alt fashion Archives • Page 4 of 7 • Paper Thin Personas

Steampunk Fashions for the Sprites Paper Dolls

March 30, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: This Corset and These Shoes

This is a week of first, it seems. Yesterday was my first 1930s dress for the Mini-Maiden series and today is my first attempt at steampunk clothing design for the Sprites printable paper dolls.

Whenever I try my hand at steampunk designs, I worry some secret cabal of steampunk clothing design purists are going to come along and say, “That’s not steampunk enough!”

I never said it was a rational worry. Let’s be clear.

Mostly, because I’m pretty sure there isn’t such a thing as a secret cabal of steampunk clothing design purists.

(But if I’m wrong and anyone is a member, wanna put in a good word for me?)

Anyway, I know this isn’t doing to be the last time I try to my hand at steampunk clothing design for the Sprites, so I did try to establish some neutral shades that I liked. That way, in the future, I can use the same browns and things to improve the mix and match options.

And now it is sources time! So here we go… The corset is based on this one, the shoes are based on these. The gent’s clothing is much more from my imagination. His trousers are vaguely inspired by 18th century men’s pants, but that’s about it.

One quick thing- tomorrow is the last say for the Reader 2017 coupon in the Etsy store. It’s 25% off of an order of 4 dollars or more. There’s steampunk designs in the Etsy store, too, if that’s your thing.

Looking for some Sprite paper dolls to wear these outfits? Pick out Sprite paper dolls here.

The Sprites Paper Dolls & Their Gothic Fashions

May 13, 2017March 3, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: Gothic Fashions

Sometimes, I create paper doll clothing set and then I forget about them. This happens to me with disturbing regularity. So, I could have sworn that I posted these gothic paper doll Sprites outfits back in November of 2016. As it turns out, I had them totally done, but didn’t get them formatted or saved as PDFs.

So, clearly my memory was deeply flawed. Here they are in today all their gothic paper doll fashion glory. Better late than never.

When I dabble in gothic fashion, I try to create things that are interesting and not all black. Black is a challenging color for printable paper dolls, because printers have varying sensitivities to it. So, sometimes the tones are too dark and other times they are too light. I try to find a compromise by using several different shades of black in the same outfit which keeps the outfit from feeling flat.

This is a trick I use with pretty much all my paper doll clothing, but in black pieces it is particularly important

The other big challenge of the Sprites printable paper dolls is the fact that they exist in pairs. Every lady printable paper doll outfit is accompanied by a gentlemen’s printable paper doll outfit. This symmetry is both part of the fun and part of the frustration.

In today’s gothic fashions, I gave the Lady Sprites a black and purple scheme. The Gentlemen Sprites have a black and red color scheme.

This is the last Sprites printable paper doll set from my stash. So, I have to get working on finishing some things in progress for March. The problem with a strong backlog is that it lulls me into a false sense of confidence.

Meanwhile, if you love the blog, then consider donating through Patreon.

There’s still my Reader2017 coupon running in the Etsy store and the blog has a facebook page now.

Looking for some Sprite paper dolls to wear these outfits? Pick out Sprite paper dolls here.

A Sailor Lolita Outfit for the Mini-Maiden Printable Paper Dolls

March 2, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: Patron Requests for and Sailor Lolita Styles

I have done a variety of Lolita styles before, but never Sailor Lolita as was pointed out by one of my Patrons. (Join here if you want to support PTP.) So, here’s my foray into that style.

Lolita is an alliterative fashion style from Japan that is heavily influenced by Victorian and Edwardian children’s clothing. It’s street fashion and like every genre of street fashion, there are seemingly endless variations. Sailor Lolita is the term used for Lolita dresses infulenced by sailor suits of the Edwardian and Victorian era. There is a nearly endless obcession with sailor suits in the 19th and 20th century.

Examples of early sailor suits include these designs from the 1900s, this version from 1905 and this version from the 1920s. I decided to base today’s Sailor Lolita outfit off of examples like this one and this one.

You can see a bunch more on my Lolita Fashion board on Pinterest.

