like to be placed on a wait list, as it's important to do the reorders at one time.

Payment for reorders will be due when the item is ready to ship, but please understand that your request to be on the wait list is a commitment to purchase.

I'm always happy to try to work out payments if possible.

For those of you who were waiting until the "Every Day's A Holiday" available fashions were added to my sales page, I'm happy to say that my "Sandra Stillwell Presents" blog has been updated!

A special pre-order collection of fashions that are still in development were debuted in Kansas City. Be sure to check these out and email me if you are interested in any. These will be produced based on the number of orders I receive so don't miss out. I do not have exact prices on these but they will be in close proximity to my listed estimated price.

Feel free to email me at dls6643@aol.com if you would like to update or place an order -- or if you have any questions.

Please look for a more proper "wrap up" post soon -- after the orders are taken care of and emails answered.....

Thanks again to you ALL for helping to make "Every Day's A Holiday" such a resounding success!

Sincerely,
Sandra

ANNOUNCING THE HOLIDAY COLLECTION

SANDRA STILLWELL PRESENTS...
 
Holiday Pre-order collection
This collection of gorgeous fashions is still in development! These are photographs of samples. Prices are estimated and exact cost will be announced closer to release date.
Expected delivery is late 2013.
Email dls6643@aol.com to add your name to the pre-order list now!

THE FLIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Inspired by the hostess uniform worn by flight attendants on the Howard Hughes owned airline known as the "airline of the stars", this smart slate blue uniform features a cut out on the shoulder and decorative stitching on the matching hat. Completing the ensemble is a navy blue blouse, shoulder bag, shoes, and white gloves.
This style uniform was worn from 1944 - 1954.
The original inspiration uniform, designed by film designer Howard Greer, can be seen on display at both Kansas City's TWA Museum and the Garment History Museum.
Pre-order price $150
 

 
*****
AMERICAN BEAUTY
Sophisticated cocktail dress with sculpturally pleated skirt in seven layers of graduating lengths. A sparkling rhinestone buckle is the perfect touch. Accessories include black opera length gloves, shoes, and jewelry.
Inspired by a Roberto Capucci design, circa 1956.
Estimated $165
 
 
*****
AULD LANG SYNE
Elegant evening gown of vintage metallic silk organza embroidered with a black floral motif features back detailing with a dramatic removable pleated bow and train of black silk taffeta. Accessories include black gloves, shoes, and jewelry.
Inspired by a Pierre Balmain design, circa 1953.
Estimated $165
 
Hairstyle by Kathy Johnson
 
 
******
JINXED
This hauntingly stylish cocktail dress features a structurally impressive pointed bodice with a body hugging skirt of Parisian orange and black tweed, accented by metallic threads. Accessories include feathered hair decoration, black gloves, shoes and jewelry.
Inspired by a Modes Royale fashion, circa 1952.
Estimated $130
 
 
*****
FIRECRACKER
Strapless dress of red and white mini striped cotton features a faux wrap front accented by bows. This firecracker of a fashion is set off perfectly by a navy blue cotton sateen jacket, large navy blue braided hat, shoes and jewelry.
Inspired by a Modes Royale design, circa 1950.
Estimated $135
Hairstyle by Kathy Johnson
 

*****
ON THE PLAZA
Gene is "Kansas City chic" in this stunning suit of black and silver tweed. Jacket features decorative tabs and Swarovski crystal buttons. Accessories include a scarlet red wool hat with velvet trim, matching red gloves, jewelry and shoes.
Inspired by a Betty Rose design, circa 1950's.
Estimated $150
Hairstyle by Kathy Johnson
 

*****
CANDLELIGHT
This companion gift set to Yuletide Splendor features a beautifully tailored jacket in winter white and silver silk shantung paired with a sweeping skirt of brilliant blue chiffon. A fur muff and large hat will keep your favorite doll warm in the brisk evening chill. Pair the matching silk cigarette pants with the jacket for a different look.
Inspired by a Maggy Rouff design, circa 1947.
Estimated $165

*****
SPRING IN HER STEP
This delightful spring ensemble pairs a flirty halter dress of blue and white mini plaid silk taffeta with a coordinating swing coat of an embroidered floral motif. Accessories include gloves, jewelry and shoes.
Circa 1950's.
Estimated $150

Picture coming soon