COLOR & Tailor's Official Blog

COLOR & Tailor Video Blog Hottest Fabrics

2010-04-17T23:09:00.000-07:00

Our first installment of our weekly video blog for COLOR & Tailor furniture. This is the place where you will find Today's furniture styles. now affordable in Houston, Texas. Remember we are located at 3207 Montrose right on the corner with Westheimer. We offer the latest and hottest fabrics from the west coast on our sofas at low prices and bring style to your home. Visit us today! Don't settle for outdated or boring anymore for your home. COLOR & Tailor Website

COLOR & Tailor Contributes to KIVA Group! Truly help someone by infusing capital into the lives of entrepreneurs from around the World...

2010-04-08T22:10:00.000-07:00

We like the fact that a small "loan" can be used by others around the world to build their dream and work hard towards a goal. Many times all that is needed is capital. For over 2 years every single loan we have given has been paid back, and those people around the world have accomplished growing their business. Check out Kiva.org
Here is this month's group:

Mwadji Mpunga is president of the Tuongozane credit loan group (she is seen raising her hand on the picture). She is in her 13th credit loan cycle, is 50 years old and the mother of eight children, of whom three study in an auto mechanics training centre, two in the standard school system, two stay in the village and work in the fields, and one does not attend school. Her husband runs a small business.

She began her own business with funds received from her husband. With this starting capital she purchased a container of palm oil worth $12.

Her business is retailing palm oil at the central market in Virunga, which she has done for the past eight years. With the loan from the Hekima MFI Mwadji Mpunga wants to increase her turnover by purchasing 24 containers of palm oil and 30 pairs of plastic sandals. She also sells plastic sandals locally called “bodaboda” or “soza” to increase her income.

For the future, she plans to change activities and go into general commerce, getting her supplies from Kampala in Uganda. Eventually, she wants to build a comfortable home.

Mwadji Mpunga thanks the Hekima MFI for the loans she has received although she had no collateral, because they enabled her to meet her children’s needs. What’s more, she was separated for quite some time from her children due to the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the Hekima loans allowed her to pay for her children’s plane fare from Buyimayi to Goma.

Clearance Center now OPEN!

2010-02-28T20:19:00.000-08:00

COLOR & Tailor's location couldn't be any better. Not only are we surrounded by Houston's most diverse and energetic people, we happen to be in the heart of one the nation's top neighborhoods. Right on the corner of Westheimer and Montrose we have added our official Clearance Center. Here you will find great deals at 30%-50% off regular prices. Add our stylish fabrics and ability to create the right home environment at incredible prices. Come on in today and say hi! Tell your friends and family too!

2010-02-14T09:01:00.000-08:00

This month of February 2010, we decided to make a small loan through KIVA.org to the following group.

Mrs. Sam Ann Yem is the village bank president selected by the members, who all use the loan for different purposes. She is a grocer in the local village and her husband, Mr. Vey Phan, is a farmer who owns a small piece of land where he cultivates rice to support his family. In order to improve their living conditions, Mrs. Sam Ann Yem decided to ask for a loan to start a new business buying more rice to resell because it can generate a high income. Mrs. Sam Ann Yem is the mother of four children, two of whom work in a massage shop, while the other two are enrolled in the local public school.
We encourage you to loan to entrepreneurs around the world through KIVA.org!

Kiva loan for the month of January

2009-01-15T12:54:00.000-08:00

Lay Eang, 48, lives in Pursat Province. She earns a living growing rice. Her husband, Eang Khom (shown in the photograph), raises oxen for sale and for use in his wife's business. The couple has nine children; five of them are single and four are married. Two of the children help Lay Eang and her husband in the farming business. To expand the business and earn additional income, Lay Eang would like to request a loan for her husband to purchase additional oxen to raise and then re-sell, as well as to buy a cow-cart.

KIVA.ORG does great job at helping people around the world begin their business ventures...

