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!!

Something Wicked This Way Comes

Ahhhhhhhhhhh......Beautiful Villains, those campy, deliriously mean, and vivacious creatures who sliver into our books and onto our silver screens with such mischief we find ourselves hopelessly mesmerized - who could be better candidates for our latest CDS Happening?

Some of the most popular Halloween costumes are based on what these "hotties" wear for a reason, and that reason is because they are often on people's minds at this time of the year. And why not? No one really relates to the murder and/or mayhem of it all when they don their classic outfits to play their famous roles one more time.

However, our designers weren't to just design costumes because that would never work in designing couture clothing.   Instead they were given the task of designing clothes for their favorite villains, clothing that would let your dolls portray these characters....kind of. The clothing they were challenged to create for these divas was to be designed in a modern, couture "I can wear that any day of the week and be villainously beautiful" kind of style.

And, since many of the popular magazines use these bad girls in their October issues also, we thought we'd showcase these entries in their own little, individual magazines. Toward this end these shop owners not only needed to submit pictures and descriptions of their ensembles, they were also encouraged to suggest their magazine title, and some article titles that might appear there, too.

So, first I'll tell you something about their choices, and then you can proceed to see the final product – there will be a link.

Pauline Lyngard, BW Designs

Marquise Isbelle de Merteull

With her portrayal of this character not only did Glenn Close give one of her best performances, she also helped the producers of Dangerous Liasions make this adaptation of the famous 17th century French novel, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, a relevant and fascinating piece of cinema. The scheming Madame de Merteull is amorally set on bending everyone to her own will, no matter the method or the cost. She delightfully fascinates us as her ego, vantiy, intrigue, and war between the genders is exposed. Swooning passion, icy stares, and hushed, measured speeches are characteristics that make us scurry for popcorn before it begins lest we have to tear ourselves from the screen even for a minute during this performance.

Lana Turk, Doll Couture by Lana

The Snow Queen

One of the most influential of all fairy tale archetypes seems to me to be the Snow Queen. This fearsome character was invented by Hans Christian Andersen in 1844, and came to the widescreen as a delightful animated Soviet film in 1957 that continues to run on YouTube today. She is the absolute embodiment of evil, a kidnapper of children, and freezer of hearts who continues to inspire modern-day authors. Because, even though the Snow Queen story has many characters that represent evil, this main character is the most mesmerizing. There is always something to be said for a hauntingly beautiful villain who conjures up both evil and magic - a beautiful villain such as the Snow Queen.

Karen Kolkman, Kolkman Kreations

The Evil Queen

Yes, she's beautiful, jealous and vindictive, and a lethal lady who makes us all perk up when we first glimpse her pondering her beauty in front of her also-evil Magical Mirror in Disney's classic, Snow White. Much like the Evil Stepmother in Cinderella, she uses Snow White as her own personal housekeeper, but that is where the similarities cease. Cindy's Stepmom never comes close to evoking the animosity of this Evil Queen! When her favorite Mirror Man tells her one day Snow White is the new IT girl around the castle, this Evil Queen cries out that she is definitely not gonna accept that! So when her manslave fails to carry out her murderous plot, she resorts to making herself a much-less beautiful witch to finish her plan. Its not to that witchy aspect of this character that our designer was asked to design - thank goodness!

Gayle Chavez, Oohlalaz

Catherine Tramell

One of the most campy characters of the bunch is an unlikely psycho-killer, Catherine Tramell, portrayed in the film Basic Instinct by Sharon Stone. Released in 1992, this film had a femme fatale star character who set the model for the many psycho killer scenarios that have been developed to date. Dear Catherine was called "...one of the most evil characters ever created, on Hannibal Lecter's level" in an early review by a French critique. Unlike Hannibal, she is able to use her feminine wiles to manipulate everyone around her for her own amusement. Add to this the fact that she also enjoys killing people, and you immediately know why the American Film Institute put her on their Best Villains list. Thank goodness she'll never end up on a real Most Wanted poster!

Elizabeth Fenton, Nasha's Doll Boutique

Fatima Blush

Another of our favorite beautiful villains, Fatima Blush, also relied on her femininity to exact her desired outcome. Even the author of the Bond film, Never Say Never Again, Ian Fleming, wrote "Her appearance in tight-fitting black rubber suiting will make the audiences swoon." And swoon we did when the ravishing Barbara Carrera stepped out of the wings to play this over-the-top evil diva. From her initial appearance to her demise, she plays at dominating Bond. Unfortunately, this is a task she'll never achieve because the dastardly evil Blush inevidibly became the first Bad Bond Girl to be killed by Bond face-to-face.

