Second Childhood Dolls and More: "Cafe Rose and Ivory" Cissy Doll

This Madame Alexander Cissy doll was one of the earlier "Modern Cissy" dolls issued, from the Couture Collection in 1996. Cafe Rose and Ivory has beautiful red hair with dramatic face paint. Her original brown and white outfit exemplifies high fashion, both in design and execution.

The tea-length white satin dress has embroidery across the waist, which drops to a "vee" on one side. Brown velvet ribbon straps have large bows on the shoulder. A brown flower is attached at the back. The wrap that goes with the dress is made of silk chiffon, with the same embroidery pattern as the dress and the same brown flower decorations, and has a fur edging.

There is a brown hat. The hat originally had tall feathers, which broke off; I still have one of them. The jewelry is high quality, featuring large green stones in the necklace, earrings, and bracelet. Accessories include pantyhose, brown high heels, long brown gloves, and a brown tulle petticoat.

This is another Madame Alexander outfit, which was part of the Madame Alexander European Travel Trunk Set. The straplessgown is purple with black embroidery and a black ribbon trim at the bustline. It has a dropped waist and closes in back with a tiny black zipper. The faux fur wrap is black, longer in black, and quite luxurious. The "diamond" necklace by MA is gorgeous. The purple slippers are trimmed with black ties. (I can't remember if they came with the dress or not, but they are a perfect match.) The rhinestone tiara was part of a Madame Alexander accessory set; it looks great with the necklace.

This evening gown was my own design. The fabric is white dupioni silk embroidered with gold and pearls. (Very expensive, but fortunately, doll dresses do not use much fabric!) I use a vintage Madame Alexander taffeta petticoat that is very full, in order to keep the lines of the skirt smooth and to show the slight train in the back of the skirt.

The dress features an off-the-shoulder design. The waist is accented by tiny self-cording.

Cissy is escorted to the Military Ball by her faithful Marine.

Cissy wears this suit for board meetings. The slim skirt and jacket are made from microsuede. The sleeveless blouse and scarf are lightweight polyester.

The jacket, blouse, and skirt are lined. She has a purse that coordinates well, and wears brown shoes.

This dress was my own design, made from brown and tan gingham taffeta with brown grosgrain ribbon trim.

This casual outfit was also my design, with slacks and a "zebra" print top and sash.

I designed and made this gown from a piece of peachy chiffon embroidered in white. The bodice and the hem are lace.

This is a fun costume outfit for Cissy. The "Greek Goddess" ensemble was made for some other doll. (Maybe Magic Attic? I can't remember.) I liked the pleated dress and the imaginative use of gold cuffs. Nice little wreath for her hair, also.

Here are some photos of Cissy "at home."