Stylist to the Dolls

One of my favorite ways to enjoy my dolls is to play fashion stylist.  I've organized the majority of my fashion doll ensembles as follows:  Jewelry, gloves, shoes, and purses are in plastic see-through, divided containers that can be stacked in my closet.  Closet organizer chests house hats and furs.  Clothing is separated into zip-lock bags and are stored in drawers with an inventory list as to what ensemble is in that drawer.  I keep a master on my computer so I can easily edit it as needed.  This system makes it easy to put together unique outfits for display or for a photo shoot.  One drawback to this system:  You want to sell the outfit later on and can't remember what goes with it!!!

Another favorite way to enjoy my dolls is to make hats for them.  There are many wonderful fashions available from a variety of manufacturers that simply do not include a hat.  That may be fine for contemporary clothing but hats....and gloves, etc. were an important part of the 1930's, 1940's, and the early 1950's.

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Here is an example of a cocktail suit that I felt needed a special hat.  City Sleeker, an Integrity W Club Zita Charles Dressed Doll Exclusive, is modeled by Deep Rose Madra Lord.  I designed the vintage floral cocktail hat just for this outfit.  The gloves are original to the ensemble.  The fabulous fur muff is from PD Root and the jewelry is an OOAK set I picked up from a doll show a few years back.

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I didn't design this hat for this particular suit, but I think it looks great with it.  This is a result of changing up one of my doll displays and coming up with a total new look for this Tonner Brenda Starr pinstriped suit.  The hat, gauntlet gloves, and jewelry are from The Couture Touch, fur drape from PD Root, and the portfolio is from Mattel.  Cig holder and telephone are from Ashton Drake. Table from Retros/Liz Cole.  My model/muse is a restyled Flame Madra Lord from Integrity.

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You can view all of my past OOAK hats and ensembles on my new Flickr Photostream.  The sets are organized by era.  The link is to the right under Gallery of Past Designs.