Let it Snow!

The divine 'Park Avenue Prowl' Gene came to the UK yesterday - all the way from Australia - and let's just say she was glad of that fur coat as it is freezing here at the moment! The snow has melted but the temperatures have struggled to get above zero.

'Park Avenue Prowl' was one of my most wanted Genes and I really thought that I would never get her, let alone get her complete with all the outfit and accessories. I actually like everything in the giftset; the leopard coat is my favourite but the other items are a lot nicer than I thought they would be - I was not expecting to like the sequined corset-style top but it is really nicely done and I was pleasantly surprised.

The giftset comprises of Gene (naturally!) dressed in a beautiful all-in-one foundation garment in bronze satin, a plum pencil skirt, a tulle cocktail skirt with a bronze sequined top, dark brown leather gloves, a heather coloured chiffon scarf and the most gorgeous bronze glitter strappy heels ... the only thing that disappointed me was the jewellery (which is nothing new!) which was iridescent bronze seed beads.

Here is the official take on 'Park Avenue Prowl' off the website:

Park Avenue Prowl is a fashionable collection of dramatic pieces, designed for maximum variation and impact. A ‘leopard’ coat, collared and cuffed in contrasting ‘fox’ is the starting point for the collection. Beneath this coat can be worn a variety of looks. A pencil thin skirt of umber crepe-backed satin is worn beneath a bronze sequined top, sleeveless and fitted with a notched peplum. Or the same top can be worn with a full skirt of multi-colored tulle, layered in jewel tones and designed to echo the glittering open-toed sandals, strapped and buckled in bronze. A one-piece foundation garment of deep caramel satin sporting attached garters and hose can be worn as lingerie or with either skirt for a duo of daring evening looks. Accessories include black ‘leather’ gloves, a chiffon scarf, and golden earrings matching a jewel-toned necklace of golden and plum beading. Gene’s sleek hairstyle is of a dark chestnut brown and is perfect with her plum eyeshadow and marvelous deep magenta mouth.

'Park Avenue Prowl' Gene is modelling the leopard and fox coat, leather gloves and chiffon scarf from the giftset. The heels are by Tonner and customised with leopard-print fabric by Doll-Scum; the peke belongs to Ivy Jordan and is called Chow Ling.

Vibrant Vision

This is the first 'Ivy Jordan' doll that I bought and I did not intend getting any other (but have since ended up with two more - Ooops!).

She is the 'Color Deal Ivy' and came dressed in a coral pink sheath dress (like the dress but hate coral pink!) with a white headscarf, gloves and shoes - nothing special really but I do like the doll and think she is my favourite Ivy. She reminds me of Joan Crawford with her rolled fringe/bangs and she has beautiful brown eyes.

The gown she is wearing is a Madame Alexander creation called 'Vibrant Vision' - I have had it quite a while and it is a favourite gown; what can I say? I am a sucker for tulle I guess!

The shoes that came with it are not that great ... they are black mules with a row of red crystal beads on elastic to keep them on. It also has a strange corset/waist-clincher in what I can best describe as a kind of flowered Swiss/Tyrolean fabric. I never use this as in my opinion, it just adds nothing and totally detracts from the gown. I can't even remember if there was any jewellery with this - so if there was, it must be pretty forgettable! However, I think the gown more than speaks for itself!

'Color Deal Ivy' is modelling the Madame Alexander 'Vibrant Vision' gown. Diamante necklace by Tonner, bracelet and earrings by Franklin Mint.

Reflet D'Argent

I've had this Tonner gown for years - it is one of my favourites obviously, as it is still here! It is from their 'Theatre De La Mode' series and is called 'Reflet D'Argent'. It does have a beautiful turban with a big feather plume but none of my Monolithic girls have a suitable hairstyle to go under it, sadly.

With a few exceptions, I love the outfits in Tonner's TDLM series and would like to add a few more. I was very pleased to get 'Glammed Up' Ivy as a nude off ebay - like brown-eyed blondes - and personally, I like her with her hair restyled; the severe updo did nothing for me (or her!)

I think Ivy has a great face and I can't believe she is the same mould as the 'Marsha Hunt' doll which I do not like much. I still think my favourite Ivy is the 'Color Deal' one.

'Glammed Up' Ivy is modelling the Tonner TDLM 'Reflet D'Argent' gown and armlets. Diamond necklace and earrings by Franklin Mint and purse from the 'In The Pink' Silkstone Barbie.

Introducing Zita Charles - Queen bee of the Hollywood social scene

As a major star of the late silent era, Zita Louise (as she was then called) was the epitome of the Jazz Age glamour. Known as the "Too Much Girl", Zita forged a reputation as a party girl and was a favorite of the Hollywood gossip columns. Counts and "princes" seemed always to be proposing to her in front of a fountain while the cameras were rolling. Everyone and anyone just wanted to be with Zita Charles! With her vampish look, sassy style and elegant vintage inspired gowns.

Just wanted to post the official intro and Mel's beautiful illustration of Zita, in case it disappears with the website.

The 'Too Much' Girl

This is the first 'Zita Charles' doll and she had her introduction in October 2008. Unfortunately for me, she was an FAO Schwarz Exclusive and at well over $250, plus shipping, out of my reach.

There were various other incarnations of Zita - the next one I think was a Wu Club Exclusive called 'Evening Mist', and then the 'Silhouette of the 30s' and 'Wrap Party' Zitas.

I did toy with the idea of 'Wrap Party' as I liked her outfit, but the only Zita that a truly wanted was 'Azalea Ice' - I just adore the streak in her hair and none of the other Zitas had this fabulous and unique touch - so I could not take the plunge and accept second best, as it were.

Needless to say I was delighted when trawling through the doll board I saw a poster offering a NRFB 'Azalea Ice' for sale for $120! I emailed straight away and although the seller would not ship outside the US, they were happy to send the package to my darling shipping buddy in LA (thank you Andrew!)

Miss Zita Louise Charles arrived before Christmas and as soon as I opened the box, I knew I had done the right thing n holding out for 'Azalea Ice' ... she is the BEST Zita, no contest! Her gown is really pretty and the chiffon drapes really nicely - the shoes are great too - I thought the jewellery was a bit lacklustre but nothing I cannot rectify! Here is the 'official' blurb:

Azalea Ice is the very first Zita Charles doll and is offered exclusively through FAO's online catalogue division. Zita wears a luscious one-shouldered gown with detailing at the bust that echoes the gown's incredible colorful train. Zita comes complete with matching gloves, shoes and jewelry so she is totally prepared to take on tonight's party, wherever it may be.

'Azalea Ice' Zita models the 'Azalea Ice' gown, gloves and heels, Jewellery is a mixture of Franklin Mint and Tonner.