How to Buy Gene Doll Accessories

Gene Marshall, one of the most popular fashion dolls on the market today, was created as a tribute to the glamorous Hollywood movie actresses of the 1940s. Each Gene doll comes with a costume and a story that explains the costume. Expand your Gene doll's wardrobe! Purchase clothing and accessories in the styles of the 40s and 50s, or make them yourself!

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Gene Auction Catalogs
• Gene: Menu For Romance CD
• Gene Beach Clothes
• Gene Business Clothes
• Gene Patio Set
• Gene Doll Accessories
• Gene Dolls
• Gene's Terriers
• Gene: Director's Chair
• Gene: Jewelry Set
• Gene: Paper Doll Set
• Gene: Savannah
• Gene: Secret Sleuth Costume
• Gene: Song Of Spain
• Gene: Wardrobe Trunk
• Gene: Menu For Romance Music Video

1. Buy official Gene accessories from Ashton-Drake Galleries, Gene's issuer. Approximately 40 different ensembles - each representing one of her movie roles or life situations - are specifically for the Gene doll.

2. Remember that Gene Marshall is 15 1/2 inches tall. Any made or purchased clothing should be for dolls of this size.

3. Remember who Gene Marshall is. She is a glamorous Hollywood starlet from the 1940s. Her clothing, hairstyles and accessories should be acquired or made with this in mind.

4. Explore beyond official Gene accessories. The popularity of Gene Marshall as a collector's item has resulted in a multitude of Web sites and businesses devoted to the creation of clothing and accessories for the Gene doll.

5. Avoid the expense of purchasing a new Gene doll by simply changing the clothing and accessories of the Gene dolls you already own. Gene dolls can cost $70 to $100 or more, while official Gene accessories start at approximately $25.

6. Buy individual accessories in sets. Try to acquire an entire ensemble rather than one piece at a time. This way, you can change the total look of your Gene doll all at once. Include jewelry, miniature furniture, food and other accessories in your ensemble.

7. Look for other Gene merchandise. Gene paper doll sets, a Gene music CD and video and even a pair of terriers are all available.

8. Make your own doll clothing and accessories. Patterns and pattern books will show you how to make doll clothes for just about any collectible doll ' including Gene!

9. Give Gene accessories in sets, or ensembles. Try this gift-wrapping tip: Line a gift box with polyester batting or fiberfill. Glue batting to the bottom portion of the gift box and allow to dry. Place doll clothes onto batting as if they were being worn - hat on top, scarf at neckline, pants on the bottom and so on. Pin clothes into place and wrap gift box.

Tips & Warnings

• Ashton-Drake publishes a catalog devoted to Gene dolls and accessories.

• Check on the estimated delivery time before you order your accessories online or through a catalog. Delivery times vary from company to company, with two to four weeks being the average.

• Purchase your Gene doll accessories from a specialty doll or collectibles shop. You may not get the selection you would get on the Internet or through a catalog, but you will be able to receive your purchased items immediately.

• Many official Gene fashions are the winners of the annual Young Designers of America competition for high school students.