HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU!!

Do the holidays have you running in circles?? Are you finding yourself angry?? Is stress in abundance? Well, I'm no physician, but this layman can tell you, you need to snap out of it!! None of this can come to any good, and I don't want a one of you to be sick over the holidays!! Soooooo, it wouldn't hurt to just look over my tips; now would it!?!

Traffic: More people are shopping, so there's bound to be more traffic - so allow for it whenever you go out. Don't let a fender bender ruin it for you or the other driver. And, if someone is rude, don't stoop to their level - smile and go on - and take down their license plate and post it on Craig's List!! Just kidding!

Clutter: More people eat fast food while shopping, so there seems to be an abundance of clutter. I even saw some food wrappers in a toy drive drop-off box the other day. Sure it upset me, but just until I got the clutter to the right place. It took me minutes to eliminate this being MY problem! Maybe their Mama didn't teach them any better!!

Baking overload: If you love baking this probably isn't a problem. If not, you really need to control this and other cooking tasks you take on during the holidays. Don't raise your hand for one of the four courses in a progressive dinner - instead be the one who brings the bread and butter, or drinks, or even items to set the table. No one will ever know you're not kin to Martha!

Fat phobia: With all the extra food floating around, you may start to feel your clothes getting a wee bit tighter. But it doesn't have to happen if you work at eating smaller portions every day - save the splurging for the "real" special occasions. Jump on the treadmill when you have time - practice dashing away like Santa's reindeer, and you'll be able to dance the night away come New Year's Eve! And ALWAYS start your latest diet on January 2nd!!

No time for yourself, or worse, for your dolls! Yikes! For me this is the easiest to conquer. Do a little every day...for at least one of you. Steal away to do something you want to do - like viewing your Christmas cards down below, or seeing what's new at CDS! Read about a BJD you've been interested in, sketch, sew, get caught up with FDQ or DOLLS Magazines. Opportunities abound in the strangest places - who knew my conversation with my old Aunt Hattie would turn to designing for dolls!! LOL

Seriously, see holidays through the eyes of a child, celebrate what you believe in, and don't take things overly serious, and you may just figure out you actually love this season!

Please note:  If specific dates are not shown for a gift with purchase you may assume it is available 12/9-15.  The link to get to the street each shop is on is right after the writing about each shop - just click on the bar with the shop name on it.  Thanks, loyal fans!! Enjoy!

Aponi Designs presents “Peppermint Patti” from the Cocktail Collection. It fits Barbie® and similar sized dolls. Included is a white plush shoulder wrap with rhinestone mini brooch; and a single-shouldered dress of red and white striped silk featuring hand beading on the décolleté. Accessories include a white ultra suede wristlet featuring red embroidery and a red rhinestone pièce montée, red gloves, red silk hat band, silver beaded hoop earrings, and a mini cocktail. Purchasers before Christmas receive a Christmas stocking like the one pictured and free shipping! This shop is the first one on the left on Couture Court - check it out.

Facets will be having their big holiday promotion in their shop that begins December 13 and ends at noon on December 25th. One necklace/earrings jewelry set will be featured daily for a special price of $20 shipped free worldwide. Also there is an EXTRA SPECIAL deal featured through December 12 for a limited number of complete sets for those who would like to purchase all of them - don't miss this one! Visit Facets today right in the middle of row 4 on Main Street!

Two OOAK Luxury Christmas Robes are this shop's featured items. Notice also, tucked around the toys in Santa's sleigh in the card picture, are two sets of elegant cushions. Each set is a gift which comes with the purchase of one of the robes for your favorite Fashion Royalty doll. Your doll will shimmer in either the silk or taffeta robe - see them both in CDS' newest shop, Francesca's, located on the far left on the fourth row on Couture Court!

Cindi's Doll Apparel's featured item was made especially for SD size BJD dolls. Your gal will be ready for any occasion in this sweet dress with flirty ruffles. The gift with purchase for this item is your choice of any pattern in this shop. or a wig cap in your desired size. Cindi's shop is just a click away; located on Row 2, middle shop, on Designer Drive.

The Night Before Christmas Holiday Collection is on sale now! And to thank you for your loyal patronage, you will receive one pair of silver toned earrings with any order in December. Visit Babette's Doll Fashion's shop located on the last row, last shop to the right, on Couture Court to check this out today!!

