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Winter Fashion Week: Skirt & Boots

January 24, 2019

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
As I was working on Winter fashion week, I knew I wanted a set of mix and match clothing options. So, a dress, jeans, sweater, skirt and top all seemed like logical pieces to include, plus I liked the idea of something else that could be worn with those super cute navy tights I drew for Tuesday’s outfit.

I’d already done black boots do with with Wednesday’s outfit, so I wanted brown boots to go with today’s outfit.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I wanted to mention that I use Pinterest a lot for collecting source images. So, I knew I wanted a skirt and boots, both of those come from Pinterest. The top was my creation. I wanted to keep with my geometric patterns that have been such a strong part of this collection.

Specific Source Images: These boots and this skirt, both of which I found on Pinterest.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: This is my first ever belly dance costume! But here’s More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: Wikipedia on Zill, a fascinating history of belly dance, an article on appropriation in belly dance and an equally interesting response to said article
Last Thoughts
I’m super psyched to say that tomorrow, I am posting the first outfit and doll for Paper Doll Collab 2019. It’s going to be super fun. Also, there will be an exclusive outfit on Patreon that matches this week’s winter fashion theme.

Have you enjoyed this week? Ready for a break from contemporary fashion? Let me know in a comment.

Winter Fashion Week: Sweater & Jeans

January 23, 2019

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
So, today’s paper doll outfit is the one that inspired the whole idea of doing a winter fashion week. I came up with the idea for the sweater and then the pants. And then I thought, well one contemporary fashion outfit doesn’t make a whole wardrobe, so what if I did more…

And winter fashion week was born.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
Confession: This whole sweater happened, because I rediscovered my shapes stencil. Meant for technical drafting, I am totally in love with drafting stencils like this one. You can pick them up at most office supply or craft stores like Micheals. I love mine.

Specific Source Images: Nothing really this time.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: I’ve done other sets with sweaters before. Here is one of my favorite sweater heavy sets and here is another. Aso, more Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: Hmmm… I got nothing.
Last Thoughts
Normally, I try to come up with interesting related links to my paper doll outfits, but today I’m pretty much drawing a blank. This paper doll outfit really was basically because I have a drafting stencil and I wanted to draw jeans. Every paper doll needs jeans.

Maybe not the most thrilling source images heavy post, but there you have it.

Over on Patreon voting is still open to help me prioritize my drawing plans. Poor fantasy armor week does not look like it is going to win. The four way time between Regency, 18th century, Lolita and Space Princess is thrilling. If you are a patron and haven’t voted yet- do so here– if you aren’t a patron, join and you can vote too.

Tomorrow, tune back in for a skirt and boots combo. In case you’re wondering- hey, where are the coats? Those ended up getting their own post. And that will probably go up next week.

Winter Fashion Week: Chic Dress & Tights

January 22, 2019

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
I knew I wanted to do a dress with tights and I wanted the dress to have a really strong pattern on it. I also figured that shoes with tights could then be worn with other clothing pieces (there will be a skirt later this week) and that way people would have more mix and match options.

It’s really important to remember when creating paper dolls that they are meant to be dressed up and played with. That’s the whole point, so I try to think about that when I’m planning out my outfits.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I love and delight in dutch wax print fabrics so much that I have a whole Pinterest board for them. But the patterns are often such large scale and so interconnected that they are really challenging to render. So, I tried to simplify those designs to create the pattern on the dress.

Specific Source Images: Patterns like this one, this one and this one.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: My Dutch Wax Prints and African Fashion Pinterest Board

Final Thoughts
I grew up in such a wet place (Southeast Alaska) that I never really understood the idea of a winter dress until I moved to the South. Now I love a nice winter dress, but they aren’t that warm most of the time.

If you want imput in what I create for the blog, join us on Patreon! The funds keep the blog around and you get to vote on things I create. I’m always super grateful for my Patrons.

Winter Fashion Week: Meet Jade & Her Booties

January 21, 2019

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
I wanted to do a collection of contemporary fashions that were all winter themed and all in coordinating colors, so everything this week can be mix and matched. I also wanted to practice drawing tight curls (something I always need practice on).

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
So many things… Okay, so for this paper doll I was kinda obsessing over open toed booties. I’ve linked to the reference images below.

Her hair comes from one of my favorite resources for hair which is hairstyle magazines. Sophisticate’s Black Hairstyle and Care Guide shows lots of different hairstyles (updos, natural hair, treated hair, weaves, the whole nine yards). These magazines are a great way to help built a photo reference collection. I pick mine up at the local grocery store, but if you live in a place without a large black population, you might need to order it online.

