Marcie Pantzer is the Founder and Creative Director behind one of our favorite stationery brands; Dear Annabelle. As an avid letter writer, stationery collector, and consummate hostess, Marcie dove headfirst into her passions, and created a beautiful collection of paper goods that exude both elegance and wit. With Dear Annabelle (named in honour of her daughter), Marcie has created a dream line of stationery, place cards, and note pads that elevate the every day, and can be found at Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue or on Moda Operandi.
Born and raised in St. Louis, Marcie currently resides in New York City with her husband and four children.
We couldn’t be more delighted to sit down with Marcie, and talk about what living beautifully means to her, where she turns to for inspiration, and more (including her favorite stationery shop in Paris!!).
Where did you grow up and how has your past shaped your design aesthetic?
I grew up in St. Louis, a suburban all-American Midwest town. The prevailing style was classic/timeless and a bit preppy — country club chic.
How would you describe your personal style?
Classic. I shy away from prints and bold colors and lean toward timeless silhouettes. I tend to overdress, which I don’t think of as a bad thing.
Who are some of your style icons?
Anna Wintour, Lauren Santo Domingo, and of course, Coco Chanel.
How did you start your company and what do you love most about what you do?
I’ve been a letter writer and a lover of beautiful paper products since I was little and dreamed of having my own stationery business for many years. In late 2018 I started working on Dear Annabelle with the help of an amazing life coach, Sasha Heinz. The brand launched about a year later with a small collection of notecards and notepads. Those first pieces set the stage for the Dear Annabelle brand: elegant and timeless with a whimsical twist. I love the creative aspect of my job — it is so fun to try out new designs and see what resonates with people. I get to follow my own whims and take cues from my customers.
Where do you turn to for inspiration when you begin designing a new collection?
I have a massive collection of art books and coffee table books, which I turn to for inspiration whenever I’m dreaming up something new. I go to museums and galleries whenever I can as well. I am also constantly inspired by my friends — how they’re hosting parties, what they’re wearing, what new phrase is popping up in our text threads.
What would your dream project or collaboration be?
I would love to do a series of limited-edition notecards with contemporary artists I admire, people like John Currin, Jonas Wood, Mark Grotjahn and Cecily Brown.
What are some of your indispensable items when entertaining, and how do you ensure a memorable dinner party?
You can’t have a dinner party without candles and a great playlist. Place cards are also a must for me, as I love thinking about who have great conversations sitting next to each other. I think it is always fun to have a surprise element to dinner parties, whether it’s an unexpected game like “Would You Rather” or a treat under your plate like a bingo card or lottery ticket. For my husband’s birthday, Lewis Miller — florist extraordinaire — turned my den into a late-night disco with a mirrored dance floor and mylar covered walls for a surprise afterparty.
Which tabletop items do you invest in, and which ones do you save on?
I entertain often, so I invest in beautiful plates and crystal. I adore crystal goblets and wine glasses and collect them from places like Murano and Vienna. I have a collection of China patterns from different makers, and I love to mix and match for different courses rather than use one pattern throughout the meal. I don’t generally invest in table linens as I find them hard to clean and maintain — in fact, I generally prefer not to use tablecloths. For dinner napkins I opt for Sferra, and I use our own line of embroidered linen cocktail napkins.
If you could invite any three individuals from the past, who would they be and what would you serve for dinner?
Princess Diana, Andy Warhol, and Catherine the Great.
I would serve something yummy and decadent – caviar, lobster pot pies and chocolate soufflés with plenty of stiff drinks.
Which decorators from the past do you most often turn to for inspiration?
David Hicks, Billy Haines, and Dorothy Draper.
If you could hire any decorator and/or architect from the past to design your home, who would it/they be?
While he’s not from the past, I am obsessed with Peter Marino. I think he is a total genius!
What does living beautifully mean to you?
Being happy and settled in a comfortable, stylish home.
How do you make every day feel special in your home?
I love having fresh flowers in my home. We have them delivered weekly and placed throughout our apartment.
What is your typical morning routine?
5:30AM wake up, coffee, Tracy Anderson workout, and off to the office.
How do you like to unwind after a busy day?
Dinner at home with my family, reading, listening to music.
What do you love most about living in New York City?
I love living in a city so full of art and culture. You can never tire of the galleries, museums, and restaurants, and I feel so inspired daily.
While traveling, are there any objects you enjoy collecting?
I collect stationery, paper, and stickers. When I visit an art museum in a new place, I have a tradition of buying postcards of my favorite pieces from the gift shop and hanging them on my bulletin board to inspire me back home.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
I’ve always wanted to run the NYC marathon. I’m also keen on traveling to India, Egypt and Antarctica.
What are some of the greatest lessons you learned from your parents?
Hard work, honesty, and how to play a mean game of Gin and backgammon.
What can we expect to see from Dear Annabelle in the near future?
We’re making our own candles! We’re also going to release a line of pens, as well as more cocktail napkins.
Marcie's Favorites
Favorite Travel Destination?
Favorite historic house museum?
Hôtel de la Marine in Paris, and The Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island.
Favorite interior of all time?
I absolutely adore the interior of a restaurant in Paris called Giraffe designed by Joseph Dirand. Another favorite is Yves Saint Laurent’s home, Villa Oasis, in Marrakesh. I was lucky enough to take a private tour of the special property a few years back and fell in love with the incredible design.
Favorite book(s) you most often turn to for inspiration?
I love Steven Gambrel’s beautiful book, Perspective, and I will never part with my vintage edition of Vogue’s Book of Etiquette from the 1950s.
Favorite movie(s) every design lover should watch at least once?
The Holiday – I am obsessed with both homes in this movie!
Favorite restaurants in New York City?
Harry Cipriani, The Grill and Majorelle
Favorite stationery shops?
Benetton Graveur in Paris and I love Paper Source!
Favorite hostess gift?
Anything Dear Annabelle!! Especially our place cards.
Favorite home scent?
Byredo Bohemia candles.
Favorite family tradition?
Sunday night family dinners with my husband and four children.
Favorite piece of advice from your mother?
Always write a handwritten note…whether it be a thank you, a condolence, or just because.