I’m adding new things to the Paper Thin Personas shop on Etsy this week, inculding steampunk styles in three color schemes and black and white.Remember, the coupon called: READER2017 is good for 25% off an order of 4.00 or more through the end of March.

Need a Mini-Maiden paper doll to wear today’s outfit? Pick a Mini-Maiden Paper Doll Here.

Ms. Mannequin: On Future Streets, Again

May 28, 2020January 26, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: Cyberpunk Fashion and my 2014 paper doll set- On Future Streets

Last year, I decided I would draw some paper dolls based on older sets I have as a way to revisiting older work. So, today’s Ms. Mannequin outfit was inspired by this cyberpunk paper doll clothing set called “On Future Streets” that I created in 2014.

The amount of cyberpunk stuff I draw for the paper dolls is directly proportional to the amount of Shadowrun I am playing at any given time. So, given that my usual group has gathered once more to play, I suspect 2017 will have more in the cyperpunk paper doll clothing genre.

I like revisiting my older sets for two reasons:

It helps me get ideas when I don’t have any ideas. A totally blank piece of paper is both the most inspiring and the most scary thing in the world.
It helps me write about the post when I have to write the post. Because writing about these paper doll outfits is sometimes the hardest thing.

So, I have the following things to say about this paper doll outfit today.

I did wanted to make something that could be cyberpunk, but could also just be scifi. I totally can imagine someone from 5th Element wearing this get up. Actually, all the costumes in the 5th Element are amazing. I love that movie.
Making things look shiny is a skill I was really out of practice at. I used to be so good at it. I shall have to practice more. Shiny things here I come!
Writing blog posts as numbered lists is actually kinda fun. I should do this more often.

As always, if you love PTP and want to donate to keep it up on the internets, please consider becoming a Patron. If you just want to know what I’m up too then you can follow it on Twitter. And if you want to make me feel less alone on the internet, leave a comment.

Tell me- Are you excited about more cyberpunk paper doll clothing?

Need a paper doll to wear today’s outfit? Pick out a Ms. Mannequin Paper Doll Here

Meet Min-Seo: A New Asian Friend of Marisole Monday

May 28, 2020January 2, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: Punk Fashions, Blue Hair, and Crazy Boots

Happy 2017! I am starting off the year with by introducing a new friend to the Marisole Monday & Friend’s series. I am so pleased to introduce Min-Seo who was named by my patrons on Patreon, though Mariko and Malai were runners-up when I asked them to vote. (You can join Patreon here.)

Min-Seo is a Korean name. The meaning changes depending on the characters used to spell it. It’s also the name of Kim Min-Seo, a Korean drama actress. Korean names, like Chinese names, use the family name first and then the personal name.

Anyway, I sketched out this face a few months ago, but I wanted to wait to introduce her until it was the new year. So, this whole week is Min-Seo paper dolls and outfits. I figure that way she can catch up a bit with the other ladies of the Marisole Monday & Friends crowd.

The first Min-Seo paper doll is a punk fashion girl rocking some blue hair, black nail polish and a pair of amazing boots. Seriously, I want those boots.

I don’t know where I would wear them, but I want them.

So, what do you think of the first Min-Seo paper doll? Let me know in a comment.

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Need a more outfits for today’s Marisole Monday & Friends Paper Doll? Find More Ladies Clothing Here.

Mini-Maidens: It’s The End of the World as We Know It

May 19, 2020November 22, 2016

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: Mad Max, Rupaul’s Drag Race, and Looking Good After the End of the World

So, I recently gave up cable. Along with saving me about 30 bucks a month, this move has allowed me to really start discovering some shows I never knew existed. One of them has been RuPaul’s Drag Race. Think Project Runway with drag queens, lip-sinking and a lot of adult humor. Anyway, I love the show and I just finished Season 4. One of the challenges was post-apocalyptic fashions and I was watching it while I wrote up this blog post.

I will confess I tend to fast forward the show through the drama parts and mostly watch the runways for the fantastic outfits. This is also what I tend to do with Project Runway. Clearly, I’m just in it for the clothing. In Season 4, which I just finished, there was a post-apocalyptic fashion challenge and that inspired me to create this paper doll outfit.

