Suited to Stroll

Well it has been AGES since I posted on this blog (three years to be exact - eekk!) but I still love my Monolithic stars and have added quite a few more during my absence! Here are the gorgeous 'Azalea Ice' Zita Charles and her friend and co-star 'Ivy Vee Jordan' out for a stroll in New York city. Even though it is early spring, New York is experiencing an unseasonably cold snap (the coldest for 50 years!) so they are wrapped up in their stylish wool and fur-trimmed suits. Zita is wearing 'Goodbye New York' which has been re-trimmed with a more luxurious fur (hated the original fur on this ... thought it looked really cheap). Zita's fab peep-toe heels are by Blumingtons. Ivy is wearing the Anne Harper/Tonner 'Feather in Her Hat' outfit. I was really pleased with this and it is quire a good fit too. There were even some nude nylon gloves to put under the actual gloves to prevent staining. Ivy's gold dragonfly brooch is by Fil Baldowski. Hamish, the skye terrier belongs to Zita!

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.