Melody ValerieThe Holly and The Ivy

Yay! We actually created this post before the holidays are over! It's a big accomplishment for us since we are usually six months behind in our posting schedule... but we thought it was important to post this now since these are Christmas-themed items.

Melody Valerie's Christmas Line 2009 is the Holly Coat, which you see modeled on Mary (fka Ruthie), and the Ivy Cape, which I am modeling. Yay me!

Want some for yourself?
Click here to visit the Melody Valerie Etsy shop!

As of the moment when I wrote this post,
there were 2 capes and 4 coats left.

The Holly Coat is handcrafted with a red wool exterior, gold cotton-silk lining, and gold-plated buttons. Buttons and button-holes. Sometimes a challenge for doll clothing made from thick fabric, but here they are very easy to use. This coat looks particularly smashing on dark-haired dolls, as you can see with our Mary. Under the coat she is wearing the Melody Valerie SchoolGirl dress which we will be showing you soon in another post. :)

The Ivy Cape is made from a deep green mini-corduroy, with a silver cotton-silk lining. The off-white pearly buttons work with loops to close the cape and again, are very easy to use. I am modeling this cape over the Melody Valerie Wintry Meadows dress which you saw on my sister Ellie earlier this month. My sister and I think, personally, that the cape looks best with long dresses that go to the floor. It really adds something visually to the way the cape drapes.

We have to say this: doll outerwear is not an easy thing to create. The fit has to be just right or it will either look (a) too bulky and your AG will resemble the Stay-Puffed Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters or (b) too snug and you won't actually be able to put on any clothing underneath the outerwear. And then your doll will feel just a bit chilly. Not every seamstress can master that magical in-between zone where the outerwear fits just right, but Melody Valerie certainly has, as you can see in the photos below.

We think that the MVC Christmas 2009 Line is gorgeous and we hope that Melody Valerie Couture continues to craft outerwear in the future. Thank you MVC for these awesome and unique items!