Meanwhile, the Mini-Maiden paper dolls are getting ready for the end of the world in style. Isadora has already gotten an End of the World set, but I think Hazel, Faye and Greta should have some options, too. Of course, any of the paper dolls from the Mini-Maiden series can wear today’s outfit.

Mad Max is also a major influence on anything I create that is post apocalyptic. I mean, how can it not be?

Read the blog a lot? Then think about supporting it through Patreon or following it on Twitter or telling a friend about it. Friends tell friends about paper dolls, after all. 🙂

Need a Mini-Maiden paper doll to wear today’s outfit? Pick a Mini-Maiden Paper Doll Here.

Bodacious & Buxom at the End of the World Accessories

May 28, 2020October 6, 2016

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Yesterday one of my readers commented how nice it was that my end of the world paper doll didn’t have high heels. Well… here are some paper doll high heels, though I tend to think more on the practical side of high heels. Having actually climbed a ladder in high heels, I can attest that it is possible to do more in heels that people often think. (Assuming the heels are reasonable and not like five inch stilettos.)

Along with two pairs of boots, our paper doll has an arm warmer, gloves, googles and a head wrap and a scarf. She does lack weapons and I was a little worried about her ability to defend herself against mutant hoards or irradiated monsters, but my other B&B Post-Apocalyptic paper doll has some weapons and a canteen, so perhaps they can share.

If you missed Monday, there was a paper doll designed to wear these stylish accessories. Of course, they can be worn by any of the Bodacious and Buxom paper dolls, since they are all interchangeable.

The blog may go on a short Hiatus next week. The truth is that between fleas, my washing machine problems and other things in my life, I haven’t had time to do a lot of paper dolling. I am hoping to get some done this weekend, but if life gets busy, I wanted to give out an early warning to all y’all.

Bodacious & Buxom at the End of the World In Red Skinny Jeans

May 28, 2020October 5, 2016

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Ever have those days when really what you want to do about an hour and a half after you wake up is go right back to bed? I have had those days.

Today is one of those days.

However, here I am posting a paper doll outfit during my lunch break at work, because the blog needs to be fed and then I can look back on today and think, “Well, at least I did that successfully…”

So, let’s talk about paper dolls!

Personally, I think if the world ever comes to an end, I will certainly want to have some stylish red skinny jeans to see me though. Along with those, our B&B model has black finger-less gloves and a white tank top. If you missed the paper doll, you can pick her up over on Monday’s post.

I have just been updating my FAQ section.

If you love the blog, think about supporting it through Patreon or following it on Twitter.

Bodacious & Buxom at the End of the World In Style

May 28, 2020October 4, 2016

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Part of the fun of creating post-apocalyptic sets is the layering you get to play with. I always try to imagine things being pieced together and some things being found. It’s my favorite way to create paper doll sets is to think about the world that the sets relate too.

Today’s paper doll outfit is a white long sleeved top, a green on green striped scarf and a wrap skirt with a long pair of belts. A khaki cargo pocket is there for tucking a knife or a gun. In my head, the cargo pocket is probably from a pair of pants that have been adapted to the skirt.

Instagram is my new attempt at trying out blog stuff, but I’m not that good at it. Still, follow me if you want.

There’s always Patreon if you want to help support PTP. Along with the warm fuzzy feelings from supporting the blog, you will get access to the behind scenes info I tend to post.

The blog is also on twitter @paperpersonas. I am sometimes reminded that my Blog is better at Social Media than I am which is kinda sad.

Buxom and Bodacious at the End of the World

May 28, 2020October 3, 2016

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All right, we are going head out to the end of the world. This paper doll was created as the partner paper doll to World’s End.

This is an old set. I say that, but I hadn’t realized how old until I remembered that I drew it, because I watched Mad Max: Fury Road. That movie came out May 2015 which means I drew this set over a year ago.

Not that it is that uncommon for me to wait that long, but I was a little surprised when I did the math.

This was a set with a LOT of accessories. So many that I have both enough for an Accessory Thursday post and enough to scatter around the sets each day.