BW Designs offers exotic flavoured designs from her Touch of India collection for 1/4 scale dolls. Each of the three new styles are unique, and are made from fine Indian sari silks. Sugar is featured here, and will come with the recycled fur shown with the fashion. Each of the styles will come with their own OOAK necklace (similar to the one in the inset photo) as your gift with purchase, also. Visit BW Designs located on the 4th row of Main Street, last shop on the right, to see all styles.

Create a beautiful holiday gown with Designs by Jude's Dazzling pattern for Cami and Antoinette. The pattern features a floor length gown with a full skirt and fitted sleeveless bodice. The look of the gown changes easily with the addition of short puff sleeves or a full length sleeve, also included. The dress also features a snap back closure. Enter coupon code cds promo to receive FREE shipping on any order that includes this pattern 12/9 - 15.  Visit this neat shop located in the middle of the second row on Couture Court!

Millie is modeling a romper and sweater set in shades of red and black. Made of wool, cotton & knit, this ensemble consists of a one piece sleeveless romper, a cardigan, a knit hat, stockings, and a fleece scarf (not pictured). Free Priority Mail shipping throughout the promotional dates. Dec 9-15. is Connie's gift with purchase. Sweet Creations is the 2nd shop from the left on the first row of Main Street; see her ensemble there today!

The ensemble from Nasha's Doll Boutique is a strikingly gorgeous, jewel tone, strapless gown cut from fuchsia dupioni that features a dropped hipline, and flares into a full skirt. The waist is cinched with a beaded belt of black grosgrain ribbon and fuchsia dupioni, and is mirrored at the dropped hipline as well. An oversized bow accents the back of this gown. It closes with snaps and is fully lined. Gown comes with a purse made of lace over fuchsia dupioni.  This shop's gift is a 15% discounnt on any additional purchase + free shipping. This shop is located on the far left corner of the 6th row of Designer Drive.

This gorgeous 1/6 scale fireplace has features of a stone-like finish of charcoal and sand with gold accents. It's for Christmas with red tinsel, gingerbread men, and stockings. The mantel is also decorated with blown glass and other holiday accents. Included with the fireplace are fireplace utensils, a Christmas dog, and two topiaries in gray urns. This fireplace is sized for Barbie or Fashion Royalty dolls. Included (but not shown) with this fireplace is a clock, picture frame, and candlestick for everyday use. This shop's free gift with purchase is your choice of Canvas Art from our website. See all the goodies in this shop, JC Dream Designs, located far left, row 6 on Main Street.

 

Poppy is decked out for the holidays in frocks made from 100% cotton which are fully lined. They have hook and loop closures in the back. Each style features whimsical, heart-warming prints.  Only two of the designs are shown on the card.  Currently there are more styles are available which can be seen in the shop.   A gift of a miniature wreath is included with each purchase. See all the designs of Tres Chic Boutique - it  is the last shop on the right on the fourth row of Couture Court.

Chic Indulgence is featuring two 18th Century French Rococo Costumes from her Let Them Eat Cake Mini Collection. Both the “Sweet Silken Sorbet” and "Lovely Luscious Layers" ensembles are made to fit 16” Ellowyne, Delilah Noir or BJD of that size. Both are contructed of the finest silks, laces, brocade and believe it or not - even a bit of leopard print. A pannier hoop skirt, pantaloons, and jewelry consisting of pearls and a cameo accompany each outfit. And the gift with purchase is a lovely doll purse Durelle designed. Find out about a special hat you might purchase separately, and see both ensembles in this shop located on Main Street, 3rd row, 2nd shop from the left,

Winter has arrived, and the girls are ready for their holiday shopping spree. Sweater dresses in several colors are Oohlalaz' special item. Each has faux fur cuffs and Gayle's special shawl vest. Accessories for these ensembles ( handbags, belts and earrings) will be included this Christmas month, and thank goodness all the elves are whispering " FREE SHIPPING Dec 9-15 " -- this is this shop's gift with purchase to you! You can view all of these special creations by visiting Oohlalaz - it is located  far right on the 2nd row of Couture Court.

