"Eternal Flame"

Black crepe long sleeved sheath dress with sexy neckline, fully lined. Red Chiffon sash belt with beaded button over snap closure. Headband with glass seed bead floral accent.
Red patent leather high glossy finish handbag with goldtone accents. Jewelry consists of glass beaded charm necklace, matching earrings, and spiral glass beaded bracelet.

"A New Romance"

A classic off white strapless sheath dress.  Black opera coat with high collar both fully lined. Long gloves and jewelry made of black chain and teardrop necklace, triple strand bracelet, and beaded earrings. Framed black leather handbag.

"Timeless Treasure"

White straight sheath dress fully lined, waist length black duster coat with stand up collar that can be belted.
Jewelry includes a pair of black long hoop earrings and a matching double strand chain necklace along with a faux pearl cuff bracelet. Black gloves and white patent leather handbag accented with gold tone chain completes her ensemble.

"Simply Coco"

 Chic large white brim hat accented with black and large satin bow. Black gloves and faux pearl jewelry. Classic quilted faux leather designer inspired handbag, with chain handle just perfect to add the finishing touch.

"Black Topaz"

Another version of the simple black dress. Wrap around style, snap closure in front accented with stylish leopard flower. Black gloves and jewelry pieces also include necklace, bracelet and drop earring, made of multi colors of browns and black glass seed beads. And of course, the ever so classic leopard handbag.

"Black Topaz"

"Black Topaz"

"Lipstick"

Fine cotton blend sheath dress, fully lined. Beautiful short beige gloves accent with tiny buttons on the side. Leopard belt. Gold chain necklace, double hooped earrings, and cuff bracelet. And of course, a leopard accent handbag.

"Sunday Afternoon"

A simple black and white cotton sheath dress accented with Black straw hat with chiffon scarf tied around the brim. Short black gloves and jewelry made of silver chain necklace, double strand bracelet, and large white hoop earrings.

"Solitaire"

Solitaire" one of a kind black front wrap coat dress, made of fine black cotton blend. Accented with red chiffon scarf tied around waist. High collar can be worn up. Red gloves to match jewelry made of red glass seed beads, include drop earrings, charmed necklace with matching bracelet. The finishing touch oversized handbag with "Brelina" signature lips and initial "B".

"White Summer"

Wrap dress coat, made of beautiful snow white satin. Accented with gold square button over snap closures. Fully lined in the softest white silk. Her high collar can be worn up or down.  White long gloves and striking gold handbag with chain handle for just the right touch. Beautiful pearlized beaded jewelry accented with goldtone glass beads. Necklace and bracelet are wired to fit around neckline, with matching drop earrings.

"Tres Beau"

Part II

Full skirted strapless brocade dress with matching long coat, both fully lined. Ensemble comes with two handbags one Pink and the other matching brocade fabric. Long soft pink gloves. Glass beaded necklace and matching bracelet and earrings.

*Tres Beau*

Strapless brocade dress with matching long coat, both fully lined. Detachable bow sash with snap closure can be worn with or without. Long soft pink gloves with gold clutch handbag. Goldtone jewelry beaded necklace and matching bracelet with teardrop goldtone earrings.

"Rendezvous"

Strapless black and gold satin full skirted dress, lined and a perfect fit. Matching long satin coat. Simple black handbag and gloves. Gold glass beaded jewelry to add that finishing touch.

'Nouveau'

Part II

　
Mid length coat made of fine wool houndstooth, accented with gold satin covered buttons and belted at the waist with gold satin belt. Ensemble finished in shades of rare hard to find gold and black colors. Fully lined in matching gold satin. Black strapless top with gold satin pencil skirt. Black gloves, houndstooth wool handbag with tassle. Gold chain link belt. Jewelry made of goldtone long chain necklace, hoop earrings, and cuff bracelet.

'Nouveau'

Mid length coat made of fine wool houndstooth, in shades of rare hard to find gold and black colors. Fully lined in matching gold satin. Simple black linen/cotton v-neck sleeveless knee length dress. Black gloves, houndstooth handbag with tassle. Gold chain link belt. Jewelry made of goldtone triple chain necklace, hoop earrings, and cuff bracelet.

