The Cottage Couturière

Lots of New Items Listed at The Cottage Couturière on The DollPage

2011-09-30T12:10:00.001-04:00

The Cottage Couturière on The DollPage

Regina Wentworth Reflects on the State of Her Business

2011-06-28T10:27:00.000-04:00

Entertaining clients at home

And afterwards...breakfast in bed

"Parisian Passion" Now Available at The Cottage Couturière

2011-06-20T10:16:00.002-04:00

Are your miniature fashionistas in a decorating mood? Why not have them pay a visit to The Cottage Couturière to peruse my latest collection of OOAK rugs for dioramas. In an assortment of statement colors, suitable for their summer beach house now and transitional for Fall nights by the fireplace.

Are you tempted yet?

Parisian Passion

Morning Has Broken

2011-04-08T07:46:00.001-04:00

Nothing Starts the Weekend Better Than Saturday Brunch

2011-03-19T09:25:00.000-04:00

A Delightful Surprise from Glammourdoll Designs

2010-12-16T00:12:00.000-05:00

Doll couturière Karen Holshouser enjoys making original miniature fashion statements for dolls, ranging from Barbie to Tyler and Gene. To stretch her creative talents further, she reworks factory-produced fashions into stylish new designs. On occasion, these designs will end up as prizes to members of her Yahoo group. Imagine my delight when I won one of these creations!

Special THANKS to Karen for sharing her talents and expanding the joys of sewing to our next generation of collectors!

The Imaginative Couture of Andrew Yang and His Kouklitas

2010-12-02T00:10:00.003-05:00

Imagine my surprise when, heading out to enjoy the festivities at Barney's New York on Fashion's Night Out, I came upon them. There...in the windows...in all their glory...THE KOUKLITAS! But the window displays were just the tip of the fashion doll iceberg. Displayed on the 4th floor of Barneys was an entire collection of OOAK dolls wearing an au courant selection of couture by some of the most notable names in international fashion.

Andrew's OOAK tributes to Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington

Ranging in price from $1350 to $12,000, these cloth fashion dolls are the current *Must Have* among elite doll collectors and fashion industry fans alike. To see more photos of this marvelous collection, please visit my Kodak Gallery album. For more information on Andrew Yang and his magical Kouklitas, or to place your custom order, be sure to visit his website.

The Kouklitas at Barneys New York

A Little Sugar and Spice for Thanksgiving

2010-11-22T17:07:00.000-05:00

A Chocolate Flavored Saturday

2010-11-14T18:44:00.049-05:00

Another beautiful Indian Summer weekend inspired Kennie and I to head out to New York for the much anticipated New York Chocolate Show. For all chocoholics and fashionistas, this is a MUST do and wonderful pre-Holiday season kickoff.

The Empire State Building as seen from Secaucus

As we arrived at the Metropolitan Pavilion, we were astounded to find the line for admittance, even for ticket holders, stretched all the way around the block. Undaunted, we took our places and before long Kennie was chatting up with this pleasant New York couple about her adventures as a travel companion. After all, touring the world wasn't merely for gnomes! Thankfully, several vendors from the show kept working the lines offering free samples of the delicacies inside which made the 90 minute wait less painful.

Finally, we were in! And what a spectacle greeted us as we passed through into the foyer...fashions from the Wednesday night fashion show, executed by master artisans in chocolate, confections worthy of hanging in the finest couture salons! Kennie immediately insisted on a photo.

For more photos of all the delicious delicacies we sampled, oohhed and aahhed over, click the link below to view my Kodak album.

The New York Chocolate Show

Update: Mattel Comes Through for Paris Festival Attendees

2010-11-11T15:49:00.001-05:00

Back in April, under my Paris Fashion Doll Festival post, I mentioned how disappointed the attendees were that the exclusive Barbie, a tradition for the Festival, had missed the production slot and a substitute was given in her place.