Click Designs by Kevin presents a festive holiday dress titled "Five Golden Rings" -- so titled because of its unique bodice design. The dress is made from a gold crepe satin with a lame' dotted tulle overlay, and then the top also features the gathered tulle as shoulder straps. What a perfect gown for this season's holiday parties! As a way of saying Thank You! for your patronage this year, Kevin is giving away a FREE pair of matching handmade earrings and, as always, he'll be offering free shipping in the continental USA. See all the clever designs in this shop located on the far left of the 3rd row on Designer Drive.

Les Scintillance de Rouge (Glistening of Red) describes a Holiday gown sure to make you the belle of the Holiday Ball. Bright red silk taffeta, a corset-style bodice, and full, trained skirt with ribbon swirls and sequins are some highlights of this gown offered by MRC's Lori Lyon. To create more volume, a red petticoat made of multiple layers of tulle is included.  On her delicate feet are Glistening red glitter mules upon gold stiletto heels. There is also a headpiece of red blooms, feathers and gold lace .. Free shipping till January 1 is this shop's gift with  purchase + purchase $100 by Dec 25th - receive a free pair of MRC hosiery. See this shop -- next to the last on the right on the first row of Main St.

 

"Tis the Season" for red and green is a simple yet elegant sparkling evening gown with matching bolero jacket available in a variety of sizes in the Kolkman Kreations sales room under Special Occasions. You'll want to see this lovely glittering stretch velour garment! No fasteners are used for a perfect fit; this slides on easily. The jacket is unlined and seams are left unfinished to avoid a bulky seam. Order a set of gown & jacket by December 31st in red or green and receive free shipping worldwide. Please allow 1-2 weeks lead time for sewing the item. See all in this shop located  next to office on Row 4 Designer Dr.

 

Angelic Dreamz offers Special Edition JAMIEshow, Madame Eshe, Ltd. 50 pieces. Her Royal Highness peers out with royal blue eyes, golden eyehadow + real eyelashes. Standing 16' tall, with pale skin tone, this J-resin doll has 19 points of articulation. Her gown is red silk satin in multiple layers  with intricate gold details + lace cuffs. Ruching, gold pearls and white lace serve as adornment. A bustle in crimson + gold stitching, red crock and leather shoes, and her royal gold crown by Facets will all come with. Wig cap rooted and interchangeable for regular wigs. Free shipping orders  $100, December. Visit Angelic Dreamz, Row 3  Couture Court.

Anna loves making custom bedding by order. She prefers taking orders for her custom bedding,  so she didn't have an item to offer a gift with purchase, but she wanted to participate!  Her solution was a contest with the winner to receive the bedding set shown in her card!  To enter, answer the questions down below as best you can.  Then send them to the CDS Manager. If you use Outlook click the link; for other email  servers right click the link to get web address  Entries accepted December 9 - 15, by clicking HERE.   Drawing and the winner announcement 12/16 on our next blog.. Hurry over to Anna's shop in the middle of Row 6 on Designer Drive.

 

                                          Anna's Contest 

                     (NO PURCHASE NECESSARY to enter.)   

                         Question 1:              

     Who was the first shop owner to open on CDS?

                         Question 2:   

     Who was the last shop owner to open on CDS?.

                         Question 3:  

     Who helped name Designer Dr. & Couture Ct.?

Now dash away, dash away, dash away all!  

On with your shopping - at the CDS Mall!

MUCH ADO ABOUT TWO

There was a time when a weekend trip to the shopping mall or a boutique was like entering retail heaven. The smell of newly sewn clothes filled the air, everything was designed to entice you, and window shopping became a favorite pastime for women around the world.


But who wants to leave the comfort of your home when you can experience retail heaven with just a few clicks of your mouse? With fashion blogs and enough beautiful photographs to hook any fashionista, online stores have been virtually outdoing their physical counterparts -- and at a much quicker rate than any brick and mortar store could accomplish -- ever since the dot.com market exploded onto the scene.

Isn't it great then that this trend has finally caught on for our dolls? I don't know about where you live, but down here in Houstonville finding doll clothes used to be a big ol' chore -- nothing resembling any kind of heaven for sure!!