2008-11-29T17:23:00.000-08:00

This village bank, which consists of thirteen people, is located in Chrok Romeat village in Kampong Chhnang Province. Mrs. Mai Yum Sren is the village bank president. She is a 27-year-old mother of two children; one attends the local school and the younger one is too young to work or study. She sells clothes in the local market. Her husband, Mr. Mat Pleu, is a blacksmith. Since her business is going well, she wants to expand it. So she decided to ask for a loan to purchase more fashionable clothes to sell to her customers.

Construction DONE! We are ready for Holiday rush

2008-11-29T17:21:00.000-08:00

We finally took over the next door shop in order to add some tables and some beds for our showroom. We are excited as we grow, be sure to tell your friends and family about us! COLOR & Tailor is bringing style and savings to HOUSTON!

Welcome back HOUSTON! Hurricane Ike really did a number on us but...

2008-10-02T11:53:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a good while since I have blogged but getting back on our feet has been tough as it has been for much of HOUSTON. It was very cool to see Houston keep its head under extreme pressure. I say this knowing there are still many who have not recovered and we wish them the best as they get back on their feet. Our neighbors to the back of us, Ruggles, is still closed due to extreme damage. They did have a huge BBQ party the other day, announcing to the entire area that they will be back. This spirit is what drives Houston everyday! It is good to see how many people from around nation are moving to Houston because of this spirit. We hope that as we grow, this spirit will remain strong in us.

From all over, new Houstonians are joining us...

2008-08-08T14:37:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, our store was full of clients coming from all over Houston. More interesting, was the fact that every single smiling customer was just coming into Houston. We had one person from Hawaii who was going to medical school in Galveston, another from California whose entire family was relocating, and another from Florida who just graudated from Florida State and had been recruited for a big downtown job. I share this with you because the trend is very noticeable. Houston has become an oasis for many Americans who are being slowly squeezed into tough corners because of rising costs of living. Here at COLOR & Tailor we are glad that amongst the many decisions that these new Houstonians make, we are on the very top of their priority lists as soon as they get here. They smile as they know we will make their transition that much easier. To know that one in place in Houston you can get a sofa, table, or bed for a reasonable price with style in mind, and delivered easily, is a major plus in their eyes. Its good to know that when new Houstonians turn over a new leaf in their lives, we are the ideal place for them to shop.

COLORful Sofa Fabrics are needed from around the world to Houston for COLOR & Tailor

2008-07-10T15:10:00.000-07:00

Here at COLOR & Tailor we strive to give Houston the best sofa, for those in the new furniture market. As we grow, we continue our mission of monthly providing a loan to a new KIVA recipient. We hope keep growing and in turn keep loaning to people around the world. This month we chose a textile group from Guatemala. Check out the info from KIVA The Women from the Maya Kakchiquel group live in San Andres, a small, rural village in the mountains above Lake Atitlan. They enjoy living in such a town because of its tranquility and low amounts of crime, according to Maria Cumes. They expressed contentment with their specific loan group because of the support that the women can provide each other in a friendly atmosphere.
They are mostly mothers who manage to proudly send their children to school, even while managing and investing in the needs of their micro-enterprises. Seven of the group members are dedicated to hand weaving traditional indigenous clothing, another four, to the resale of imported second hand clothing, and another three to the sale and production of food products.
Hand-made guipils traditional top blouses of the high quality that they accustom to sell, usually take one month to produce and sell for amounts between 150 to 220 USD, according to Silvia Serech. The resale of clothing is managed by shopping at different used sales stores, finding valuable items, and selling them once more in their town and local, to people interested, hereby gaining a profit. The food producers focus on a series of vegetables, produce and either sell to middlemen or directly at town markets.
When asked about how their businesses were going, there was hesitation, but overall, they were content with the rate of growth and income that it had brought them. This was said, despite their recognition that the price of many things has gone up recently and sales drop for the rainy season.
Nevertheless, these mothers and businesswomen were proud to have their own business which allowed them a sense of empowerment. With the capability to reinvest their money and return higher profits, this struggle is made easier, according to Rosa Miza, and their work can carry on while they are “satisfied and tranquil.”
Most of the loan that they receive goes to bulk purchasing of the necessary products for their business, be it cloth, threads and dyes for the weavers, or seed, fertilizer and pesticide for the farmers. They continuously need this useful capital to allow them flexibility paying off debts, expanding their business while reinvestment, and living a comfortable life as a family.
Karla Cuy sells “Ostra” mushrooms in a home-made wooden house specifically to foster mushroom growth. Her mushrooms are sold in the villages at lower altitudes down by Lake Atitlan. Her business, as well as many others of her group partners, has grown, yet she could still use this loan to make it grow even further. She said she would invest the money from loans in building a large greenhouse to produce much more mushrooms at once. Ingrid Dominguez said she would remodel her local store with loan money to attract more customers.
Their dreams with ideal loan sizes only go so far into what it is that makes them perform the way they do. Deep inside, each of these women truly wanted the best for their family (like providing our “kids with education until they have a title” a HS equivalent), to show that they were independent and could actually help out their husbands, while improving their overall living conditions. About Group Loans In a group loan, each member of the group receives an individual loan but is part of a group of individuals bound by a group guarantee. Under this arrangement, each member of the group supports one another and is responsible for paying back the loans of their fellow group members if someone is delinquent or defaults