Terry Barner, Off The Wall by Terrkat

Ursula

If you're looking for trouble you've come to the right place; if you're looking for help don't rely on this face! Yes, she has a face only a mother can love, but there's something about it that makes people trust her, and something about it that makes her qualify as a beautiful villain. Ursula is the nemesis of Ariel as she makes her debut in The Little Mermaid, but it's not from her lack of trying to be a diva. Hand in hand with her two trusted eel-accomplices, she works it so she can capture any poor, unfortunate sole who comes to her looking for help. She's a nasty one to deal with, indeed, so you'd be wise not to enter into a deal with her because she has no intention of making good on any deal she might make!

George Gonzalez, Angelic Dreamz

Odile

It should have been realized during the first appearance of The Lake of the Swans by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, that there was some evil attached to the ballerina known as Odette/Odile. The ballet, later known as Swan Lake, and adapted from a Russian folk tale, was performed initially in 1877 to less than stellar reviews. Its lead performer, Anna Sobeshchanskaya, was also wrongly accused of theft. Today this is one of the most revered ballets, and it weaves a tale of magic and enchantment. It reveals the evilness of our final beautiful villain, Odile, who has an evil scheme to ensure Odette remains in the swan form cast onto her by Odile's unknowing accomplice, the evil sorcerer Von Rothbart. In the end good does prevail but Odette and her beloved Siegfried must realize their forever love in heaven. It's wicked, and evil, and an oh so beautiful story with an equally beautiful villain we love to hate.

Now, my Twisted Sisters, it is time to scurry over to see the designer's presentations; just click here --  Beautiful Villains!  Then view the designers listed on Beautiful Villains 1 and Beautiful Villains 2.  There is also a place to vote for your favorite, give us a suggestion, and/or make a nice comment.

And be sure to stop by Couture Doll Shop to view everything that is new over there, or maybe to do a little shopping for your fave diva!
See you again soon!

Summer at CDS is rather Steamy!

This may be the shortest blog I've ever written.  Why, you ask.  Because I think our article in the November 2011 DOLLS magazine says it all.  Those of you who subscribe to their online version of this magazine can also view what is written - it's on pages  27-32! 

And all of  YOU can view the Steampunk challenge featured in there on this blog and on our site for our Challenges and Happenings!  Look for outfits still available to start showing up in our shops during the first part of September.

You'll want this copy of DOLLS magazine for sure!  Not only does it feature our Steampunk Challenge, it also includes some neat tutorials from our shop owners!  Plus lots of other neat articles are in there including Extreme Makeover, Dollmaking Down Under, and an insightful article about the latest Horsman offerings.  DOLLS Magazine looks to be another great magazine choice for Fashion Doll lovers, and we're happy to be featured there!

KAREN KOLKMAN

Kolkman's Kreations

Now, on with the Steampunk challenge.  First up is our winner - Karen Kolkman.  This was a juried challenge judged by one of the resident judges of our sister site, Couture Doll Design Challenge, Tom Courtney.  Thanks to Tom for taking time out of his busy schedule to do this for us!  Congratulations, Karen!!

Karen Kolkman's risque lady dreams of flying high above the clouds!  If it was up to her, she'd be piloting a steam-powered spaceship, high above all of us.  She definitely be traveling to a wonderful art gallery where everyone is fashionable.  Lucky she's not traveling today.  She might not even be able to fly 'cuz she'd be a modern day flight risk with all those buckles, for sure! 

And the rest of the entries are as follows:

Lana Turk, Doll Couture by Lana

LANA TURK 

 

Her ensemble was military style...in a Victorian sort of way.  This featured a sexy bodice with two lines of gold buttons, and was made of wool and embroidered lace.  The whole look was completed with industrial-style jewelry.  And, believe me, this lady was ready for anything - see all the detailed accoutrements that were used to consolidate this look. 

 

Lana also contributed to the makeover theme of DOLLS with her shoe tutorial.  She share the shoes she made for an entry in our sister site, Couture Doll Design Challenge.

 

Cindi Stowell, Cindi's Doll Apparel

 CINDI STOWELL

 

She took a page out of Amelia Earhart's fashion journal in ceating her Punk'd Steampunk time traveler. Even her skirt declares Amelia's world headline!

Her magic necklace and short shirt also speak to the futuristic tone of this outfit.  This is an outfit that is as fashion trendy today as it would have been for Amelia!

 

Pat Stoughton, Petite Moonbeams

PAT STOUGHTON

She explains her outfit as extremely sophisticated and called on her feminine hat accessory to primarily convey her look.  Not a fan of punky steampunk, thiese hat adornments such as keys, watch face, and trims are all very feminine.

