Redressing: Domina, Fidele and Veroniques

We all have had  the experience of finding the perfect outfit for a doll. When that happens to me, I don't want to redress her. I love looking at my dolls. It gives me joy. When a new fashion arrives it sometimes takes a while to decide who will undergo the change.  Such a problem. :-)

Last week I experienced a redressing frenzy; the ensuing photo shoot resulted.

Domina models"Etoile" which I was able to get at the recent Superdoll sale for half the original price. This fashion comes with a pretty neckpiece which is not shown in my photo.

Fidele is modeling Madra's "Devil May Care" costume. This was produced by Ashton Drake in 2000.
Her shoes are from a Gen X 12-pair shoe pack. They fit the resin dolls very well.

Finally, a 2005 Fashion Royalty Veronique known as "Foreign Affair" who has been switched to an FR2 body models a mini dress by Huckleberry Jackson.

My rerooted, rebodied "Body Double" Veronique models "Perfect Reign" Tatyana's gown in front of the tree. I give a great deal of credit to anyone who was able to put on the elbow length lace gloves. I gave up after about a minute.

Comparison Photos: Violet, Oona, Madra, Gene and Trent

Anne Monday was gracious enough to allow me to repost her excellent photos which compare the newest resin Jamieshow Gene Marshall line to earlier releases.
The new versions are on the right except in the case of Grey Lady Gene.

Violet

 Oona

 Madra

 Grey Lady Gene (On the right is the original vinyl version.)

Trent

Tutorial: Freddy Ramirez Restyles Jamieshow Madra's Wig Cap

After cutting the thread from each chignon.

This is what the hair looked like once I removed the rubber bands and combed the hair out. 

Here's the back (very thin, not much hair to work with) 

 

I made a ponytail with 2 rubber bands to make 1 chignon instead of 3.  

Finished product. I folded the hair in to make the chignon. I used a glue gun to hold it in place.  

 

It took me 3 tries before I was able to get it in the shape I wanted. Removing the glue is not difficult. I use Goo Gone. Spray some on the glue and let it sit a minute or two and the glue will peel off. I washed the hair afterwards to remove the Goo Gone. Below is a pic of the bottle. (Ed. Note: Do not use Goo Gone near the doll's face.)

Thanks, Freddy, for giving me permission to share this with my readers.

New Fashion Ensembles from Sandra Stillwell

Those of us who attended Every Day's A Holiday last summer in Kansas City were able to pre-order an assortment of individual fashions from prototypes.
I ordered the following two. Descriptions are by Sandra.

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. 

 

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.

 

Both fashions are expertly made and fit my models perfectly.  The layers of skirt on American Beauty are not wired. They stay up as a result of their construction. It fascinates me. I think I will add a necklace.
The suit is trimmed with rhinestone buttons. You can't see it in my photos but the fabric has a metallic silver thread running throughout. The shoes are miniature masterpieces of black suede with red trim. They were an unexpected touch.

There may be extra fashions to buy-not just these.
http://sandrastillwellpresents.blogspot.com/p/sales_31.html
You can contact Sandra at dls6643@aol.com.

 

Picture(s) of the Day by Tom in CA

This time of the year every doll board is flooded with holiday themed photographs. Every now and then a collector posts photos that show planning, good composition, beautiful styling and proper lighting.
Take a look at these three from Tom in CA which are posted on The Studio Commissary.

Triple WOW! Not only are the dolls dressed beautifully, the captions are amusing as well.

Tom had posted the IDs and credits here: http://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/msg/1387291956.html

New Stuff

The week after a convention is usually chaos in my house. My doll room was piled with packages. I had to set up a card table to provide more space for redressing, sorting and arranging. Dolls spilled out into the rest of the house as well.  I was lucky my suitcase came in 2 pounds under the maximum when I checked in at the airport. It was 14 pounds under when I left for the convention. My carry-on was also stuffed to the brim on the way home.

In the photo above, I show the fashions we were gifted with at every meal. Amazing, isn't it? This isn't all we got - there were handbags, shoes, accessories, paper miniatures, gifts from tablemates and things I'm sure I don't even remember. Those of us that went on Thursday's tour will also be getting a replica of a TWA stewardess outfit from the late 1940's.