I'm happy to report that Mattel upped our compensation by sending attendees the second edition of the new Christian Louboutin Barbie, wearing the safari-inspired mini and tall fringed over-the-knee boots. Totally delighted and timing couldn't be more perfect, as I was just about to order her from Barbie.com.

Way to go Mattel...THANKS!

Something Wondrous is Underway

2010-11-11T11:49:00.000-05:00

The Holidays are Coming...Are You Ready to Celebrate?

2010-11-11T09:53:00.002-05:00

eBay is Anti-Seller and Anti-Small Business

2010-05-12T14:24:00.000-04:00

I have enjoyed selling and building an eBay business for 12 years now. But, things have changed, and not in a good way.

In December 2009 I had 100% positive FeedBack.

In May 2010 my FeedBack is 93.4%.

Recently, four Buyers have blatantly taken advantage of eBay's No Negatives to Buyers policies. There has been an attempt to scam me out of upgrades to merchandise, and outright lying to eBay in order to circumvent my No Return Policy. eBay, and their monetary branch PayPal, have deemed it their legal right to just go into my bank account and refund a Buyer against my objections. I've been in business over 30 years and something does not ring right with this. After all, the lower your score/Star rating, the harder you have to work to maintain eBay's so-called Selling Standards or risk suspension. The more sales you make, the more fees paid to eBay/PayPal. Do we see a pattern forming here?

Where does a service company, in this case eBay, have the right to tell their clients how to run their business?

I would love for some legal entity to set up a sting to see if , in fact, some of these *dissatisfied Buyers* work for eBay/PayPal and are deliberately looking to drive out small businesses.

And I wish a Federal banking agency would audit eBay/PayPal's practices.

In the meantime, I think it's time to grow my Etsy and brick & mortar shops.

Marymount University Gets "All Doll'd Up"

2010-04-26T11:20:00.011-04:00

The senior Fashion Design and Merchandising students of Marymount University in Arlington, VA presented Portfolio In Motion, a marvelously-inspired, doll-themed fashion show of student work. Concluding the presentation, their well-regarded Designer of the Year award was presented to fashion innovator Isabel Toledo, who was present along with her husband, famed illustrator Ruben Toledo. The designing couple, long-time supporters of emerging talent, spent the following day with the students reviewing senior portfolios and offering encouraging words.

Photo by Moshe Zusman

Paris Fashion Doll Festival, March 12-14, 2010

2010-04-14T22:15:00.017-04:00

This report is well overdue, but think you will understand...

I so look forward to my yearly fix of Parisian life, especially now that I'm blogging and can add fashion trend watching to the mix. This year's preparations, however, proved quite daunting, as not only did I have to resolve a family medical emergency prior to departure, but then came home to find 2 inches of water dumped in my studio/reference library from a nasty Nor'easter which blew through at 80 MPH and killed my sump pump. My only consolation while mopping over the last 3 weeks was watching the news reports of the Northern regions of New Jersey under water, reminding me that it could have been so much worse.

These six days in Paris provided a much-needed break from business overload and caregiving responsibilities.

Kathy Moreau and her team, the Club de la Poupee Mannequin, consistently work hard to bring a pleasurable experience to conventioneers each year. This year was especially exciting, as Charles and Desmond of Superdoll fame were celebrating the Fifth Anniversary of their marvelous Sybarite art dolls. While I did not attend the Un-Conventional Speak & Spell exclusive Thursday night event, the Friday night Disco 3000 cocktail party was a "golden" night to remember, as you will see in my photo journal.

We received a FABulous Sybarite, TICK, and I was equally excited by the necklace we collectors received, as in my rush I had packed a minimum amount of accessories and my Donna Karan luncheon ensemble was now completed by the *V* Sybarite pendant. Thanks for thinking of us, C&D!