Specific Source Images: Theses booties, these sandals, which I thought felt kinda wintery, and these booties.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Black Paper Dolls, One of my favorite Winter paper dolls, and More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: Did you know that Oprah’s stylist Andre Walker developed a hair typing system for curly hair? There’s some controversy around it (isn’t there around everything?), but it’s an interesting idea. I liked this guide, because it has photos.

Last Thoughts
Don’t expect me to continue this “theme week” and then “random week” pattern. It just happened, because this was what I had finished. I don’t want people to think there’s going to be a pattern, because then I’ll feel pressure for there to be a pattern.

My Patreon have been helping me plan for my next few theme weeks by kindly voting on ideas. If you are a Patron, please vote here, if not, than join us! Patron support keeps Paper Thin Personas around.

Tomorrow there will be another contemporary winter outfit for the ladies and then we’ll continue from there all week! How do you feel about the winter? Are you a fan of cold weather or do you prefer the summer?

As Cybergoth Fashion Week Continues Blue Bones

January 14, 2019January 9, 2019

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
As we continue cybergoth fashion week, today’s outfit is one of less traditional. I noticed some cybergoth images used white as the neutral color rather than black. I didn’t want to do a solid white outfit, because I wasn’t sure how well it would mix and match with the rest of the clothing designs. So, I settled on a white and black combination.

I titled this set “blue bones” because the piece over the shirt looks like ribs and a spine to me.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I loved the original body suit this top is based on, but I had no idea how to make it a viable paper doll outfit!

Specific Source Images: This Fierce Fashionista (her body suit) and these Pants found on Pinterest

Learn/See More
On the Blog: My other Foray into Cybergoth & More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: Wikipedia’s Article on Cybergoth, Cyberdog (clothing brand), Voodoo Maniacs (German clothing brand), & Cyber Goth (Tumblr, Also Rather NSFW)

Last Thoughts
I always try to remember to thank my supporters on Patreon, because they make the blog possible. So, thank you all!

There must be a term in linguistics for creating new words by combining other words like cyberpunk + goth = cybergoth. I have no idea what it is though. Too long since I took a linguistics class in college. Anyone know?

Cyberpunk Fashion Time! Green Goddess

January 14, 2019January 8, 2019

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
As we continue our cybergoth theme, I thought it would be fun to share a little fact that I don’t know how many of my readers know. My first cybergoth paper doll, Circuits and Fishnet, remains to this day the only paper doll I’ve ever had someone tell me was not appropriate for children.

As I said that the time, if you don’t think the paper doll is appropriate for children than might I suggest not giving it to any? That’ll solve the problem.

Seriously though, I’m fascinated that a paper doll (of all things) got an angry email from a reader.

I guess you never can tell what will set someone off.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I didn’t have a lot of specific reference images. The dress was based on my own design, though I did use a lot of source images for aesthetic reasons. I’ve linked two below.

Specific Source Images: This Fierce Fashionista (her furry leg warmers) and this Other Fierce Fashionista (the top on the left) from Pinterest

Learn/See More
On the Blog: My other Foray into Cybergoth & More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: Wikipedia’s Article on Cybergoth, Cyberdog (clothing brand), Lip Service (clothing brand) & Cyber Goth (Tumblr, Maybe NSFW)

Last Thoughts
One of the challenges of cybergoth fashion for me is the styles love of pvc which is very shiny. So, this whole set was a great challenge for me in my “shiny” reflection skills. I love to challenge myself.

This week would have been random stuff, but my patrons voted for cybergoth. Supporting the blog through Patreon keeps it on the interwebs.

Also, when ever I see those furry leg warmers, my thought is- “Omg, someone skinned a Muppet.”

Lapis is Celebrating Cybergoth

January 7, 2020January 7, 2019

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
This week every post on the blog (and the Friday post for my patrons) will be cybergoth themed. I’m sort of excited, because I haven’t done cybergoth paper dolls in a long time- the last one was in 2012.

So, based on my limited understanding, Cybergoth is largely a European fashion style. It’s basically what might happen if rave fashion and goth fashion had a love child with an obsession with crazy hair pieces. Think a lot of torn fishnet and pvc, plus gas masks and googles. It’s not a style I would ever wear (but like, neither are 99% of my paper dolls) and that’s okay!

The hair pieces are really important to the style, so I knew I needed to make sure I had one.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
A lot of cybergoth clothing style is very close to being cyberpunk or rave fashion. The hairpieces are a big differentiator, so I spent a fair bit of time researching what are often called “cyberlox” which is a combination of the words cyber and dreadlocks. Some of them are even made of fiberoptic materials or rubber.