"Belle de Jour"

Part II

Classic little black dress with removable belt.
Dress and Coat made of linen/cotton blend and are fully lined.
Coat is lined with beautiful scroll stretch/cotton fabric, with matching belt and handbag.
Chic black hat trimmed with a black faux fur. Black gloves and black metal necklace, earrings.

'Belle de Jour'

Part I

Made of the finest fabrics, with jewelry to match. Sleeveless sheath dress made of stretch cotton blend, coat of linen/cotton blend. Black belt with snap back closure, and handbag with detailed black swirl cording. Hat accented with the same black swirl cording.

'Creme Brulee'

Ensemble consists of a luscious cream wool coat & matching pencil skirt both fully lined in silk, and a ruby satin blouse. The ensemble is accessorized with a leopard print motif including the accent flower, buttons on the coat and one of a kind handbag.

*Mazerine*

 Flattering sleeveless V-neck sheath dress, with matching jacket with 3/4 length sleeves, accented with black button over snap closure. Button detail on the back of the dress. Made of fine silk/crepe and fully lined. Removable wide blue and black waist belt. Hat adorned with netting and accented with delicate blue feathers. Black wool handbag, black gloves, and silver jewelry to complete outfit.

"Tempting"

 Off white and hunter green made of the softest cotton blends, make up this beautiful combination of casual yet chic. Belted at the waist her strapless top adds a touch of "sexy" to an otherwise simple suit. Draped in gold tone jewelry, with a double strand chain necklace, large hoop earrings, and a circle charm bracelet. Dark green gloves warm her hands, custom handbag with chain straps and a large matching brim hat adds that finishing touch.

"Fashionably Late"

Striking black and white strapless cocktail dress, made of white satin and black chantilly lace overlay. Red satin sash tied in a bow at the waist. Black lace fingerless gloves showcase her fabulous cocktail ring. A parure jewelry set made of beautiful crystals make up her necklace, bracelet, earrings. Red evening bag accented with silvertone antique clasp and delicate chain handle.

*Pink Champagne*

This lovely two piece ensemble is made of a beautiful pale pink china silk. Sleek and form fitting strapless bodice with slim pencil skirt. Black sash tied in the back with bow. Black Hat made of the softest fine wool and accented with large pink bow. Black handbag also made of the same fabric. Black long gloves and jewelry made of black beaded necklace, pink glass beaded charm bracelet and earrings. And adding the finishing touch a hot pink faux fur wrap, simply marvelous!

"Red Desire"

This sizzling ensemble is a two piece fashion consisting of a strapless sheath dress with matching cape made of a beautiful dark red crepe. Ensemble is fully lined in silk, embellished with stylish bow and hook closure. Both dress and cape are accented with a matching bow and goldtone buckle. To keep the fire burning are matching gloves. She is adorned in a three piece parure goldtone charm bracelet, with necklace and earrings accented with gold glass facetted beads. To complete this ensemble is a gold brocade evening clutch style handbag.

"Brelina Fashions"

Where fashion is a lifestyle!

*Midnight Pearls*

 

Midnight Pearls is a pristine jet black luxurious wool two piece suit jacket, lined in red silk, with button over snap closures. Matching black sleeveless sheath dress, adorned with a matching faux fur boa. The large brimmed hat is made of the same fine wool and accented with velvet, giving it a subtle contrast. The jewelry adorns this ensemble with a multi-strand faux pearl necklace, cuff bracelet and post earrings. To complete the accessories are a pair of mid length red gloves and a signature Red Brelina Fashions handbag also made of fine wool, embellished with black cording wrapped around for just that perfect touch.
　

* Dame Sophistiquée *

This stunning beauty is wearing a beautiful white suit made of soft luxurious jersey knit. The jacket if fully lined and accented with fine faux fur on the collar and cuffs. Three rhinestone buttons over snap closure. The crepe satin blouse fully lined gives this ensemble a classic chic look with or without her jacket. Her matching hat and clutch handbag are made of the finest wool. Handbag is adorned with a beaded flower and gold clasp. Black gloves are a must to give that extra touch of elegance. The accessories to complete this tailored ensemble are jewels of red and gold glass seed beads, made to complete her necklace, cuff bracelet and gold drop earrings.You can bet that no matter where this outfit is worn, heads will turn for this class act!

