Felicity's Summer Outfit

There are a few sections of the '90's Pleasant Company catalog that I have pretty vivid memories of. I loved the modern section, with the mini version of the same math book I was using at school, the Macintosh computer that was so realistic, it blew my mind as a kid, the birthday party accessories arranged around a patio table, and the teal sleepshirt that looked so cozy. I also loved certain parts of the historical section -- mostly the birthday and summer outfits. Three of my favorite summer outfits were Kirsten's, Samantha's, and Felicity's.

I got Kirsten's summer dress as a kid, and sometimes my sister would allow me to borrow her Samantha middy dress for my Magic Attic Club Megan doll. In return, her Magic Attic Club Heather would borrow something of mine. When my sister eventually grew out of dolls, she let me have her middy dress and accessories. This year, I was able to add the last of my favorites, Felicity's summer outfit!

I think Lizzie looks better in Felicity's Summer Outfit than her own!

Just as with Elizabeth's Riding Outfit, I used eBay gift cards and hunted for the best Felicity summer set I could find. It seemed that I was in good company -- many of the sets I had added to my watch list sold within hours of me adding them! My main objectives were finding the ribbon in new condition (because I was worried about how well I'd be able to clean it given the dye instability of Elizabeth's meet dress ribbons) and a non-stained dress. If I couldn't find any sets I liked, I was fine with waiting until the right one came along.

I've been around eBay long enough to know that when items are listed as "Brand New," they're often not. They're "brand new" in the eyes of the seller, not according to eBay's guidelines. And the set I ended up buying was no exception. Instead of a true brand new set, it was a collection of pieces that were used and new, PC-era and AG -- but, the ribbon was new and the dress looked new (or at the very least newer and unstained). I figured I could assess everything else and clean as necessary.

The outfit arrived in an old style Pleasant Company burgundy box (complete with printed tissue paper) and included what I think is a PC pamphlet. The shoes are marked PC -- and definitely seem old because the sole of one of the shoes fell off and had to be glued back on. I can't tell if the hat is PC or not. It's definitely very delicate -- I had to glue a little piece of the rim back on and every little movement seems to cause some splinters of straw. I'm debating trying to stabilize it with a clear coat or something. The set didn't come with the mob cap, but instead came with what I think are the stockings from Samantha's Birthday Outfit (new in bag!).

I carefully washed the dress (just in case) and did some surface cleaning on the shoes and hat. I think I'll just use the shoes as decoration. They're not really in the best shape. I'll eventually make a pinner cap to use with the hat (I know it's not historically accurate and it really should be a mob cap, but I really don't like how shower-cap-y those look and I like that the pinner cap just sits on the head, and not potentially pulling the hair with elastic). For now, I'm using a cut piece of napkin lol.

Lizzie's ready for winter to be over already and so am I!

I cannot believe how GORGEOUS this outfit is in person! Could I figure out how to sew something like this? ...Maybe (with a lot of trial and error)? I feel like it'd be deceptively difficult. This dress is so beautiful and effortlessly elegant. I love the sleeves, I love the skirt details, and I love the hat and ribbon. They add a beautiful pop of color that works so well with Lizzie's complexion. Eventually, I'll try this on my mini me, too, but for now, it looks perfect on Lizzie.

#ElizabethCole