Boston versus Celitcs and other thoughts...

2008-06-11T15:44:00.000-07:00

As I sat watching game 3 of the NBA finals, I wondered how many people were actaully enjoying the game. Its one thing to be free of shame due to large amounts of frosty, adult beverages and to feel 100% of every competitive shot going into the basket, highfiving everyone in your vicinty. It's another to be like I was on tuesday night, and sitting back mellowing out on a large movie sofa, watching Kobe glare at his "teammates" who might not give him his Shaqless title.
SO... it hits me, how many people actaully enjoy a movie, or time with their families? I mean, you can have nice looking furniture, and it can be thousands in dollars, and where you got it can become a topic of conversation but really, how much are you and your guests enjoying the ambience and the conversation. As we grow here at COLOR & Tailor, we hope to perfect the combination of comfort and style, of leisure and looks. I almost laugh when I think about how my mother would scream upon our defiant sit-ins at on her favorite flowery, elegant sofas. TODAY, we strive to have welcoming homes, COLORful home environments, and we begin with the Houston sofa market, where we are changing it forever.

COOL New Video, and winner of Mother's day Contest

2008-05-14T15:56:00.000-07:00

Check out our new category on our website called "COLOR TV". It is right in the same section as COLOR & Tailor Sofas
Also we are about to meet with the winners of the Mother's day contest that was done in cooperation with Neighborhood Centers Inc of Houston. We are very happy to be able to share our talents with the Houston community and creating new homes with our products. Keep updated to check out the new info. In the meanwhile check out our sofa collection.

In the world of Fabrics, weaving is key! Kiva loan

2008-05-06T18:27:00.000-07:00

If it wasn't for the weavers of the world, either man, woman or machine, we would not enjoy the beautiful selection of fabrics from around the world. This month, we decided to loan to a KIVA applicant who dedicated themselves to a craft we could relate to. Here is the information. Be sure to check out KIVA and loan someone some money around the world.

Mrs. Long Nhek, 61, is a widow with three children, two sons and one daughter. One of her sons is married and lives outside the family home. Her other son one runs a motor taxi, and her daughter weaves silk at home. The family lives on an Island on the Mekong River about 15 km from Phnom Penh.
Mrs. Long has been a weaver for 45 years. It’s a skill she learned from her mother. She sells her finished products to the middle man in the village, who will take it to sell in Phnom Penh. She has two looms in the family; one is for her daughter and other is her own. Though she is in her early 60s, she is still strong enough to work.
She is requesting a loan of $1,000 to purchase silk materials for weaving and buy a motorbike to replace the old one for her son's motor taxi.