I rarely put a NSFW disclaimer on anything, because I draw paper dolls and they’re hardly X rated, but I will openly state that some of the Tumblrs I have linked too, while I didn’t see any nudity, there’s a fair bit of fetish fashion and sexy content. So, don’t be surprised by that.

Specific Source Images: These Lovely Ladies (one in the center) & these Amazing Shoes from Cryoflesh

Learn/See More
On the Blog: My Other Foray into Cybergoth & More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: Wikipedia’s Article on Cybergoth, Cyberdog (clothing brand), Lip Service (clothing brand), Cryoflesh (clothing brand), F*** Yeah Cyberlox (Tumblr site devoted to Cyberlox) & Cyber Goth (Another Tumblr)

Last Thoughts
Tomorrow, cybergoth week will continue with some clothing. I hope you tune in. I had a lot of fun designing these pieces.

A thank you to my patrons who voted for this week’s theme. Your support makes all the difference.

Lastly, cybergoth, what do you think? Strange? Okay, but not your taste? Super cool? Let me know in a comment!

Pearl in Pulpy Fantasy Armor

January 3, 2019

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
One of the quirky thing about creating a long term project like Paper Thin Personas is that I tend to think “Oh, everyone reads every post” and then reality is that most people don’t read every post. I probably shouldn’t worry so much about repeating myself when I write these posts.

So, at the danger of repeating myself, I should say that today’s paper doll is a theme I have done many times before. I do love pulpy improbable fantasy armor.

I get that this armor caters to the “male gaze.” I understand it wouldn’t work to possibly defend yourself. And I know it’s completely illogical, sexualized, and ridiculous.

And I really don’t care- I still like it.

I believe that the best thing you can do when you like something is to draw it, because you like it. No one else has to be pleased or satisfied with my paper dolls, but me.

Well, me and my Patrons, but they’re a pretty supportive lot.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I watched a lot of Xena: Warrior Princess and I love the old pulp comics like Flash Gordon.

Specific Source Images:Callisto’s Armor from Xena: Warrior Princess

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Paper Doll Armor & More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: Women Fighters In Reasonable Armor (aka: Not What This Paper Doll Wears) & My Fantasy Armor Pinterest Board

Last Thoughts
Tomorrow will be the first Archives post featuring fairy paper dolls. It should be super fun. I didn’t realize how many fairies I had drawn over the years.

Over on Patreon there will be an exclusive snow princess paper doll for my Patrons. Join and you can see her, too.

Steampunk Sapphire with her Fantastic Top Hat

January 14, 2019January 2, 2019

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
Continuing my Gemstone naming theme, Sapphire is today’s black steampunk paper doll. I probably should get better at spelling Sapphire, because I keep wanting to give the word two Rs.

Steampunk, which is today’s paper doll style, is a style based on the idea of Victorian clothing crossed with anachronistic styles. So, corsets, bustles, top hats and such combined in ways they never would have been combined in the actual 19th century.

Personally, I’m a bit conflicted about steampunk (especially the fiction), because I rarely see the genre engaging with the inherent colonial and racist underpinnings of British and American empire building in the 19th century. So, while I love the fashion, but I don’t want to glorify that period in history, or any period, actually. There’s no magical Golden Age.

One interesting thing I recently discovered is steamfunk which is an afro-futuristic approach to steampunk and engages in this same issue. I need to learn more about it. I literally discovered it last week.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I wanted to do a steampunk paper doll. That’s all really. Also, I’m kinda in love with her hat.

Plus, I know I have some Patrons who love steampunk fashion and I couldn’t imagine starting out the new series with out doing at least one steampunk set.

Specific Source Images: This Wig & King’s Road Corset from Violet Vixen (the corset isn’t on their website anymore, hence the Pinterest link)

Learn/See More
On the Blog: Steampunk Paper Dolls, Victorian Inspired Paper Dolls, & More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: Steampunk as Defined on Wikipedia, My Steampunk Pinterest Board, The Intersection of Race and Steampunk from Silver Goggles (from 2009, but still well worth a read), & Chronicles of Harriet article on Steamfunk

Last Thoughts
Is it wrong that a part of me still sees steampunk fashion as super close to old school Victorian inspired goth fashion? I feel like there are steampunk purists who would question that.

I do have a Patreon page where I have exclusive content and such, if you’re interested.

Steampunk? Are you into it? Not into it? Have a book recommendation for me in the genre? Drop me a note in the comments.

Ruby Celebrates the New Year

December 6, 2020January 1, 2019

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
I try to walk a line between being specific in each of my paper doll designs and being general. So, today’s formal gown and shoes are both coordinated, but I chose colors and styles that could be worn with other future evening wear. I don’t have any more paper doll evening wear yet, but I will eventually. It’s not like this is the only paper doll with an evening gown I plan to draw ever.