I am a little worried about today’s paper doll, because she doesn’t have any weapons for protection. She might need some, but I bet my unnamed Asian paper doll from World’s End would share.

I wonder if I should start naming the Bodacious and Buxom paper dolls… What do you all think? It would make it easier to refer to them.

Meanwhile, please think about supporting the blog through Patreon or following it on Twitter.

Plus let me know if you think I should start naming the Bodacious & Buxom paper dolls.

Gothic Romance: A Curvy Goth Paper Doll

May 28, 2020May 23, 2016

My best-friend in highschool and middle-school was a curvy girl with a goth and punk style. Now, this might not seem like an odd thing to be today, but in Juneau, Alaska, in the early 2000s, this was practically unheard of. In the early days of internet commerce, buying a corset in Alaska required a willingness to shop online when the online options were limited to Amazon and a few catalog retailers. So, when I sat down to draw today’s curvy goth paper doll, I knew I wanted to celebrate my old friend and her willingness to break the mold.

Despite my interest in alt-fashion, I have never really wanted to wear it in public, but I respect people whose style choices are much more adventurous than mine.

Not that it is hard to be more adventurous than the girl who wears white shirts and cardigans to work nearly every day.

Anyway, when I work on designing something for a fashion genre, I try very hard to be as authentic as possible. Of course, as an outsider to any cultural group, it is nearly impossible to capture all the nuances, but I wanted for my goth paper doll to have a nice range to mix and match pieces which could also share with other paper dolls. After all, maybe she’ll want to wear a sundress or some thigh high platform boots one day.

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Color schemes for anything goth is going to be a lot of black (obviously) and I didn’t want to try to really break the mold here, so I stuck with my old friends favorite colors- black, red, and purple. Lavender was a Victorian color of mourning, so that seemed appropriate. Though the Victorians took their mourning culture way seriously.

While my natural tendency is to avoid patterns, I wanted at least one patterned piece in the bunch and a corset seemed like an obvious choice. The skull and roses pattern is mirrored in her purse and the limited color palette means I think it can go with either skirt.

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I have always loved patent leather, so the boots were an obvious place to make some shiny-texture. I am out of practice with that technique though and it took three or four tries to get it right. I’m still not in love with the outcome, but I’ll live.

Looking for more goth paper dolls? I have a whole tag for gothic fashion, though looking through it, I confess I thought I had more gothic paper dolls.

Hmmm…. Maybe I need to draw some more, because there’s not a lot there.

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As always, I always love to hear that you think of the paper doll!

Mikhail at the After the End: A Male Paper Doll

May 28, 2020March 21, 2016

Last Monday, I posted today’s male paper doll set in black and white. Today, Mikhail is up in color with his world ending fashion statements. I mean, you want to look good at the end of the world, don’t you?

Post-apocalyptic fashion is something that fascinates me. I collect photos and idea on Pinterest even if I’m not prepping for a set, because then when I do want something I can go looking for it. So, I have a whole board devoted to Post-Apocalyptic clothing. This is something I encourage everyone to do. After Wenesday’s post about Paper Doll Principles, I noticed a lot of people asked how I came up with ideas.

Someday, I’ll write on that (in fact, I am working on it now), but for now the short advice I will give everyone is this:

There is not such thing as a totally unique idea. Inspiration comes from having easy and ready access to the things that you like. By having a collection of other’s Post-apoolcyptic fashon ideas at my fingertips, it was easy for me to develop my own.

So, I urge you if you are struggling. Collect images and ideas that intrique you. If I ever draw another post-apocalyptic paper doll, I’ve got 188 images to help me come up with ideas.

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To continue our discussion on inspiration, here’s a shirt that inspired me, a leather harness, this shirt and these boots. All those pieces inspired this set of paper doll clothing and I am sure if I looked I could find more images that I found that inspired me. I can tell you that the red and blue shirt was sorta a riff on the Captain American shield and came about, because I got sick of coloring things green and tan.

I’m still not totally pleased with his hair. I think there’s something off about the angle.

Anyway, as always, let me know what you think in the comments and if you want to support the blog, please consider becoming a patron.