Midtown Scenic District, alot to offer!

2008-04-06T10:37:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about our new location is the vibrant, bustling activity at all times of the day. Many of our shoppers have walked around the area just to catch some of the scenery and good eats in the area. You will find some of Houston's best known restaurants within less than a block or two from our Homestore. Another positive is our prime location for those who are returning home from work on the 59 South Corridor. We are just blocks away from Medical Center, Galleria, Midtown, Allen Parkway, Downtown- we are in the heart of Houston. Be sure to check us out as we bring COLOR back to today's Houston homes.

in the Heart of Houston!

2008-03-15T00:26:00.000-07:00

finally the day has arrived! We are in our new location, at 3207 Montrose. Designated as the Midtown Scenic District and recognized as part of Houston's Gateway US 59 District, we are in the middle of it all. We hope you can come out and enjoy the great amenities we are surrounded by. It is our hope that your shopping experience will be a personal one filled with excitement, and maybe you can check out some of the local restaurants, galleries, and shopping finds. COLOR & Tailor is happy to call the new location its headquarters, and we will strive to have a positive impact in our new community.

Trying to eat healthy inspires me give a loan to a fish seller...

2008-02-17T23:40:00.000-08:00

We love Kiva because our money is not just given away but loaned-- the person who requests the loan pays it back after using it in their business venture-- this is awesome-- here is this month's recipient!

Miringilab Agayev is a fresh fish vendor in the northeasterly Azerbaijani town of Devechi. He is married with one child and has already successfully repaid one prior loan with Norwegian Microcredit. He is currently seeking additional funding so that he can invest in and grow his business operation.

Name:
Miringilab Agayev
Location:
Devechi, Azerbaijan
Primary Activity:
Fish Selling
Loan Requested:
$1,200.00
Repayment Term:
14 months - repaid monthly
Loan Use:
To invest in the growth of his business
Date Posted:
Feb 15, 2008

Income Tax and Moving Sale!

2008-02-03T19:16:00.000-08:00

We are just about to finish the touches on our new central Houston location. It is strategically placed in the center in between Midtown, Medical Center, NearTown Houston, and the Galleria area. Many of our customers who drive from home through the 59 south corridor or the 288 rute can stop by and enjoy some stylish deals! Also we are expecting a huge rush for income tax season-- make sure you begin to makeover your home today!

Happy Holidays from COLOR & Tailor

2007-12-21T13:21:00.002-08:00

Thanks for the awesome response this year, we are growing and expect to make some major moves to serve you better this upcoming year. We will be closed this holiday season, as we prepare for the next rush of income tax. We are securing new fabrics, and new lines of furniture that hopefully will coincide with our mission of being stylish in the HOUSTON market. to everyone have Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

"Refreshing" "You are on to something!" are how our clients describe us!

2007-12-11T16:13:00.001-08:00

It's a joy while I listen to a client describe in detail to ther spouse how COLOR & Tailor will create and handcraft a sofa-- it seems as though many of our clients will favorite the website and learn it to the exact detail. We are changing the rules of how to create COLORful homes. We cater to your desires, demi-couture will be the new buzz word in Houston furniture-- We know we are working towards a revolution in the market-- keep posted on our website as we are adding a new line of sectionals that can be customized in layout and cushions.

Changing locations soon! and the world of fabrics...

2007-11-26T07:26:00.000-08:00

Soon we will be moving to a new storefront, so we can accomodate our customer base. We have found where most of our customers are coming from. There is no secret that furniture shopping has become an ugly chore for adults. We are determined to change this once and for all. The same excitement you get when you see a HGTV show dedicated to home decorating is the same feeling we want you to get when you come into our store.
It is our job to stay on top of the world of fabrics. Sunday we went to High Fashion fabrics in the midtown area. We found some new ideas for our throw pillows, but we remain confident that our international suppliers are on the forefront of style. We are thinking of mixing in some beaded silk with our pillows to add some style. The brown with white pearls, and the light beige with the white pearls is a project we are working on. A bit of COLOR in your home can change the whole room! Check out our new line of throw pillows--

Thanksgiving Rush, Adding throw Pillows and more...