"Brelina*Fashions"
Where fashion is a lifestyle!

Evening in Paris

Evening in Paris

*Arlequin*

This ensemble is made with the quality fabrics of cotton blends. Chiffon red scarf/wrap drapes your lady to perfection and is a deep beautiful true shade of red with matching gloves. Jewelry made of gold multi-hoop earrings, gold beaded glass cuff bracelet and chain necklace. The finishing touch, a Brelina Signature Red handbag.

"Brelina Fashions"

Where fashion is a lifestyle!

Chantal

*Chantal*

Can't go wrong with a classic white, two piece suit, jersey blend. Button accents and snap closures, fully lined. Faux fur wool hat, with fur muff to match. Long black gloves and Black wool handbag with faux pearl accent. Accent broach and jewelry made of minature faux pearl beads and goldtone chains, for two long necklaces, earrings and three strand cuff bracelet.

"Brelina Fashions"

Where fashion is a lifestyle!

Happy New Year!!!!

Don't Do it!!!!!

This was sent to me by my dearest friend Sue. I thought it was too good to pass up. I don't know any woman out there that hasn't felt like this at some point....yikes!!! If nothing else, as women I know we all can relate. Enjoy! ;-)

My Beautiful Daughter's Favorite Prayer. 

I love you Katrina!

Dear God, give me the courage to begin again, To overcome the obstacles and to stay open to the moment as best I can. Help me be patient enough to know it takes time to start over, and wise enough to ask for help from friends and family when I need it. As I look to the future, may I reflect on the past, And remember the lessons it's taught me. And God, may I always look to you For strength and guidance.

P.S. Please be patient God, I am a work in progress

Only We Can Make Our Dreams Come True

To elaborate more regarding my fashions here is how it all came about.

As I mentioned I have always had a special love of sewing and always collected miniatures. I have had this hobby ever since I was a little girl and love working on my fashions and collecting all that goes with it. I have always been encouraged by friends and family to follow that dream. With my love of "Chanel" as my inspiration and the many fantastic designers out there like, Carolina Herrera, Oscar DeLaRenta and countless of others, I get inspired every time I see what they create.

Because Chanel is such a classic, and something that has always sparked my interest anyway, I figured, what the heck, lets see what I can do. Not to mention that I have always admired her classic style. 

I remember it was then that I paid more attention to the things I myself owned, lots of pearls, strands of jewelry, that little black dress and even the biggest bottle of Chanel No. 5 sitting on my dresser that I only used on special occasions. Now I wear it all the time!!!
My first bottle of  "Chanel No.5" was given to me by my very dear friend Norma as a birthday gift many, many years ago.  I still cherish that bottle because she is such a  dear and special friend even after all these years.  In fact, I still have that special bottle and I think of her whenever I take a glance at it looking Oh So Beautiful on my dresser.  I remember that is when I fell in love with Chanel and started my own collection. And I am proud to say that my collection has grown and continues to be the inspiration for my fashions.

Well back to my story.....I remember making my first ensemble. I was so proud of myself and thought.... hummmmmmm....... I think I can do this better. My Mother was the best. She gave me confidence to go on with this adventure and was always there to listen to my ideas. I wanted to display my fashions for everyone to see. But I knew I would have to really get creative with my ideas. She is the one who came up with the "Brelina" name. It is a combination of my first name and my middle name.

At first, I was a little nervous, only because I wasn't that confident with my ideas or my sewing skills. Being that I wasn't a professional seamstess like so many talented people that I admired, I was worried about rejection and failure. But the more ladies who saw what I was doing, the more encouragement I received. I have wonderful ladies in my life who are constant reminders of just how lucky I am. They are beautiful, smart, funny, compassionate and always there. They always encourage me, with not an ounce of jeolousy or envy. Just fantastic women who make me feel special and reassure me that I can do it. They lift me up when I get discouraged and are always there to keep me going when I am ready to throw my sewing machine out the window.

