Meet Stella Pearl

I have always wanted a vintage dress form. I majored in Fashion Merchandising and was surrounded by them at college, but I could never find one that I loved at the right price, so I kept searching. Well, on Mother's Day, George surprised me big time when I came downstairs to find one standing in the family room! I was shocked and so excited. He knew how long I'd been wishing for one, and had heard me talk about must-have details like the "cage" at the bottom and cast iron feet on casters. He figured I wanted a beige one (I did), but couldn't find one in excellent condition, so he bought a black one, hoping that some beige paint would fix her right up. The thought of him heading to The Old Luckett's Antique Store on his lunch hour and searching for a dress form for me is about the sweetest thing I can think of, a gift in and of itself!

I took the old girl outside and sprayed her with an entire can of primer. I followed Heather Bullard's faux painting instructions, and painted and antiqued Miss Stella until she was to my liking. I am so happy with the way she turned out!

Next, it was time for the fun part.....draping her in all manner of fun and pretty embellishments. Seriously, if I'd spend half this much time getting myself ready in the morning, I'd look like a million bucks!

First I draped my mom's old cloth tape measure around her shoulders. It was the one my mom used in her high school sewing class, and I've always thought it needed to be displayed on a dress form.

I added lots of old pearls and baubles around her neck. The star seemed appropriate since Stella means star in Italian. I continued (someone, stop me!) with some old lace and this very favorite pink -flowered Bakelite necklace that my friend Dana gave to me. (I spied it in her craft room, and went nuts over it. She, being the generous soul that she is, insisted that I take it home. Thank you Dana!)

Then, I made a velvet ribbon belt and fitted it with a vintage rhinestone buckle.

I added some vintage chandelier crystals to her "skirt". I thought she needed some pink garter clips, too.

Here's a picture of her feet.

It's hard to see the details on the iron, but they are so pretty. I've been wheeling her around trying to figure out where to put her. It looks like the nook in the foyer is the place. I'd rather have her in my studio/office/shop warehouse, but there is just no room at the moment. Time for another round of cleaning and reorganizing, I think....

Here she is before and after her makeover. Isn't it amazing what a little paint will do?

Stella Pearl Singarella in all her finery! My favorite Mother's Day gift ever.

Comments

[niki]

What a thoughtful hubby - and he found you a real stunner. I love what you have done to her and all the little sparkly additions - just perfect!! Hope you will enjoy her company.
(I have an old mannequin - she is VERY worn on certain protruding areas! - poor girl, but I love her anyway!)
Niki

[Leah C]

Ohmigosh, Andrea...you are so lucky! Stella Pearl is really incredible and your hubby George is just so sweet to get "her" for you:) I just love how you glammed her up...she looks perfect!

[Dede Warren]

She is smashing! You have done quite a wonderful job fluffing, and sprucing Miss Stella, bravo!

[danasmith]

Miss Stella is just awesome! I think you and your Stella should come for lunch someday soon....I know my Sadie would love to meet her! I will never ever again look at a blue dress form the same way......your paint transformation is amazing! I think George outdid himself on that one!

[teresa]

SO PRETTY! Love Stella!!! What a sweet hubby to do that for you. Seriously!

[Lisa]

So pretty! My best friend named her dress form, too. She watches us play cards from a corner of the dining room whenever we visit.

[Jennifer L.]

Andrea,

I saw this inspiration board on Style Me Pretty's blog (www.stylemepretty.com) and thought of you :) Here's the link to the image: http://abbyjean.typepad.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/2008/06/18/pre_ceremony_inspiration.png Check out the blue Wish tickets in the upper left corner.

Jennifer

[Cindy La Ferle]

How beautiful Stella is, and what an inspiration! I'll come back to visit for more.

[Sheila R]

Miss Stella is absolutely gorgeous! What a great transformation!

[jen]

I am so jealous! I want a vintage dress form soooo badly!

[Shannon]

Girl...I swear you and I were separated at birth when I hear you talk about yourself! She looks so pretty all painted and accessorized...i love all her pearl necklaces and her crystals! xo Shannon

[Barbara]

I love that your husband paid such close attention to what you were hoping for - great job on both of your parts!

[Rosemary]

I love her Andrea!! So funny, I got my dress form (Isabella) for Mother's Day last year!!
We are lucky girls!!
Enjoy her.
Love all her finery!
Rosemary

[vintage flair]

Tell George he is the BEST husband for buying you such a wonderful and meaningful gift. Stella looks lovely!
Have a great holiday. I am headed for vacatoin for the week.
Lori

[Heidi Woodruff]

Stupendous Stella Pearl! Fabulously Fun!
*Heidi*

[Victoria]

Simply Gorgeous!!!

Victoria xx

[Lorie M.]

How great is that? The fact that your husband did this for you is terrific. I love her.

[tiffany~shabbyscraps]

Oh I just love Stella! You gave her a fabulous makeover! I have a vintage white wire dress form and have been looking for another fabric one for my bedroom, I never thought of finding a black one and painting her! You have opened up more possibilities for me, thank you!
xoxo, Tiffany

[Brandie Pahl]

Oh Andrea, she is just gorgeous! I have been aching for a dress form myself. I might just have to mention this post to my hubby tonight;)

[Paula]

Andrea,
I'am from Brasil and i don't speak inglish very well
I love all the things you do(speccialy the bijoux), you'are my inspiration.
I love vintage and i try to do a good job but wee don't have a lot of kinds of materials.
...well ce est la vie!
I have a blog to and when you have some time, do me a visit and see my bijoux
kisses
POPI

[paige]

she looks divine!

[Andria]

This is really fabulous! Thanks for sharing.

[Rachael]

Miss Stella Pearl is divine. Her name especially, it is my daughters name. We sometimes call her Stellie Stars! My Sardinian friends call her Stellina! Rachael

[ashley crim]

PRECIOUS!!!! just lovely andrea...what talent Miss Stella's mom has! I hope that all is well and wonderful with you...looks like you have been very busy! I look forward to catching up!

[Cheryl Dack]

EXQUISITE! Oh I just love it. Every detail is simply DELICIOUS!