2007-11-17T16:09:00.000-08:00

WOW, our thanksgiving rush has been amazing! Many clients today wrapped up their Thanksgiving plans by adding COLOR to their homes. We ask for three days to custom build our clients sofas-- so today was officially the last day to order to have in time for Thanksgiving.
We have received a new shipment of fabrics that will bring new style to your homes-- we will be showcasing the throw pillows soon with a shelf system along with a large swatch collection with trims in order for our clients to visualize the possibilities--
their is no question the future looks bright-- stay tuned our website as we are about to make some new changes!

Goats are cool! Loans to people around the world...

2007-10-24T12:21:00.000-07:00

KIVA.org is cool, we loan money to people around the world, and they repay. Our hope is to loan enough to where once it is paid off, the amount of loans will cover one new person a month. Our goal continues to loan once a month. We hope you will join us with Kiva.org or find another organization that contributes to betterment of others. here is the story:

Born in 1962 in Atsansi-Djita, Mr. Jean Koutsodji is married and father of 5 children. Although he is primarily a farmer, he also raises animals, a sideline which he feels passionate about. Selling animals he has raised is his special source of income. However, he raises his animals in the traditional fashion, which does not provide much in the way of financial returns. Interested in modernizing his operation so as to earn more from it, he would like to build a pen for his animals and also add other species to his flocks. Accomplishing this will allow him to increase his income and better provide for his family. He is asking for a loan of US$ 900 for this purpose.
Translated from French by Teresa Kramer, Kiva volunteer
Né en 1962 à Atsansi-Djita, Monsieur KOUTSODJI Jean est marié et père de cinq (05) enfants. Agriculteur de profession, il associe l’élevage qu’il exerce avec passion. La vente d’animaux constitue sa source privilégiée de revenue. Cependant, c’est un élevage traditionnel qu’il pratique, ce qui ne donne pas un rendement aussi important. Soucieux de rentabiliser cette activité à travers la modernisation, il a voulu construire un enclos pour ses animaux et y introduire d’autres espèces. La réalisation de ce projet lui permettra d’améliorer son revenu et de subvenir aux besoins de sa famille. Il sollicite un crédit de $900

MOVIE sofa a success, Cold front and other thoughts...

2007-10-24T11:10:00.000-07:00

Our biggest seller so far is the movie sofa. Big, comfortable, and stunning. Like an independent movie release that rises in popularity in the media and by word of mouth, this movie sofa has done the same. Why do we call it this? First off, there is no better sofa to entertain guests, and then transform to a resting, relaxation spot. The option of color couture--- where a client will select their favorite fabric and COLOR their personal sofa is a hit! Add the enhancing sofa throw pillows-- and your ready to enhance your home.

Houston is experiencing a cold front, but this only adds to anticipation of the upcoming holidays. After the trick and treating is done, the favorite time of the year for me, Thanksgiving and Christmas is just around the corner-- this means parties, big meals, and good times. If you plan intimate moments, or bolsterous gatherings of cheer and good tidings-- there two kep elemens in setting the mood-- the gathering table-- and your sofa-- we can really knock out the sofa part-- come in and create the perfect moment once and for all!

Proof that we are even ahead of the pulse of style...