Couturedollshops.com not only pulled together interesting doll shops in one unique spot on the net, they also put down specific guidelines to make everyone's shopping experience safe as well as fun. Shoppers get the satisfaction of finding products at their own pace and time. And the minute they find an item, they are left with a unique sense of satisfaction -- a sense of having not only discovered the perfect item for today's purchase, but also a place to come back to time and time again!

To help you get better acquainted with the merchants of CDS, we're continuing our profiles of our shop owners. Today we'll take a look at two of the fine merchants of CDS' Designer Drive. While very different, each of these shop owners has one thing in common. They have a desire to design and make quality products their customers will be satisfied in owning. They also work to ensure confidence in their clients by providing great customer service.  So come along and meet someone new today. Find out what they do, and watch their ideas grow. You dolly's wardrobe will thank you for doing so.

CINDI STOWELL, CINDI'S DOLL APPAREL

Blogmeister: Who are you? In other words - tell us a little bit about the real person behind your business name?


Cindi: The “real” person behind the doll biz is a musician that now teaches private music lessons to kids. I have a wonderful job and I completely adore my students! I even had one of my students that knows I love to sew, show me her book bag that she had sewn. She wanted to give me the rest of her material from her project to make a doll dress for my dolls. It was very touching!

Blogmeister: How and when did you discover your love for creating fashion art in the doll world?


Cindi: I have always had a love for dolls but I became disinterested after years of collecting. After my husband and I moved from Las Vegas, I thought now was my opportunity to do something different. I thought I would open my own doll store. So, I remembered going to the bookstore and looking at a Haute Doll Magazine to see what kind of dolls were out there to buy. I fell in love with the dolls on the cover and started looking for how I could buy my first BJD doll.  What I liked about the BJDs was that the possibilities of creating their look was endless. You can change their wigs and eyes and they are dolls that are meant to be played with. I knew then that I wanted to sew and make clothes for them.  I started to look for patterns that I could sew and found a few very good designers.

Blogmeister: Did you begin creating for yourself then transition to creating fashion art offered for sale?

Cindi:  I have always had a love for sewing. I started with sewing
clothes for me. I loved making jackets for myself and designing clothes for me to wear. Then I got into making teddy bears. The funnest part about making a teddy bear was when the eyes went in the bear and suddenly the bear came to life and had character and personality. Once I discovered the BJDsm I haven't stopped creating a wardrobe for them.


Blogmeister: Was anything or anyone a significant influence on your work initially?


Cindi: No, I have to admit that I have never been a “designer” monger. All of my girlfriends talk about designer names when they go shopping but for me it’s always been about what I like and don’t like and not who the designer is.

Blogmeister: Today where do you find inspiration for your projects?


Cindi: I love to look at fashion by googling the internet.  There are all kinds of great inspirations and fun pictures to look at. I love fashion and sewing books too and lately, I’ve been into the Victorian fashion and the steampunk fashion. I have always loved movies depicting those time periods.

Blogmeister: For people who would like to create their own fashion art, would you have any words of inspiration or advice?


Cindi: I’ve been most challenged by studying and studying and studying again other people’s creations and attention to detail. I feel very challenged when I see some of the great works of doll fashion that people create. It always amazes me. So, my advice would be to look at the clothes you like and pay attention to all the fine detail.

Blogmeister: Lastly, what's up for you right now?


Cindi: I have been completely absorbed by Victorian fashion and bustle dresses. I have so many ideas and just not enough time to sit down and sew. I found a wonderful book by John R. Burbidge entitled Les petites Dames de Mode: An Adventure in Design and I have been very inspired by his Victorian dresses. I also finally have my MSD BJDs back from a wonderful face-up artist and I am ready to sew for them too.


Cindi's shop is the middle shop on Row 2 of Designer Drive.

 

TERRY BARNER, OFF THE WALL by Terrkat

 

Blogmeister: Who are you? In other words - tell us a little bit about the real person behind your business name?


Terry: Off The Wall Terrkat is a name I thought would encompass a very wide range of artistic offerings. My first love in doll customization is re-painting but sometimes I have to explore different aspects which leads to some interesting and unexpected items. Always doll related, I have offered furniture and fashion accessories. You will never know what might turn up.

Blogmeister: How and when did you discover your love for creating fashion art in the doll world?