I purchased several (ahem) additional ensembles and pre-ordered some that weren't ready yet.

This is one of several felt circle skirts that were available. It was too cute to pass up with it's felt appliques and embroidery.

This confection is called "Delicate Bloom.' It is one of two color variations, the other being white with pastel embroidery. The hat was a table gift.

Purchases to be continued but first I want to show you two of the gifts from other attendees.

This gorgeous pink dress above was a gift from Marilyn Hook (Marilyn in Syracuse.) The hat was made by Susan Conners (Sue/ABQ) who also made the following outfit.

This is but a fraction of the ensemble Sue gave us as table mates. It comes with a load of customizing parts and accessories using the basic white silk sheath as a foundation. Every piece was constructed with skill and artistry. I have yet to photograph the rest. Stay tuned.

Sandra Stillwell has several fashions available for purchase to collectors right now. Click below to see them.

http://sandrastillwellpresents.blogspot.com/2013/09/announcing-holiday-collection.html

I am selling some of my goodies from the convention, too. See the sidebar of this blog for links to the sales pages. (Not eBay)

Sandra Stillwell Presents: "Every Day's A Holiday" Souvenir Fashions

The amount of stuff I came home with from Kansas City borders on the obscene. Besides the things I bought, we were given an incredible array of fashions and swag. Today I had some time to photograph most of the souvenir outfits.
All the ensembles came with gloves but I'm not the most patient dolly dresser and I just didn't put most of them on.

A-Tisket-A-Tasket

A-Tisket-A-Tasket

Patriotic Promenade

Bewitching

Silver Bells

Waiting For Saint Nick

Waiting For Saint Nick

Romantic Rendezvous

The dolls are mine as we did not get dolls as souvenirs. However....I did win a centerpiece Vita and I also won two Tonner dolls in the raffle. I was very lucky. More about that later.

Those of us who went on Thursday's tour will be getting a fantastic replica of a late 40's TWA hostess fashion. This is a picture of the prototype.

We got an adorable felt circle skirt decorated with Christmas symbols. Other swag included handbags, hats, paper miniatures, and so much more.

Wait until you see the rest of the goodies! Stay tuned.

The Girls Are Ready to Welcome a New Sister!

Gene is ready to party down with a new sister. Even Madra can't wait - or so she says.

A Gown for Madra by Hazel McMahon

Every so often, I see a doll item that knocks my socks off.  Michelle in MI posted this picture of Madra wearing a gown created by Hazel McMahon. Not only is Michelle's photography top notch, the gown is mind blowing.

Add caption

See the original post on The Studio Commissary.

Madra Week: Post #2

These photos were posted by Meg on The Studio Commissary.  Meg's dolls are seriously addicted to cigarettes. The second doll is, of course, Trent.

It's Madra Week!

The theme this week on The Studio Commissary is Madra and the photography is stunning.
Take a look at these three posted by Jurrie and let him know what you think in your comments.

Jurrie knows how to stage, light and compose an excellent photograph. Each of the pictures above is perfection IMO.

Want to see more? Click here for The STUDIO COMMISSARY
The SC is free to join. It's a friendly doll board where the Gene Marshall genre is alive and thriving. Other dolls are pictured as well most often dressed in Gene era appropriate fashion.

Happy Birthday to Gene Marshall's Dad

Ernesto Padro-Campos gathered Gene and friends to wish Mel Odom a Very Happy Birthday.

Photo by Ernesto Padro-Campos

A New Old Doll Arrives - Dark Desire Madra

I recently shared about my experiences in Nashville at the Golden Age of Couture event. One evening I helped debox about 80 Madra dolls, many of which I had never seen. When I opened Dark Desire's box, I decided that she was the most beautiful Madra I had ever seen. Not only is her face beautifully screened, her fashion is sophisticated and elegant.
I had to have her. She arrived this afternoon and was immediately released from her box.

The lightweight wool or wool blend suit is lined in chartreuse. Her gloves are the same green. The hat/hood slips over her head. Her muff is also lined in green. She has the most amazing eyes. I am so happy to finally find a Madra to love. I have sold every single Madra I've ever had. This one is staying. She will get a more articulated Integrity body.
Although this doll is several years old, her hair is in perfect condition. What a beauty!

Dark Desire was produced by Ashton Drake in 2002.