Once upon a Time...

 there were 3 lovely sisters all living in the same household and all desiring to live it up-- to go out for a night on the town but most of all-- to attend a ball! . They could talk of nothing else. They dreamed of the day when they would be able to attend the ball; and while they waited they gathered together the trinkets to wear about their delicate necks. They chose their gowns and fluffed their skirts. They primped and posed and waited.

Then one day an announcement was made of an up and coming ball-- “Oh, could we go? Can it be? Oh, the time has finally come!” They wanted so badly to go. But alas, these 3 sisters HAD NO WAY OF GOING. They'd been invited to a wonderful ball—yet there was NO Coach to transport them on their way.

A message went out from the estate by way of the 'grounds keeper' (of all people) saying that these 3 lovely sisters would love to attend such a wonderful ball; but in fact, had no way!

Low and behold... a little country coach was found---and it's services were offered. It was a simple little coach and of course the 3 lovely sisters would have it all to themselves. For the coach had no maiden of it's own to carry to the ball. The Sisters accepted and were so excited … it was a match made in heaven~ er, uhm...well, almost...

Act-U- ally... I met Laurie through email and found her in the comments at The Polka Dot Closet ...when the dress form ball was first announced. We visited via email and she sent pictures and well...she doesn't have a blog so this worked out great. I wanted to be a part of this party and I don't have a dress form. Now~ here we are!

I'll let her tell you all about her 3 lovely sisters--- Dress forms.

 

#1

Name: Queen for a day (because who wouldn’t want to be at least once.)

She stands by our front door as she is the one that rules this castle.

The Queens form belonged to my mother who passed it along to me. She once was a real dark brown but I painted her according to an article,I found in an older issue of “Romantic Homes” magazine.

I came across her “gown” years ago in an antique shop that was located in Hillsborough, NH. This piece actually started my love for vintage clothing and the color white. So it is befitting that the Queen should wear it.

As history dictates the saying “Off with her head” what’s a Queen without a crown?

I frequent antique shows, co-ops, and flea markets where I’m always on the hunt for bits and pieces,

 baubles and trinkets, etc…

I take these vintage finds and embellish my girls so they are always ready when the invitation arrives!

#2

Name: Nellie Montgomery (Doesn’t that sound regal with a kick? I collect Victorian calling cards and found this name written inside one in very fancy script.)

I adopted Nellie’s form from a yard sale. Didn’t they see her potential? She was gray but I transformed her with paint into her now vintage ecru coloring

.

When I was a little girl I always wished that I had the talent to be a clothing designer. I thought Barbie had the best clothes ever. Well, this is my big girl shot at it. I don’t think we’ll find this hanging in Macy’s anytime ever but it was fun being creative. Actually I think Nellie dresses better than I do…HA!

Her “gown” is made up of a vintage petticoat (another passion and collection that seems to be growing), a piece of lace that I fashioned into a bodice using vintage buttons, trim, and seam binding ribbon.

Her waist section is accented with old chandelier crystals hanging on a pearl necklace and an old locket that reads on the back “Love Forever.”  I wish it had the original photos inside because it too must have a story.

She is adorned with pieces from my flea market picks and a “member” tag from what? I guess only “Nellie”

 knows for sure.

Her hat I had the most fun with. I found the hat (a gentleman’s collapsible top hat – still works) at an antique show in Buffalo, NY.

It still has the owners name tagged on the inside a “George A Kelly.”  Stamped inside is the maker “Denton & Co, London, St. James Street, Piccadily – sold by “Weed” in Buffalo.

I like to think that maybe “Nellie” came from Piccadilly…sounds cool!

Anyway the hat is VERY fragile so nothing is glued to it only attached to the tiara. Most embellishments are vintage findings from buttons; clip on earrings; to silk ribbon flowers that I pulled off 2 beyond repair baby bonnets.

The tails are just regular old cheese cloth secured with a rhinestone shoe buckle. Nellie’s calling card is tucked in on the side and says “sweet remembrance.”

#3

Name: Miss Fanny L Morris (with a name like that I couldn’t let it be forgotten.)

My husband ran into this form at a local antique shop in the Finger Lakes region of NY. She was so small and tucked away in her own little corner I walked right past her.

My husband called out for me and said I might want to come take a look at this. I gasped! Her size was exactly the little “Miss” I was looking for. Her coloring is natural, no rework needed.

Her “gown” is another white find in the Finger Lakes region. I’ve kept her quite simple. Remember she is just a little “Miss” after all

.

She is simply adorned with pearls and a rhinestone heart not to be given away lightly. Her choker is made from a copy of an antique photo I have of three sisters (2 look like identical twins) from Leroy, NY dated
 1907.

I would like to think that they were all connected to “Fanny” through friendship. Since she is a NY girl I made a “NY Roses” charm and hung it from a chandelier crystal.

Fanny’s name can be found behind the flap of the Victorian calling card.

(I hope the coach isn’t too crowded!)—Laurie

 

Thank you Laurie for allowing me to transport your 3 Lovely Sisters to the ball! It was so much fun… I’m thinking I want one of these dress forms myself!

I had a fun doing this and it was so nice to meet Laurie too!