Silver and black are often used for sophisticated outfits, and this one is no exception.  It echoes the black leather used in making the hat.
 

Maril Adrian, Goldifrocks

MARIL ADRIAN

Her feminine Eco-Victorian entry speaks to the conservatist swoen to protect and defend her flying feather friennds in a dress that could also be worn today.

This ensemble offers unexpected touches that can be protective as well as practical, such as her leather corset defined as outerwear.  And the coloring and grace of the lines of this creation remind us of her bird friends.
 

Anna Castanes, Somethings Old, Somethings New

ANNA CASTANES

She created a bedroom ideal for a Steampunk Aviator.  Using her own favorite colors, her sprinkling of gears and a picture of a Zepplin on the headboard cleary demonstrate her preferences.

The lady on the coverlet speaks to the Victoianism of Stempunk.  Ah, dreamland take me away to this faraway land!!
 

Lori Lyon, Madeleine Rose Couture

LORI LYON

Her garb represents traditional Steampunk looks that include Victorian mixed with gears and some scifi.  Historial fashion is often this artist's forte so it was relatively easy for her to do a Victorian silhouette that she modernized.

Her top hat, qulted corset, and bustled mini skirt add charming touches to the overall look.  And you'll want to be sure to check out her tutorial in DOLLS for her top hat.  It even includes a pattern to make it simple for you to duplicate.

Dot Festeu - Dollenchantments

And last is mine - not really an entry - as management I don't qualify.  But occasionally it's fun to just play along!  Fun is what we're all here for - right??  And I had fun, indeed, creating this Cowgirl Steampunk outfit!

We're also working on some other neat, but unusual, outfits for our next happening - but isn't that what you've come to expect at Couture Doll Shops? Whether you're a spectator, a shopper, or a shop owner, we always try to have something going on for your dollie pleasure.

And, if you've been putting off starting a shop of your own - now's the perfect time to join in the fun.  Remember, we have free classes for those who don't have a website - and we can work with existing website owners to make your shop retail ready.  So, don't delay - you don't want to miss out on sending traffic to your wonderful items for the holidays.  Now's the perfect time, too!  Just mention our coupon, SPECIALWEB, for a discount when you contact me throught September 15.  

And, I'll be back real soon to show more wonderful fashions and doll items to EVERYONE!!  

Summertime...and the living is easy!

Come we to the summer, 

to the summer we will come,
For the woods are full of bluebells and the 

hedges full of bloom,
And the crow is on the oak a-building of 

her nest,
And love is burning diamonds in my true lover’s breast;  She sits beneath the whitethorn a-plaiting of her hair,  And I will to my true lover with a fond request repair;  I will look upon her face, I will in her beauty rest,  And lay my aching weariness upon her lovely breast.

From Summer by John Clare 1865

….Summer, to me, is a time when we least think of fashion.  We are content to be casual with ourselves, and this can even filter over to our attitude about our dolls.  We languish in a state of ennui; playing with our kids, running with our pets, or even barbequing with the hubster.  We just don’t have the energy or the time to “play” ‘round the clock – we have to have a reprise even from the wonderful joy our doll and doll fashion collecting brings - and summer is it!

But soon the lazy days of summer will be over, and cool crisp air will return leaving us scurrying for a new fashion and a new coat for ourselves, perhaps – but for sure for our dollies!  At that time we will be especially happy that everyone didn’t approach summer as we did.  We’ll be happy for those who worked diligently to bring us their new Fall lines. 

It will be then that I’ll look to CDS for some new doll fashions, and I hope you will, too.  And one shop you won’t want to overlook is Sweet Creations.  Its shop owner, Connie Casteel, makes wonderful offerings for all kinds of dolls.  Residing on Main Street, her shop is one of the first that opened there – and I’m so glad it did.  Check out my recent interview for more information about this very nice and interesting lady.

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

Connie:  I have been the wife for almost 41 years to a most wonderful man.  I am also the mother of two beautiful daughters, and a grandmother to four darling grandchildren!  But I still feel very young at heart, anyway!

I worked 25 years at a single company after my husband left military service and we finally settled in one place.  I left that employment at the end of 2004, and am quite content to stay at home and sew!

Sewing and reading have been at the top of my ‘hobbies list’ as long as I can remember.  Little did I know that one day my sewing skills could turn into a ‘tiny’ business!

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

Connie:  In 2000 my oldest daughter suggested I sew a few Barbie clothes and sell them on eBay.  eBay was something I had never heard of, but she assured me I would have no trouble selling my work.  I began with Barbie fashions, and was pleasantly surprised to find my work so well received!  I mean, sure I knew I put my heart into it, but how could they tell from a picture?? I was also surprised to find that the majority of people were not buying the fashions for children, but for themselves!  Who knew there were so many doll collectors in the world!