The Saturday luncheon is now more low-key and ends at a reasonable time, allowing for sightseeing and a dinner out with doll friends at an outdoor cafe. This year was the 10th Anniversary of the Silkstone Barbie, and we all partook in a trivia game with charming prizes going to the winners. Our table missed by one question, even though there was a presentation which included the answers, provided you paid attention (and I really REALLY did, honest!). There was some disappointment that Mattel did not provide an exclusive Silkstone to commemorate the anniversary, but we were compensated with a selection of Repro Anniversary Barbies, my choice being the American Girl Astronaut. Some collectors also received an exclusive Ellowyn or Antoinette.

The luncheon ends with the annual My Favorite Doll fashion show, featuring collectors dressed in human re-creations of their favorite doll's fashion, and this year's show was especially notable for the abundance of children modeling, especially those dressed as the Tonner Mini-Martians. Just precious!

That evening, all conventioneers headed over to the Musée de la Poupée to mark the opening of the exhibit Nouvelles Icône, which explored the correlation between the early history of The Pandores luxury fashion dolls and modern day Sybarites.

This exhibition highlights the work of Charles Fegen and Desmond Lingard, Superdoll creators, their company Superfrock Ltd., and the first five years of their collaboration in creating the Sybarites. Rare early prototypes, OOAKs and that lusted-after Sybarite trunk were all featured in highly imaginative displays. Photos were not allowed, but the exhibit runs until September 19, 2010, and I highly recommend a visit.

Sunday is reserved for s-h-o-p-p-i-n-g, and this year's salesroom did NOT disappoint! Temptations abounded, and in addition to fashion dolls there were beautiful handcrafted dolls of wood and felt, in addition to delicate antique dolls and even teddy bears.

Nunzio Carbone and Jayro Bustamante introduced their latest collection of Fashion Doll Agency divas, coming later this year.

My advice, should you attend next year's convention (March 11-13, 2011), is start planning NOW, and bring plenty of Euros!

In between fashion doll events, I spent a good part of this trip skirting all about my favorite boutiques, discovering new salons, and honing my street photography skills, which will be posted in another album and linked at my Global Design Gypsy blog, should you be interested in my *other* life. For now, follow the link below to view my photos of all the fun I had in Paris.

Paris Fashion Doll Festival 2010

Fashion Doll Conventions

2010-04-14T19:38:00.000-04:00

Convention season is upon us, and once again we are faced with a recurring issue that has irked many a collector.

Known fact: most doll collectors are adults, with adult responsibilities, families and lives that do not usually revolve around the pursuit of the next *HOT* doll. Not that we sometimes wish we could make that happen, but certainly, at least, not among the collectors I hang out with.

The gripe: If you make a deposit on a convention, then for professional/medical reasons cannot attend, why is it impossible to receive a refund, especially when there is a Wait List of potential attendees which will mean no financial loss to the company? Why not, feasibly, grant a credit towards a future convention? Why is this a very *cut and dry* *black and white*, non-negotiable issue?

And, in those rare, extreme cases where a refund was granted, why must it be given with a *scolding* and *lecture*, as though one were a five year old child.

I've been involved with businesses large and small for over 30 years and have yet to meet a consumer-driven company that is not willing to accommodate a long-standing customer, especially when it will bear no financial cost/risk to their business.

That is...until I became a doll collector.

Terrie Takes Manhattan

2010-01-18T00:10:00.309-05:00

Another break in the weather allows for a fun excursion into Manhattan for a little sightseeing, a gourmet lunch, and some marvelous photography exhibits.

Our day begins with Brewed Awakenings and breakfast.

Oops, need to watch that time, here comes the train !

We immediately head down to the Village for our first stop, the Lomography Gallery. Upon entering the store your senses are bombarded with a visual shrine erected by international devotees of these wondrously quirky little film cameras (yes, I said F-I-L-M) .

Much to Terrie's surprise she found a Diana just her size too!

Then it was on to Becco, for a leisurely (read that, nearly 3 hr) lunch based on the fine Italian cuisine of world famous chef Lidia Bastianich and her son, Joseph.

