Christmas Stockings!

I really cannot understand what all the fuss is about the recent Victoria's Secrets catwalk show and lingerie ... yes, the models are all gorgeous and would look fabulous in anything but to me, the lingerie itself looks cheap and totally unsexy .... far too obvious and tacky. Thankfully, people like Dita Von Teese and Paloma Faith are putting vintage underwear back in the spotlight and girls are realising that you don't have to be wearing next to nothing to look sexy! I think Abbe Lane looks delicious in her bullet bra, stockings and corselette. Finished off with satin boudoir mules, a marabou trimmed peignoir and a 'come hither' look she just oozes naughtiness!

So gentlemen, if you are thinking of buying your lady some lingerie for Christmas, think old-style glamour ... I am sure you will both enjoy the unwrapping!

'You Devil, You' Abbe Lane by Superdoll is modelling the 'Blush' Gene bullet bra, corselette and stockings all by Integrity. Satin and lame marabou-trimmed peignoir and satin mules from 'The Kiss' by Ashton Drake. Three-strand pearl necklace from Franklin Mint. Pearl drop earrings and hair ribbon by Doll-Scum.

The Fragrant Ms Marshall

It is now that time of year when we start to get bombarded by adverts for various fragrances. Is it just me or do they get more and more ridiculous each year? Keira Knightly on a motorbike, Charlize Theron climbing up a rope and who can forget the unintentionally hilarious scene of Nicole Kidman being flung about on a Parisian rooftop giggling "I'm a dancer"? Sorry Nicole but you clearly aren't! The only ones that I do like are the Jean Paul Gaultier adverts, which are firmly tongue-in-cheek but manage to be both witty and sexy.

Let's hark back to far more glamourous time, when Hollywood stars WERE stars and anybody who was anybody endorsed a perfume or even had a fragrance created for them, like the world-famous 'Ooh La Noir' that Chopard created for Gene Marshall in winter 1953. It was an instant hit with women wanting it in their stocking on Christmas morning and their men only too happy to have their ladies smelling like the fragrant Ms Marshall Ahhhh!

'Ooh-La-La' Gene by Integrity is modelling the 'Mystique' gown by Tonner, black gloves from 'Unsung Melody' by Ashton Drake, ruby and diamond necklace by also by Tonner, ruby and diamond earrings and bracelet by Franklin Mint. Diamond and tulle belt by Doll-Scum

Knitorious Attention Seeker!

Funny how coincidental things happen isn't it? I have had this sweater on 'Sloane' for ages now and have been trying and trying to take a decent shot ... I must have had over 10 attempts over the past 9 months or so and have never been satisfied with the results. For some reason her face kept 'bleaching' out; not sure if it is the resin she is made from? Still not 100% happy but I think it will be the best I can do with it.

Anyhow, I bought this sweater on its own - it came in a three-pack - as I did not like the two other colourways (black tan and white and pink red and white). and Superdoll now have the set maked down in their Black Friday sale ... yes, that is how long it has taken me to get this shot! I could now get all three sweaters for a bit more than I paid for this one but hey! that's how it goes!

I did manage to bag the gorgeous magenta 'Venetian' outfit from the 'Fashion Police' collection though so I am not too upset! This was less than half-price and I have always liked it so am looing forward to choosing who gets to wear it ..... Hmmmmm .... I have it narrowed down to two and I think I know who will win!

'Sloane' (LE 134) from the 'Ban The Hunt' series of 2007 is modelling the purple/green sweater and fingerless gloves from the 'Knitorious' set, 'Rock-It' skirt, 'Apple' stockings and suspenders, 'Attention!' shoes and bag, 'Disguise' cats-eye glasses, 'Ban The Hunt camouflage hatbox and customised 'Firehead' wig, all by Superdoll

Deco Postcards

Still on the subject of Madra and hair colours, this is my favourite raven Madra (see, doesn't she just work every hair colour?!) styled in a 20s-early 30s look with her marcel waved hair and pencil-thin eyebrows. I think Madra really, really suits this look and Inetgrity did too as they made a few Madras with this style; 'C'est Moi' (redhead), Rivieria Romp (blonde with a suntan!) and this doll who is 'Postcards from Cannes'. Again, I bought her nude and yes, I do like the outfit that came with this doll, but I am happy just to have the doll alone! I love her in this gown which is 'Diamond Evening' from Ashton Drake, I think she looks very Deco!

'Postcards from Cannes' Madra by Integrity is modelling the 'Diamond Evening' gown and silver peep-toe heels from Midnight Gamble, both by Ashton Drake. Diamond cuff by Franklin Mint' and diamond drop earrings by Doll-Scum.

LOVE Madra!

Even though Madra is definitely a redhead, like Gene she looks fabulous with all other hair colours too and I really wanted a blonde Madra ever since seeing the AD Madra that modelled the 'Coffee Klatch' outfit way back in 2001. I did get the 'Cofee Klatch' outfit but never did get my blonde Madra, until last year, when this doll came up for sale on Ebay and was even happier because she was listed on Ebay UK!! What were the chances of that?! Sadly she was nude but I still jumped at the chance and was delighted to be high bidder. This doll was my favourite from the last Gene Convention (well the last one for Integrity Gene) and I would like to get her outfit one day. I restyle her hair at the back as it was very long, very static and very unruly.

'Love Madra' (LE ??) by Integrity is from the Stardust Gene Convention in 2010. she is modelling the 'One The Avenue' outfit  (circa 1955) by Ashton Drake. The divine Enid Collins style cat purse is by Retros.