Terry: This started sometime around 1997. My wife Kathy, was enamored with Barbie collectibles, and then Gene by Mel Odom, and Ashton Drake galleries came along. I think we attended most doll shows, and as many doll stores close to home as we heard about. We drove 5 hours once to visit a doll show in search of anything that we could spend money on, and we usually did. At one of these shows I found an 18 inch Pocahontas and, although the face was a bit cartoonish, I was lured by the possibilities. She was my first “victim” I experimented with painting over the old paint, applying eyelashes and then, I took the final plunge and removed all of the old paint. It forced me to learn how to repaint the face into what I wanted to see. I was hooked.

Blogmeister: Did you begin creating for yourself then transition to creating fashion art offered for sale?


Terry: I did only create for me and my wife at first. Then as I got better, I thought maybe some of my work would sell so we tried that at a doll show in Austin and Although I had to work my “real” job at the time, my wife did quite well selling what she and I had created. 


Blogmeister: Was anything or anyone a significant influence on your work initially?

Terry: My wife was at the time and occasionally still is, my best and worst critic. It was good to have a different set of eyes pointing out what could be better and what was really good. She is still my best and most honest critic.


Blogmeister: Today where do you find inspiration for your projects? 


Terry: I find inspiration from many sources. Movies, television, magazines and I like to see what others create. An inspiration can come from anywhere.

Blogmeister: For people who would like to create their own fashion art, would you have any words of inspiration or advice?


Terry: Don’t give up on something before you start. You may not like your first attempts at something but there is no substitute for practice. Try new things, if you have the passion, use the energy to push you. You will find a great deal of satisfaction in what you learn about yourself and your abilities.

Blogmeister:  Lastly, what's up for you now?


Terry: I have no plans to stop creating. I have some very interesting opportunities before me now.


Terry's shop is the middle shop on Row 3 of Designer Drive.

ROCKIN' THE RUNWAY - DFNO 2011

Fashion's Night Out, an annual initiative that takes place in 17 countries across the globe this year, began in 2009 as a way to encourage consumers to support the fashion industry during a tough economic climate. The September 8, 2011 Fashion's Night Out rocked catwalks worldwide, and had people lining up everywhere to see which retailers took the time to create fun, fashionable events this year! Over 1000 retailers participated in NYC alone, but they were not alone. Over 250 cities across the USA celebrated FNO's third glorious year!


From Mexico to Milan FNO reigned supreme because international expansion was this year's order of business. These countries were well represeted: Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germay Greece, India, Italy, Japan ("All of Vogue’s top editors from around the globe gathered for this one!"), Mexico, Portugal, Russia, Spain, South Korea, Taiwan, Turkey and the United Kingdom ("We danced to Madonna at Christian Dior on New Bond Street"). All over the world shops featured refreshments, djs spinning music, fashion shows and more. And all was free to the public who sipped champagne as they perused some of the most wonderful designer's fall collecitons.

Oh my! If I'd have only known there was even a celebration in my neighborhood, I'd have been yelling road trip to my bestest doll buddy, and we'd have been in the middle of it!! Well, a girl can find mahvelous inspiration for future doll creations as well as pick up some things for herself - what's not to like about FNO??


And what's not to like about DFNO - Doll Fashion Night Out - CDS' version of FNO for the diminutive diva!?! NADA! Just plenty to enjoy - and you can still do it in your pajamas!


This marks our 2nd year, and fifteen shop owners have committed to "showing" in this year's event - and they will be featured. But others have been busy adding items also - so shop the whole mall - you do NOT want to miss out on any dolly delights!


The items below appear in our featured shops. They could be in their sales room, or they could be in their gallery or some place else - but as of 11/10/11 I viewed them in their shops.  From my collages, just for fun, can you guess who participated?

Main Street

Couture Court

Designer Drive

If not, it's of no consequence; this was just for fun. Hurry over to our Happening's site and all will be revealed. You'll preview the garments, be told where they are, and then you can strut all over the Mall and visit your fave shops or find some new ones you'll adore.

OR if you just cannot wait after seeing our fashion collages - go ahead and stroll over to CDS now. Whatever you do, just have fun, fashionistas. That is why we put on these events!!