Plus, I think her hair style could be either steampunk or wedding or evening or… there’s a lot of options in that hairstyle.

Also, can someone explain to me why evening clutches are always too small to actually hold anything useful? Sometimes a girl needs more than just lipstick and her phone.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
The name Ruby, because that seemed so fitting for a redhead paper doll. Cliche perhaps, but I can live with that. Plus I do love redhead paper dolls. Always have.

Something about New Years always makes me think formal gowns and when it comes to formal gowns, I love gowns by Marchesa.

Specific Source Images: Sofia Vergara’s 2016 Oscar Gown by Marchesa & this Wedding Hairstyle from my Hair Pinterest Board

Learn/See More
On the Blog: Paper Doll Evening Gowns, New Years Paper Dolls, & More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: My Hair Pinterest Board, Boot’s amazing Marchesa Paper Dolls Gowns & Marchesa’s Website

Last Thoughts
I hope everyone who has today off is having a lovely New Years day.

There is unique content on Patreon, including a totally an exclusive Friday paper doll.

As always, I love to hear what folks are thinking in the comments. Do you love redhead paper dolls as much I do?

Opal In Sailor Lolita Fashion

December 6, 2020December 31, 2018

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
Caveat: I am not Japanese. I have never been to Japan. I don’t really know what I am doing here.

I am fascinated by Japanese street fashion, specifically Lolita. Lolita is a Japanese street style heavily influenced by Victorian children’s clothing. It relies on outfits, known as coordinates, usually around a specific theme. Part of why I find Lolita interesting is that I am very familiar with how Europe reinterprets Asian styles. However, Lolita is how Japan reinterprets Western styles.

From a paper doll perspective, the heavy coordination that underlies the aesthetic is super fun. It’s not a strawberry covered dress, for example, but a strawberry dress with matching bag, tights, shoes and headpiece. Who doesn’t want to draw that?

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
There are dozens of sub-genres in Lolita fashion. I chose sailor Lolita for today’s paper doll. It’s a nautical inspired style, not to be confused with pirate Lolita or actual Japanese school uniforms which often are also sailor influenced.

Specific Source Images: Sailor Lolita Dress by Dear Margaret, Sailor Hat from Alice & the Pirates, & Shoes by CodeNoir (technically for a BJD, but I can live with that)

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Lolita Paper Dolls & More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: Wikipedia’s Lolita Article, My Pinterest Board of Lolita Fashion, Magical Girl Me (Fashion Blog), F Yeah Lolita (Fashion blog), & Lolilibrary (An Archive of Lolita clothing, very much work in progress)

Last Thoughts
You can see exclusive content & help support Paper Thin Peronas on Patreon.

Be sure to let me know what you think of the new paper doll series in the comments.

And this is certainly not my last foray into Lolita fashion. I love this style.

1960s Dresses from the Pages of Sears

December 24, 2018December 24, 2018

A pair of 1960s paper doll dress straight from the pages of vintage Sears catalogs. Both dresses are available in color or black and white.

Printable Black & White PDF Printable Color PDF More Paper Dolls & Clothes

First off, I know this is Christmas Eve and while I don’t celebrate, I wanted wish a Merry Christmas to everyone who does. I hope your holiday is full of laughter, joy and a minimum of family drama.

And now… paper dolls!

If you’re interested in the history of clothing (as I am), Sears catalogs are a goldmine. Unlike the fashion magazines which often show the latest styles of the top designers, Sears (and others) show what most women actually wore day to day. The pricing and color information also provide a valuable window into how much items cost and what sorts of colors were popular.

Due to copyright, full reproductions of Sears catalogs aren’t always possible, but Dover has a series of books that reprint selected pages. Everyday Fashions of the Sixties As Pictured in Sears Catalogs was the source for today’s dresses. The dress on the left is from 1967 Sears catalog and the dress on the right is from 1960.

The purse is from 1960 and you can see it on The Met’s website.

On a slightly sad note, today’s post is the last Dames & Dandies post for a while. There have been over 120 Dames & Dandies paper doll posts, so there’s plenty to explore there.

For the first quarter of 2019, I plan to be working on a new series called Jewels & Gemstones (yes, the ampersand is my favorite piece of punctuation). I am super excited about this new series and it will debut on December 31st. Wednesday, there will be a longer preview post and Friday the last of the Paper Doll Collaborative 2018 will post.

Questions? Ask me in a comment and I will reply.

Need some clothing for today’s paper doll? All the A Pose Dolls & Clothing