2007-09-26T08:43:00.000-07:00

We increase in size, add new fabrics everyday, and have international fabric houses beginning to fight for our business, this means we get priority to the hottest fabrics. ONE example of our keen eye and taste for COLOR is our recent acquirement of our Godiva Tripoli fabric which we have designated as our 2008 fabric of the year. ITs sister fabric which is made of the similar COLOR pattern but with a different output in design which is a floral arrangement was introduced by Crate and Barrel last week on their website as its featured fabric when speaking of its Custom abilities. We are ahead of the pulse of home style--- we have the fabrics direct from the international textiles houses. We are introducing a new system of ordering fabrics which will revolutionize the furniture world. keep in touch with us as we push forward!

2007-09-18T14:12:00.000-07:00

The following I read in the PURE CONTEMPORARY Magazine regarding upcoming trends in color... "It's a tech world and we'll be craving more simplicity in 2008. We'll be nesting in the warm, rich colors of this palette of jewel tones, deep reds, browns and spicy oranges with deep-toned blues. The look is soulful, immediately comfortable and imparts a sense of stability. These colors work with wooden pieces and clean simple layouts to create a relaxed modern vibe"

One of my duties is to keep a keen eye on the styles of the market. An invisible hand is also present in COLOR. I can honestly say that we are ahead of the game, not only because we stay informed, and because of our experience, and because of our resourcefulness with it comes to fabrics, but also due to the favorable conditions of the market for us. which today help us stand out! I see how others have chosen to outsource style and quality to other countries, this means that fashion no longer is important-- by the time a trend hits the store floors, the importers scramble to catch up-- by the time their mass imported boring sofas hit the showroom floor- they are 2 years behind. We are right on rythym with the rise and fall of COLOR--- This is the most important thing- because when you shop for your perfect art, for your perfect wall paint, or your perfect plate set, WE are here to enhance your style, match or lock in the perfect look. We know You want detailed, like your wardrobe, like the colorful party settings as your family and friends enjoy a nice conversation again!

KIVA is growing, at a tremendous pace!

2007-09-16T14:26:00.001-07:00

http://www.kiva.org/lender/colorandtailor

I was trying to give some more to KIVA, but they have been swamped with national attention due to Oprah's show, Clinton's new book, and some attention in the media. Hopefully some more Americans will jump on the bandwagon and invest in others futures.

Teresa is an 18 year old artisan. She is married and has one son. She works as an embroider of blouses, wallets and pillows. She sells her work in San Cristobal and in other communities that are closer to where she lives. She is part of the group Espina 7, togehter with doña Andrea Díaz Gómez (artisan) ,doña Maria Hernández Hernández 1st (artisan) y doña María Hernández Hernández 2nd (artisan) . They will invest this loan into purchasing threads from various colors for their artisan work.
Translated from Spanish by Yael Schwartzman, Kiva Volunteer. TERESA, es artesana tiene 18 años, es casada y tiene un hijo, ella se dedica al bordado de blusas, monederos y cojines los cuales vende en la ciudad de San Cristóbal o en las comunidades mas cercanas a su hogar. Pertenece al grupo Espina 7 junto con doña Andrea Díaz Gómez (artesana) ,doña Maria Hernández Hernández 1era (artesana) y doña María Hernández Hernández 2da (artesana) Con sus préstamos invertirán en hilos De colores variados para sus artesanías
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New face, new approach to bringing life to your home...

2007-09-14T15:06:00.000-07:00

This was it! This design brought about from experience, a careful eye on the market, and curiosity among Craigslisters. What began as a venture fresh out of college, has now grown into a full time store in the furniture district and has brought about hundreds of different designs into the lofts, apartments, and homes of many fashion and value saavy clients. COLOR & Tailor is our new name, and will feature our products unique to the Houston area. Each item will be handcrafted in Houston, and will carry the COLOR & Tailor label after meeting our strict quality control. This is a new era in home environment, while many choose to sellout to the importers and the mass race to the bottom in terms of quality and style, we push upwards for better, colorful, comfortable, inviting, cozy, stylish, balanced rooms all around us. We have now sercured a specific line of accent fabrics which will incorporate the hottest colors for 2008-- check out our website for more info! www.colorandtailor.com stay tuned!