I started making up little dresses for Barbie, then other Fashion Dolls. I had to think big girl fashions and downsize for my "Little Ladies". Through my excitement and searching for ideas, I found that there were thousands of serious Doll collectors. Ladies who really take this hobby very serious. Not to mention, doll fashion designers, who's work and talent was unsurpassed and their designs were unbelievable.

Well one thing led to another and I started sewing for the Silkstone Barbie dolls and Fashion Royalty Model dolls and yes, even Barbie herself. A lot goes into this, not only the fashions, but the background displays, the photographs must be perfect, and I am not a photographer so that part is really hard for me. I hand make everything you see on my dolls, the dresses, suits, gloves, hats, jewelry, handbags for every outfit. Putting everything together is like a real woman getting dressed. You have to decide what to wear with that dress you pick out, what shoes, jewelry, hat, gloves, etc...etc...etc...... Decisions....decisions!!!! That to me is the hardest part. I sit for hours trying to decide how to put it together. I also get lots of suggestions from my girlfriends.

Another dear friend suggested that I put my fashions out there for everyone to see, and that is what inspired me to start this Blog. 

I am not a professional, and by no means pretend to be, but I love what I do and that is the important thing. And even if nothing comes of it, it will be a nice memory of all my little creations. Who knows, maybe someday I can quit my day job.

That would be

"My Brelina Dream".

A QUICK THANK YOU TO...............

My Husband and children, without their help I couldn't do what I do. They take over with everyday duties and never complain. I can't imagine my life without them.

My Mother who inspires me every day to keep my dream alive. She keeps reminding me to never give up when I get discouraged. She is my rock and without her, my life would be empty. There are no words to express the love I have for her.

My Sisters, who have always loved and supported me uncondtionally. They sit and listen to me rattle on about what I do, and have always been there for me through thick and thin.

.

And to my, Cousins and Girlfriends who encourage me with their constant praise and loyalty. I love every single lady in my life, you are the best!!!!!

To be continued............

Special Memories

Hello, and nice to meet you!


Dolls and miniatures have always been a passion for me. My Mother collected miniatures and when I married and left home, she gave me many of her beautiful miniatures from her collection. Together with my love of Dolls and miniatures, I recently decided to incorporate the two and design fashions so that someone else could enjoy them as much as I do. Someone once told me, find something you love to do, and do it and it won't feel like work. I can sit for countless of hours working with my "minis" and it never feels like work....(I even forget to feed my family sometimes...Yikes!!!)

I come from a long line of seamstresses, my beloved Grandmother, and many beautiful Aunts. My grandmother was so talented with her hands, she could make anything. Her talent was unsurpassed and through the years I would marvel at her expertise in creating so many beautiful ladies fashions. She truely was one of a kind. So needless to say, I had the sewing bug at a very early age. Although always on a tight budget as a young girl, my beautiful Mother would somehow find a way to give me a few dollars to buy a couple of yards of fabric on a Friday payday so that I could make something new to wear for the follow school Monday.

I especially remember going to my Aunt's dress factory when I was a little girl and later as a teenager. There is where many designs came from for high end fashion design company's she supplied in the 60's and 70's and 80's. I was always in awe of her talent for sewing, she could sew up anything in a matter of minutes. When I would visit her at her shop I would run inside straight where she kept all her remnant pieces left over from countless designs she would manufacturer. She always gave me permission to go through her fabric bin and I would grab as much as my little hands could carry, always rushing home ecstatic, and anxious to make my Barbie dolls a new outfit. Such beautiful memories!!

Because of the distractions of everyday life, we forget to do the things we love more often. So I have recently decided to rekindle my love of sewing that I had let go for many years. I am not a professional, just someone who loves to sew and work with her hands. I am meticulous to detail and work very hard to do a good job. I had forgotten how much I truly enjoyed sewing and watching my creations come to life. I hope you enjoy them too, and remember to come back, because I will be making more designs for the fabulous Silkstone, Fashion Royalty, and of course Barbie dolls as fast as my hands can make them.

Thank you for stopping by!