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

Connie:  Yes, I did.  The desire to learn had always been there below the surface as I watched my mom and both grandmas sew as I was growing up. I had a very strict (thank you Mrs. Harden!) Home Ec teacher when I was in Junior High who helped further pique my interest in sewing because she insisted on doing things correctly and without shortcuts. I also had a great Home Ec teacher in High School.   Between the five of them – relatives and teachers - I learned to make clothing for myself, and sometimes my little sister was treated to an outfit….if she wasn’t annoying me ;o)

When my girls were younger I sewed for them and their dolls, as well as sewing for myself and my husband.  When they outgrew dolls, I sewed mainly for the girls, including their wedding dresses and all of their female attendant’s ensembles..

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

Connie:  I would credit my daughter, Jenny, for giving me direction in styles and fabrics in the beginning and for several years until her own motherly duties took up more of her time.  My husband also contributed with his knack at selecting and/or critiquing fabric selections.  Jenny was also very insistent about my photos being just so, and my skills improved quickly!  

Then along came Gene Marshall, a gift from my daugher, and my attention was immediately focused on sewing for grown-up dolls!  The rest is history.

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

Connie:  Everywhere!  I unconsciously keep an eye out, and realize that when I am looking at someone or something, I find myself saying (to myself or anyone in the area), ‘Oh! That would be cute as….’ or  ‘Oh! Wouldn’t that make a nice…...’.  It may be a style, a color, the way a fabric feels or drapes, or just my imagination running away with me. ;o)  I tend to see the outfit before I actually see who is wearing it, and have little sketches and notes of fashions I would like to create everywhere.  Now if I could just find enough time to do them all!

The internet is also a fantastic resource for information, not only for current styles and artists, but for researching past years and specific eras.

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

Connie:  Find what you do best, then do it!  I know, easier said than done, but it can be very frustrating to pull yourself in too many directions at once.  You have to be willing to put yourself into your work, stick with it and master what you do best.  Be vigilante in the details.  After that, branching out is easier and will be less frustrating.  It will show in your work and you will create little masterpieces that will make you proud!

I also think we are harder on ourselves than any other critic, so don’t be too hard on yourself as you learn.  Remain open to hearing the opinion of others.  Their opinion doesn’t have to become your opinion, but someone may make a very interesting point that will help you in another endeavor along the way.

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

Connie:  My main focus has been on ball jointed dolls (BJDs) for the past couple of years, but I get commission requests for many of the other dolls who model for me and sew for them regularly as well.  As long as I can sew, I am happy!

Last year I got my first Kaye Wiggs doll, an 18” BJD portraying an age of about 9-12 years old.  Shortly after I saw a Fairyland Little Fee Leah, and fell in love with her, so she moved to my house.  She is a 10.5” BJD, who was soon followed by another tiny 11” BJD named Millie, also by Kaye Wiggs.  I have really enjoyed creating young fashions for these girls, which is quite a change from those grown-up fashions.  I believe it reminds me of when my girls were young! :o)

See, she has something for just about everyone! 

But if you’re not quite ready to give up on summer, a good way to rev up your inner fashion diva, is to laze around the pool with a good book.  If your heart belongs to fictition, perhaps you’ll enjoy:

Fashion Babylon by Imogen Edwards Jones =  Follow a fictional London-based designer over a six month period. It opens the day after their runway show, and closes the day of their next show, six months later. The enticing thing about this book is that the author claims that everything is true eve though the designer is fictionalized, stating that "only the names have been changed to protect the guilty". This book explains every little detail that goes into producing a collection, and it's a fun and fascinating read. You'll learn about the mark-ups at stores, the process of hiring models for the show, what it takes to get a good review, and a lot more!

And for the history buff, may I suggest:

The End of Fashion by Teri Agins- Take a look at fashion from a business perspective, exploring all aspects of the industry including manufacturing, retailing, licensing, and image making, through this well-researched book.  It explains the beginning and the "end" of Paris couture houses, as well as the rivalry behind the runway, Giorgio Armani's success with Hollywood, and much more. Agins examines the fundamental changes in the fashion industry, and "how marketing changed the clothing business forever". If you’re interested in learning more about how fashion came to be what it is today NEEDS to pick up a copy of this book pronto!

And now I return you to your summer ponderings, but I’ll be back in September with some awesome fashions!  I “hear” some of the artists are working on something called Beautiful Villains………..ah, now doesn’t that seem intriguing!?!  See you soon!

