The Dollslife Magazine Awards

Gus, Sinatra, and Lucian, have arrived on the #dollslifemagazineawards red carpet, in shimmering gold-and-black tie!! I am so excited to join in this celebration of the first anniversary of my very dear friend, @adrian.dollslife’s, ingenious publication; and the recognition of all of the amazing artists and collectors who have been featured on its pages, over this past year!! Congratulations and bravo to each one of you!!!

 

 his really is an amazing honor!! Gus and Lucian are holding up the awards we have received, for a photo. Gus can barely contain his excitement, and is someone chopping onions under Lucian’s nose? Lucian whips out his shades, and Gus takes the opportunity to start celebrating!! 

A great big thank you, to all of you who enjoyed the spring gala so much!! It really means a lot to me!! Each one of you, whether reader, or contributor, has helped to make #dollslifemagazine and the #dollslifemagazineawards amazing!! You all are awesome!!! And, to @adrian.dollslife, many many thanks for this very generous recognition!! Being on board, this past year, has truly been an honor, and an amazing experience!!! You are a wonderful inspiration!!! Here’s to future endeavors, my friend!!!

Test Driving Black Tie

"Hey, steady there, cuz, and let me at that batwing tie for a minute!”
Do you ever take outfits for a test run before a big event? Gus and Lucian are making sure everything’s in order, for the #dollslifemagazineawards celebration tomorrow! Lucian has even agreed to loan Gus one of his “creative-tie” jackets, that his cousin has admired very much!

An Hermes Ensemble

Ever since I saw this look, sauntering down the Hermès runway, for their Summer of 2019 collection, I’ve wanted to recreate it for Gus!! I’ve got a soft spot for the @hermes company, because they began in the 19th century as award-winning horse harness makers, and eventually evolved into the stylish clothing brand we see today. This shirt, featuring a beautiful snaffle bit (a communication tool for relaying directions to your horse, when you’re riding, or driving carriages) stays true to their roots. I’m so excited to finally be able to photograph something like it in miniature!! I’ve made Gus’ version a French-link snaffle, with two joints in the middle, instead of one, because, in real life, that’s my favorite style of bit for driving. Thanks to all of you who voted, last week, and picked the sides of the bit, to help me make this bucket-list look!! 

 

Planning for the Awards Party!

Today’s look was easy to pick, but Gus can’t stop wondering what to wear to the virtual #dollslifemagazine Awards celebration this Saturday. It’s a black tie affair, so he’s got to keep it classic, but if you know Gus, Lucian, and their tailor, you know they all like a bit of over-the-top sparkle too.

Today, Gus is rocking some blue denim and a lightweight olive sweater, along with paper sandals. A printable pattern for them is available here. His outfit was inspired by The Instagram #monday4dolls photo theme, by @bella_belladoll: Blue and Green.

Oversized T-shirt Sewing Pattern

Gus and his cousin, Lucian, are soaking up some sun in their comfortable, oversized T-shirts. The bit shirt is inspired by an @hermes design, and the patchwork is inspired by @driesvannoten. The patterns for both these shirts, and Gus and Lucian’s sandals, are available here. The roomy Ts are perfect for hand sewing, and will fit a variety of 12” fashion dolls and action figures.

 

Also, thank you so much, to all of you who voted on my Instagram story, to decide which bit to paint on the shirt. The full cheek French link snaffle bit was the winner! 

Indoor Picnic

It’s been storming outside, with more thunder and lightning in the forecast! But, Gus isn’t gonna let that stand in way of a nice picnic! No sir! So it’s off to the greenhouse, for hot tea and sandwiches with Sinatra, while the rain beats down on the windowpanes.

Today’s Instagram #monday4dolls photo theme, by @bella_belladoll is: picnics. The teapot, planter, and vase, are by @stovallthedoll 🫖🏺

A Hot Afternoon

 This afternoon looks like it’s going to be a hot one, but Gus is prepared to beat the heat with his cool resort shirt, and a thrilling old mystery novel. 🌺📚🦋🌿

 

Glitter and Gold

Hold onto your hats everyone, ‘cause today, Gus is hopping on a fashion time machine! He’s going throughout modern history, and across Eurasia, trying on an array of sparkling gentlemen’s earrings!
The July theme for the #adriandollslifekenchallenge celebrates the first ever Ken doll to come with a pierced ear (released in 1993). The second, a pirate themed Ken, was released a few years later, in 1998. So, in honor of this timeless piece of jewelry, Gus here (starting on the lower left) is rocking 17th century royal earrings from the Mughal Empire, inspired by a portrait of Prince Dara Shikoh. Next, Gus sports simple gold hoops, inspired by a portrait of Francesco Tominz, from 1819. On the lower right, Gus, wears der Löffel, a traditional men’s earring, always worn in the right ear in Appenzell, Switzerland. And, finally, on the top, Gus wears a single Renaissance-style pearl drop, inspired by a 2018 editorial photo of model @aaronshandel. Swipe to see the inspiration pics. 🎨💎✨

Gus’ earrings are staying on with tiny pieces of kneadable eraser. 

Happy 4th!

Wishing a Very Happy Independence Day to my fellow Americans, and a Happy Summer Weekend to you all!! Gus has put together a mascarpone cheese tart, with blueberries and raspberries to make it red white and blue, and everyone’s welcome to a slice!! 

 

 

To the Casino

Gus has suited up for the Instagram #pepperbondparty at the Casino Dollyall. He’s drinking club soda and maple syrup in a champagne glass -stirred not shaken- to keep his senses sharp for a game of blackjack. Maybe he’ll even catch a glimpse of the famous Mr. bond, and his lovely companions, at the roulette table, later on! Thank you to @barbiefancy_crafts_fashion for sending Gus an invitation to this glamorous party at your dazzling casino!!

Pitti Uomo

This week, one of the world’s most iconic menswear trade shows is taking place for the 100th time: the one and only #pittiuomo, at the Fortezza da Basso in Florence, Italy. In the past decade, Pitti has become a gathering place for well dressed gentleman from across the globe, and from all walks of life; a place to talk style, share sartorial innovations, and have a little fun strutting for the paparazzi. In celebration of #pitti100, Gus is wearing his take on trade show street-style, with just a touch of the dandy about him, in honor of the notorious and delightful #pittipeacocks!! Gus is wearing a Panama hat, a paisley scarf, a white cotton button up, a field jacket, khaki chinos, and deco era sunglasses. Sinatra is wearing his leather collar, and a smile.