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.
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
Posted by: niki | June 26, 2008 at 11:36 AM
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!
Posted by: Leah C | June 26, 2008 at 11:38 AM
She is smashing! You have done quite a wonderful job fluffing, and sprucing Miss Stella, bravo!
Posted by: Dede Warren | June 26, 2008 at 11:54 AM
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!
Posted by: danasmith | June 26, 2008 at 12:04 PM
SO PRETTY! Love Stella!!! What a sweet hubby to do that for you. Seriously!
Posted by: teresa | June 26, 2008 at 12:24 PM
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.
Posted by: Lisa | June 26, 2008 at 12:37 PM
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
Posted by: Jennifer L. | June 26, 2008 at 12:45 PM
How beautiful Stella is, and what an inspiration! I'll come back to visit for more.
Posted by: Cindy La Ferle | June 26, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Miss Stella is absolutely gorgeous! What a great transformation!
Posted by: Sheila R | June 26, 2008 at 12:59 PM
I am so jealous! I want a vintage dress form soooo badly!
Posted by: jen | June 26, 2008 at 01:02 PM
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
Posted by: Shannon | June 26, 2008 at 01:06 PM
I love that your husband paid such close attention to what you were hoping for - great job on both of your parts!
Posted by: Barbara | June 26, 2008 at 01:36 PM
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
Posted by: Rosemary | June 26, 2008 at 01:53 PM
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
Posted by: vintage flair | June 26, 2008 at 02:25 PM
Stupendous Stella Pearl! Fabulously Fun!
*Heidi*
Posted by: Heidi Woodruff | June 26, 2008 at 02:29 PM
Simply Gorgeous!!!
Victoria xx
Posted by: Victoria | June 26, 2008 at 02:49 PM
How great is that? The fact that your husband did this for you is terrific. I love her.
Posted by: Lorie M. | June 26, 2008 at 03:23 PM
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
Posted by: tiffany~shabbyscraps | June 26, 2008 at 03:27 PM
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;)
Posted by: Brandie Pahl | June 26, 2008 at 03:39 PM
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
Posted by: Paula | June 26, 2008 at 04:30 PM
she looks divine!
Posted by: paige | June 26, 2008 at 04:49 PM
This is really fabulous! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Andria | June 26, 2008 at 05:25 PM
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
Posted by: Rachael | June 26, 2008 at 06:09 PM
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!
Posted by: ashley crim | June 26, 2008 at 06:10 PM
EXQUISITE! Oh I just love it. Every detail is simply DELICIOUS!
Posted by: Cheryl Dack | June 26, 2008 at 07:28 PM