Who is Beth Dauria or 'Dolly' with her 'Rockin' bags built to last'? Well, she is the designer and creative business woman behind the handbag line Dungaree Dolly and dress line, Dolly Valentine. Miss Beth (you can call her Dolly) creates the bags and dresses from her own drafted patterns, some vintage inspiration, and her sewing skills to create wonderful and unique items for all us rockin' ladies! Dolly always strives for a perfect product, with her infectious smile, and over all sparkle, she puts all that magic into each of her creations. Every bag, dress and accessory is made with love by Dolly herself, that's right, she literally makes it just for you!
In celebration of the fourth exclusive (soon to be released) Dolly Valentine dress design for Cat Like Us, let's snuggle up to the woman behind Dungaree Dolly/Dolly Valentine!
How did she start sewing?
On Beth's 16th birthday, her father took her to Sears to pick out her first sewing machine as a gift. The machine was a Kenmore and that gift helped pave the way to Beth's interest in sewing. A short time later while in Home EC class, she was asked what her goal was for the class and she replied, “To make my own (junior) prom dress”, well the class and teacher all laughed at her. Yet, little Miss Beth did just that, she made herself two prom dresses and another dress for a friend, I'm sure that class would not be laughing at her now!
How did Dungaree Dolly all start?
After high school, Beth attended The Academy of Design in Toronto, Ontario for fashion design and after coming home in 2001, she met her finance (they are getting married October 8th!) Jason who affectionately named her (his) Dolly. When Beth came up with the idea to start a small business to make vintage replica dresses, Jason helped her to brainstorm names, and got the name 'Dungaree Dolly' from the lyrics of the“Ready Teddy” song by Little Richard. Beth went on to make a small one page website selling her dress line to girls all over the world. The dress line was called Dungaree Dolly's Handmade Vintage Replicas, which unfortunately only lasted a short period of time due to the overwhelming demand it placed on making custom clothing while also working a full time office job.
How did Dolly start making handbags?
While working at her office job, Beth's co-workers took notice of her little bags she'd been making for herself. The office was such a buzz with her handmade; checkbooks, mini bags and cosmetic bags, that she would make a few and sell them right off her desk! That's when the light bulb went off, Beth could make fun, creative and crazy patterned handbags with her own creative edge much faster than apparel. Thus Dungaree Dolly's 'Rockin' Bags Built To Last' was born!
What is the Dolly Valentine line?
Beth always made clothing for herself over the years, but started concentrating on drafting patterns and making vintage inspired cotton dresses that were getting a lot of positive feedback from friends. Julie Ann approached Beth several times about selling original dress designs at Cats Like Us, so with a little nudging and a lot of thought, the Dolly Valentine dress was created. Beth wanted to keep her handbags and dress line seperate, hence the different names, but everything is made (with love!) at the Dolly studio.
Where does Dolly get her inspiration from?
She says, “I find inspiration from my dreams, while taking the good from vintage inspiration and mixing them with modern design”. While Beth does love the designer Betsey Johnson she, “Tries not to shop around or look at modern bags, so to avoid subsciously taking someone's idea”.
What's in store for the future?
Beth says, “Living in the present day and enjoying the freedom of living and working from home." And, "Coming out with new bag designs for Dungaree Dolly”.
Beth poses with the adorable little Rutti. Can you spot the new dress in the background?
Miss (Beth) Dolly has accomplished many things while being a designer, yet some highlights include; making gift bags for MTV Music Awards and VH-1 Save the Music event. Dolly has also donated her special creations to help benefit the; ASPCA, fundraisers, and benefits. Check her out by visiting, www.dungareedolly.com. We love you Dolly and she loves all of us. *Wink*
~Photos and interview by Meagan Kyla XOXO