Being in the theatre district, we took the opportunity to work off that lunch with a stroll past the latest offerings. Well, lookie there, The Addams Family is coming to the Lunt Theatre (based on the characters of cartoonist Charles Addams , NOT the TV series).

Ah, the crossroads of the world...Times Square!

For a more abstract and thought-provoking view of fashion and its cultural implications, we were just in time to catch the final weekend of the Dress Codes exhibit at the International Center for Photography. One of my favorite pieces was Richard Learoyd's life-size portrait, Agnes, Red Dress, achieved via the camera obscura method.

By 7:00 pm our tired feet made their way to our favorite Starbucks on 33rd and Seventh Avenue, where a Red Velvet cupcake and espresso soothes our exhausted but stimulated minds. Special thanks to Gene for making it all happen!

Terrie is a OOAK Gene repaint by Terry Norcia. She is wearing a OOAK coat by Pret-a-Porter Doll, 2pc knit dress by Paul Zhang, and carrying a purse/shoe set by Delightful Little Things

Barbie Channels Lady GaGa, Courtesy of Veik

2010-01-02T16:06:00.020-05:00

Stumbled upon these amazing OOAK Barbie interpretations of Lady GaGa by doll collector Veik. He is truly talented, do stop by to view his Flickr gallery.

Five Days Until Christmas Eve

2009-12-19T19:00:00.002-05:00

Mattel Partners with charitybuzz for a very special OOAK Barbie Auction

2009-12-17T23:04:00.003-05:00

Benefiting Project Angel Food, which takes a holistic approach to nourishing the body and spirit of men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other life-threatening illnesses.

The auctions have ended, but you can still visit the site to see these eight beautiful creations. What a fitting way for Barbie to wrap up her whirlwind 50th Anniversary Year and spread some generous Holiday cheer to those truly in need.

Project Angel Food's Exclusive Barbie Online Auction

10 Days Until Christmas

2009-12-15T10:44:00.003-05:00

Christian Louboutin Barbie

2009-12-09T14:03:00.021-05:00

Let's get right to what collectors want to know...

Yes, the hands are painted
Yes, the catsuit is sewn on
Yes, the shoes are plastic

HOWEVER...the head is fully rooted under the hood, so if you were brave enough to open the stitching on the catsuit, you could transplant her to another Model Muse body (not really necessary, as there are 3 other dolls in the line that should allow for redress opportunities). I must caution you, her skin has a sallow/orange-y color and that may be a challenge to find an appropriate match. Or, just do what I plan to do and use the catsuit as a base for skirts/jumpers/smocks et al. The boots are a quality leopard fabric shaped to the leg with minimum stretch so you need to be careful when putting them on. I also find that the production doll really does resemble the promo pics, and as I am primarily a Silkstone/Designer collector, I am quite pleased with this new modern visage for Barbie.

My only disappointment was that the stand does not have Louboutin's name on it! Come on, Mattel, how much production would it cost to have a nice metallic or quality designer label made for the stand. You used to do that. Heck, one of your receptionists could have run them off in Photoshop on a quality printer. Better yet, why not send me the template and I'll do them. For the right fee, of course.

And now, the photos...

Contemplating the Holiday Season to Come

2009-12-07T00:46:00.000-05:00

Vogue Australia, Scanlan & Theodore Celebrate Barbie’s 50th Anniversary

2009-12-06T13:24:00.010-05:00

I recently picked up the Vogue Australia 50th Anniversary edition, and there on the last page was a Special Edition Barbie created by Robert Best to commemorate this milestone.

It appears Australia was also very fond of Barbie and eager to help celebrate her 50 years of branding success. Several exhibits were staged, and these dolls I'm sure would be the envy of any American Barbie collector.

