A Simply Magnetizing Idea

A brooch, often referred to as a pin, brings interest to a basic suit, dress, or even a muff.  In the 1940's, the brooch was meant to be worn at the center-front of the neckline.  Lapel ornaments were in the form of a pin, novelty clip, or pendant-type.

You can easily make your own unique brooch for a favorite fashion doll.  Old earrings, broken necklaces, and unusual buttons can be recycled for a distinctive look.  Antique malls, thrift stores, flea markets, and even the clearance jewelry section of your local department store can often yield interesting pieces.  Of course, my motto is to first shop your own jewelry box as I did for the following examples.

Madra Lord

A black onyx and "diamond" earring gives just the right amount of elegance to Miss Lord's garnet suit.

Gene Marshall

Even the modern earring lends itself perfectly to Miss Marshall's chic 1950's suit ensemble.

Components from a broken necklace add a touch of surrealism to a wool boucle muff.

Here's what you will need:

• Magnets, 1/4" or smaller
• E6000 adhesive
• Wire cutters
• Emery board
• Safety glasses
• Latex gloves

A Word of Caution:  

Be sure to carefully read any warnings on your package of magnets and adhesive before you purchase.

To convert an earring to a brooch: 

1. Wearing safety glasses, remove the post with your wire cutters.  Smooth any sharpness with the fine side of an emery board. 
2. To prepare the surface for the adhesive, lightly roughen the back of the earring with the emery board.  Wipe the surface clean before applying the glue. 
3. Apply adhesive and attach a magnet.  Let dry according to package directions.  For better control, squeeze a small amount of glue onto a paper plate or a piece of foil.  Use the tip of a pin or toothpick to apply the glue to the back of the earring. 

Madra Lord

A colorful, jeweled button becomes the perfect accent for a luscious fur drape.

Credits:
Spotted in Manhattan Madra Lord and J'Adore Gene Marshall are from Integrity.
Like A Fox Madra Lord is from Ashton Drake.

The Fashion Editor

Always on the hunt for the latest designs, fashion editors are eager to select the finest from hundreds of garments shown to them.  Barbara Millicent Roberts, known simply in the industry as "Barbie", previews a stylish new suit ensemble perfect for those crisp days ahead.

Credits:

Fashion Editor Silkstone Barbie is from Mattel.

Suit and handbag were a doll show find, designer unknown.

Color Me a Fashionable Autumn

The news from Paris.....Colorful, whimsical hats are all the rage and were prominently featured on the runways of the top fashion houses.

Join us as the original, iconic fashion model and her sophisticated Parisian counterpart add their own colorful twist to a fashionable fall wardrobe.

A Model Life Barbie

Barbie pairs black with contrasting bright colors that spell drama.  Dress and fur are from Dressmaker Details.  Purse from Madame Alexander.  Jewels and gloves are from Mattel.

Buenos Aires Victoire Roux

Victoire makes a strong fashion statement by mixing red with black and white houndstooth.  Jacket and gloves are from Mattel.  Necklace is from Randall Craig.  Bracelet from Joshard.  Earrings from Ashton Drake.  Skirt is from The Couture Touch.

Black and White Bathing Suit Barbie

Beige is ever so chic when paired with vivid touches.  Suit, handbag, and brooch are from Mattel.  Fur from PD Root.  Earrings from Integrity.  Gloves and bracelet are from The Couture Touch.

Credits:

Silkstone Barbie is from Mattel.

Victoire Roux is from Integrity.

All hats and styling are from The Couture Touch.

Click HERE for instructions on making these Captivating Chenille Hats.

Captivating Chenille Hats

A new DIY project for fashion dolls.

Warning.....These delightfully whimsical hats are highly addictive.  Simple shaping of a chenille pipe cleaner and a little imaginative trimming can yield spectacular results.  Who knew a pipe cleaner could be so chic!

J'Adore Gene Marshall.  Suit from The Couture Touch.

"Haute Luxuries" Veronique Perrin.  Dress from Bogues Vogues.
 Purse from Mattel.

Black & White Bathing Suit Silkstone Barbie.  Fur from Integrity.

Click HERE for the tutorial which includes instructions for both 1:4 and 1:6 scale fashion dolls.

A Summer Fresh Wardrobe Mix-Up

A palette of neutrals with a pop of color that's perfect for a day of shopping or sightseeing.

The top from Sandra Stillwell's Zoe suit ensemble pairs nicely with the billowing skirt from Ashton Drake's Love, Paris.  A turquoise scarf wrapped at the waist pulls the look together.  Black and white accessories finish this summer fresh outfit.

Additional Credits:

Hat and gloves are from Ashton Drake.
Scarf is from Integrity.
Handbag is from Hunter-Goldblatt Designs.
Jewels and styling are from The Couture Touch.

Pearls and Pink Ivy Jordan is from Integrity.

Ripped From the Pages of a Favorite Fashion Magazine

The Autumn Fashion Forecast

The July issue often provided a wealth of fashion ideas in transition.  A sneak peek if you will of upcoming trends for the fall season.  Discovered recently in an attic....a treasure trove of pages from beloved fashion magazines spanning the 1950's featuring a few familiar faces.  From editorial pages to those marvelous ads, here's a small sampling for your viewing enjoyment.

Gown and jewels from Integrity.  Gloves from D.A.E. Originals.  Hat from The Couture Touch.  Symphony in G Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.

Suit ensemble from Bogue's Vogues.  Handbag from Ashton Drake.  Gloves and jewels from The Couture Touch.  Ooh La La Gene Marshall is from Integrity.

Suit from Sandra Stillwell.  Gloves from Ashton Drake.  Hat, scarf, and jewels from The Couture Touch.  Phoenix Gene Marshall is from JamieShow.

Suit from Madame Alexander.  Fur from PD Root.  Gloves and cigarette holder from Ashton Drake.  Hat, scarf, and jewels from The Couture Touch.  It's A Cinch Gene Marshall is from Integrity.

Dress from Diane Carino of DLC Creations.  Gloves and umbrella from Mattel.  Earrings from Ashton Drake.  Hat and bracelet from The Couture Touch.  Buenos Aires Victoire Roux is from Integrity.

A Touch of Glamour

By the mid 1950's the cocktail dress was feminine, alluring, and oh so chic.  Among the popular high heeled fashion dolls of the era, the full-skirted, drop-waist styles were top sellers.

Inspired by a vintage Cissy cocktail ensemble, Miss Gene Marshall pairs the taffeta dress from A Touch of Hospitality (sans the belt) with the black velvet bolero from Hacienda.  A classic feather and tulle hat with asymmetric veiling tops the glamorous look.

Cissy cocktail ensemble #2017 by Madame Alexander. Circa 1956.

Miss Gene Marshall

Credits:
Moments to Remember Gene Marshall, A Touch of Hospitality, and Hacienda are from Ashton Drake.  OOAK hat and styling are from The Couture Touch.