2013 Dress Form Ball

While visiting some of my favorite blogs, I noticed a few of them had participated in the Polka Dot Closet's "Dress Form Ball" last February. Now I have always wanted a dress form... and after seeing the wonderful things others had done with theirs in studios and bedrooms, I wanted my very own even more. Alas, the hunt proved difficult as antique forms were far out of my comfortable budget allowance for such extravagance... but I persevered searching for months on eBay, Etsy and even whilst antique shopping in person at home and on vacation.

Then a few weeks ago, I found one on Kijiji... and hubby bought it for me for Valentine's Day! He had some other ideas for gifts, one being the DVD set of my favorite mini-series "The Thorn Birds"; but this made it even easier for him and I was able to finally have a vintage form.

Alright! Just in time to participate in this year's:

And as a nod to that favorite Mini-Series of mine, may I present "Meggie":

She is wearing, well "Me"!  This is my wedding dress, circa 1980. I made it myself; and after just that one day of exposure, the poor thing has been hanging in a dark closet for 33 years. (Holy crap, I guess that makes it "Vintage" too... yikes!)

After a gentle wash, fitting Meggie into it was a challenge; I was only able to get this on her by opening a seam in the back.  She's about 2" larger around the waist than I was at the tender age of 19! (Ah, youth! I dare say I could never, ever fit into this anymore!)

She's dressed up the gown to make it more Victorian and less, well, "bridal". The hat is new; after searching the internet for Victorian hat styles, I created this from a white top hat, ostrich feathers, white flower with pearl center, a vintage brooch, white dove and a wrap of lace that ties in a knot and falls down her back, a little farther than the length of the sleeves.

A cameo and set of pearls adorn her neck. Every stylish Victorian lady had a cameo!

A closer view of the headpiece. Of course I wore a traditional veil for my wedding, but I do wish these were in style in the 1980's - I LOVE the top hat look!

A bit of bling has been added at the waist; a jeweled sash from which a gold pocket watch hangs. A pair of vintage white gloves are folded and tucked into the other side of the sash. Since it had a long ribbon tie, I purposely moved the tie from the back to the side to display the bow.

A closer look at the lace detail at the bottom.

I love how she looks!

Now who do I see about a cuppa tea? Let's get this party started!

Thank you so much Carol, for the invitation to your Second Annual Dress Form Ball. I just know Meggie will have a wonderful time visiting all the other guests!