Scanlan & Theodore Celebrate Barbie’s 50th with Runway Installation

Sloane's Night with Tord Boontje

2009-11-18T23:31:00.005-05:00

Intellectual Chelsea Girls like Sybarite Sloane enjoy spending an evening on campus listening to a design master like Tord Boontje. The lecture was part of the exhibition Lace in Translation at Philadelphia University, which features the collaborative work of Tord Boontje, Dutch design studio Demakersvan, and Canadian artist Cal Lane. Their respective lace interpretations celebrate Quaker Lace and Philadelphia’s critical contribution to American textile design.

For more information, please visit the exhibition website. The exhibit runs through April 2010.

Peter Jensen Previewing S2010 in Miniature

2009-09-22T16:22:00.008-04:00

According to WWD, London designer Peter Jensen added a modern twist to showing his Spring 2010 collection. Peter collaborated with Laurie Simmons to shrink the collection for display on paper dolls. Now how novel is that!

Peter Jensen S2010 by Laurie Simmons

Head to Jeffrey NY for a OOAK Fashion Doll Exhibit/Charity Auction

2009-08-02T21:23:00.017-04:00

In honor of their 10th Anniversary, Jeffrey New York has partnered with Jason Wu and 70 of the international designers represented in their store for a very special exhibit/auction.

The exhibit opens August 10th and concludes with Fashion Week. This would make a nice side trip if you are planning on participating in Fashion’s Night Out, the multi-city retail extravaganza planned for September 10, during Fashion Week, when virtually every chic shop is staying open late and hosting special events. The auction will close on the last day of Fashion Week.

The Doll Project at Jeffrey

Nice to see the tradition Robert Tonner popularized back in the 1980s continuing, especially in this bleak economy. If you are able, open your wallet and bid (the starting bid is set at $250). Call Jeffrey New York at 212-206-1272 for more information.

My very own Pop-Up Shop !

2009-07-16T23:06:00.011-04:00

All the rage in this economic climate, as landlords of vacant store fronts and Creatives with limited budgets work a happy medium to survive. Driving sales and attracting customers has even hit the local flea markets, where Quik Shade canopies have become a trend. I purchased mine off eBay, driving to Reading, PA for the local pick-up. And yes, it really makes the difference, and not just for those looking to get in from the sun. My foot traffic increased 25%, with an 8% increase in sales. That may not sound like much, but when you are dealing in vintage/secondhand every bit counts.

One of the best compliments I received was the woman who walked in, looked around, and said "Now THIS is a shop".

Barbie 50th Anniversary National Convention Weekend

2009-07-12T15:37:00.011-04:00

Altho I wasn't able to attend the full convention due to family commitments, I did manage to sneak away for two days to attend Public Day, thanks to my niece Laura who looked after my parents while I was away. Many thanks, Laura!

To view all the photos, including the famous Chinese pandas, please visit my Kodak Gallery Album.

Barbie Gets a Fashion Tribute in Moscow

2009-05-29T14:35:00.019-04:00

An exhibit celebrating Barbie's 50th Anniversary recently opened at Cara&Co in Moscow. To complement the 50 Barbie outfits by foreign accessory designers featured in the show, Roza Kamenev, owner of the concept store, commissioned outfits by Russians and the brands she sells in her shop. The exhibit will run through June 14.

Barbie Gets a Fashion Tribute in Moscow - WWD.com

Photos from the exhibit:

Cara&Co Barbie 50th Anniversary Exhibit

Look At Me Blog

My Etsy Shop is Now Open!

2009-05-25T21:33:00.006-04:00

I'm very excited to have a new avenue for my designs and vintage merchandise, and invite everyone to stop by and check out my latest offerings.

Welcome to my Blog!

2009-04-19T18:50:00.008-04:00

Spent a very relaxing weekend learning how to set up a blog, and actually managed to create three of them, all with a different slant and geared to specific viewers. So just bear with me as I dive head-on into the latest vehicle in networking.

Stay tuned!