Poetry and beauty combine for a win - Congrats TERRY BARNER!

Ah, how do I love thee…let me count the ways!  Some of us at Couture Doll Shop had fun this summer counting the ways we love to dress our dolls for romantic interludes.   

And so did our viewers, according to the nice comments you included when you voted for the winner of our Romance Challenge. 

  Thanks so much – and thanks to Fashion Doll Quarterly for including our contest in their magazine!  And thanks to Angelic Dreamz for providing the prize!

 Lots played, but there could be only one winner!  This prize was claimed by the talented Terry Barner!!  Hopefully we’ll get his full profile soon.   

For now, I’ll just say for those of you who have missed his work, you are in for a treat.  Just saunter on over to our Designer Drive  where you will find his repaints and fashions in his shop – Off The Wall by Terrkat.  He’s a genuinely nice guy who will welcome your visit!  Congratulations Terry!!! 

And, while you are over at Couture Doll Shop, be sure to peek in and see what new things other shops may have to offer.  Some of the Romance entries may be available for purchase, but you might also find something nice for dollie’s next date night!  

Speaking of romance...

When you see the work of others that you're attracted to, do you instantly fall in love?  Well, sometimes I do!  And with the ease of the internet, I seem to find more and more artists I'm infatuated with!! 

But I'm happy that I really do not actually want to "be" those artists, nor do I feel I want to create their type of work.  Rather, it just gives me hope that with enough practice, planning, and perfecting that I too will someday become an artist someone else will fall in love with!!!

However, if you find yourself in a state of depression over your work when you spot talent, you need to snap out of it, Matilda!!  The most common reason people compulsively accept the paths of others is because they don't have enough confidence in themselves, and this is tragic.  This lack of confidence can keep your talent and character under a barrel unless you take steps to pull them out from under there NOW! 

You'll never find yourself wanting to be in someone else's Jimmy Choos once you fully understand that you are your own person.  And to be satisfied in our game, we need to "own" our own style and direction.  Hang a sign over your sewing table that says: "I shall not covet the work of others" and stop playing the field.  Look within, and you will find your way.  Sketch, make patterns, or do anything necessary to get your groove back on - but stay off the cruise control of the internet for inspecting talent until you have a firm handle on your own!

Then, when you again allow yourself to view other people's work you should see and appreciate it, but then go on with no regrets about your own work!  Artists need to see themselves as trendsetters, and when they possess their own uniqueness, they thrive. 

And speaking of unique, this artist always listens to the beat of her individual drum.  Continuing with our series of Meet the Shop Owners, this time we are featuring Pauline Lyngard.  Pauline’s shop resides on Main Street, and is called BW Designs….read on:

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

Pauline: I live in a beautiful seaside village on the West coast of Canada, in a tiny cottage called “Redthorne” with my husband, four Italian Greyhounds and one geriatric Lilac Point Siamese cat. 

By day, I am a senior payroll technician for the BC Ambulance Service. I am involved in a weekly Toastmasters Group and volunteer my time and talent for a local Greyhound rescue and adoption group.

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

Pauline: I started years ago on EBay by selling my childhood dolls and “met” many wonderful doll collectors. I started to notice and research the doll designers and decided that since I am a fabric artist, I would be able to create my own visions for the dolls that I had…then I started to buy dolls instead of sell!

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

Pauline: My mother taught me to sew as a child so I could make my own doll clothes. Later as a teenager, I made my own clothes and bought vintage fashions to remake them to be “my Style”. It is only “fitting” (groan, pun intended) that I have gone back to designing for dolls and rarely sew for myself.

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

Pauline: I researched the doll designers selling on EBay and noticed that many of the fabulous clothes were from Canadian designers. I really admire people like Karen Kolkman, Diana and Janet of LaBoutique, Brenda of Matisse and Angie Romanowski of BCCAN Designs. My style is so different than theirs but it encouraged me to sharpen my skills to make a more professional appearance.

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

Pauline: I love the internet for doing searches! You can find a picture of any period, style or era at the entry of a few words!

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

Pauline: Be true to your own style and focus on one type of doll until you establish clientele, then expand your inventory.

(I wish someone had told me this when I started!!!)

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

Pauline: I’ve fallen in love with Sybarites! I find them very inspirational to design clothing and they are SO beautiful to photograph. Just looking at a Sybarite makes me happy. My design focus right now is on lingerie and accessories.

And so ends this blog, and another delightful visit with one of our shop owners!  Couture Doll Shop is, indeed, a pleasant place to sell and buy dolls and doll items.  Join us any time, and feel free to email your questions and/or inquiries about products or having a shop of your own!