Viper Byte

'It Girl Inque' was the first Inque that Superdoll issued way back in October 2008 as an exclusive for Angelic Dreamz. She was the first of a trio of basic dolls and was quickly followed by Raja Stein and then Venus. As far as I am aware she is the only time the sculpt has been used (Clone 601) and I love her skintone and blushing far more than any of the other Inque dolls. Her facepaint isn't my thing though and I toned down her extensive powder blue eyeshadow with a brown pencil ... she usually always wears sunglasses and has the complete collection of 'i-Beans' from Superdoll at her disposal so that takes care of my dislike of the eyeshadow!

She came with a long blue-black wig with a centre-part and I really did not think it was 'her' at all so I flocked her head a bleached blonde shade (it's not very professional but it photographs well) and now she hardly ever gets wigged as I prefer her with this close crop.

'It Girl' Inque is modelling the 'Gilded Glaze' gold leather cocktail dress, 'Viper Byte' jacket, 'Reef' platform shoes and rose-gold 'i-Beans' all by Superdoll.

Madra is a Redhead ...

Surely nobody can argue about this statement ... it's more of a fact than a statement! Mabel Lorkovic may not have had hair as bright red as her alter-ego, Madra Lord, but she was most definitely a natural redhead ... I think Trent Osborn confirmed this in his deliciously detailed autobiography, 'My Wicked, Wicked Ways'.

I LOVE 'Licquorice Crush' Madra; she is perhaps my favourite Madra as she has a camp factor that goes off-the-scale!. Her Crawford-esque hair do has to be one of Integrity's best (if not THE best) and her outfit is pretty cool too ... totally digging the Schiparelli-pink satin gloves!

 'Licquorice Crush' Madra by Integrity is wearing her original dress, gloves, jewellery and shoes.

Gene IS a Blonde!

To me, Gene is most definitely a blonde. She might have had several colours of hair throughout her illustrious career, changing shades and styles for various film roles and maybe sometimes she liked the new colour and kept it for a while, but she always went back to blonde.

Now I am not saying that her hair is its natural colour, even as a blonde - I do remember reading in the book 'Girl Star' that it was lightened during her train journey to Hollywood - but Katie Marshall was born blonde.

I love her with all hair colours but that last three Integrity Genes I have bought have been blonde .... maybe it is a subconscious thing?! I really like this blonde bubble cut on 'Lone Star Soiree Texas Gold' Gene; it is a shame that her body is going the same colour as her hair!

'Lone Star Soiree Texas Gold' Gene by Integrity, is modelling the dress, gloves, handbag and earrings from 'Incognito' by Ashton Drake. Shoes are by Blumingtons, cats-eye sunglasses from Horsman and her maltese terrier is by DAE.

Kimonover!

I have been very good this year and only bought one Sybarite (there are still 4 months to do further damage though!) and this was not a complete, dressed doll but a nude I bought off a lovely guy in the US called John (Dollster). I could not pass up on her because (a) I've had my eye one her for almost a year and (b) the price was a steal!

'Friday' was a Superdoll London 2013 Convention doll and was LE 50. No prizes for guessing but she was the Friday night doll and came dressed in a dusky purple velvet outfit, which to he brutally honest, was just not my thing at all, so I was delighted to be getting the doll only!

I just LOVE her, she is fantastic and has a naughty Russ-Meyer'ish vibe which is just right up my alley. Her thick winged eyeliner is just too cool for school, as is her flipped hair and blunt fringe. I did paint her lips a bright coral red ... they were originally a nude tone, which was nice but I wanted them less subtle ... I don't see her as a subtle kinda' chick! Faster Pussycat ... Kill, KILL!

'Friday' is modelling the lace bodysuit from the 'D-I-V-O-R-C-E' outfit and jacket from 'Kinkimono'. Shoes are from 'Sno-Orchid' and black lace fan and diamond drop earrings from 'You Devil, You', all by Superdoll.

Smouldering Seductively ... Ms Violet Waters

The beautiful chanteuse, Miss Violet Waters, was the fourth character to be added to the Monolithic line in November 2001. I remember being super-excited waiting for my pre-ordered 'Special Apperance' Violet to arrive from the US ... Violet makes her debut in "Special Appearance" a stunning gown of delicate white lace that boasts over 12,000 (that's right, it's not a misprint - 12,000!) hand-applied sequins and seed beads.

Well this was one of the most, if not THE most, disappointing gowns ever! The "delicate white lace" turned out to be tacky stretch lace used for making cheap stripper's lingerie and the beading was oversized and nothing special. I did like the doll and still have her (loved the hairstyle) but that dress just had to go!

Fast forward to Autumn 2008 and the gorgeous 'Color Deal' Violet Waters made her debut courtesy of Integrity. Needless to say she caught my eye and I managed to buy a nude off ebay. At around the same time I bought this Tonner gown called 'Smouldering Seduction' also off ebay. Upon arrival it did reek of cigarette smoke, which the seller failed to mention, but I did not feel I could complain, given the outrageously small sum of money I paid for it and luckily, the smell did fade when I hung it on the washing line for a few days. 

Now this IS a gown fit for Ms Waters to make her 'Special Apperance' in ... smouldering!

'Color Deal' Violet is modelling 'Smouldering Seduction' by Tonner. Silver microphone and stand from the 'USO' set by Ashton Drake. Earrings by Doll-Scum.

Bonnie Little Thing

This lovely lady was the first doll that I bought this year (yes, I am playing catch-up!) and is a total departure for me with her not being either a Sybarite nor from the Monolithic stable. She is from Bobby Dolls here in the UK and was created by the very talented Bobby Hawcutt. Bobby has a blog, bobbydolls.blogspot.co.uk and sells on Etsy under Plastic City.

As you can see she is made entirely of cloth and has a beautifully hand-panted face. She came in her cute pink dress and in fabulously luxe packaging (her box lid is the wall in this picture) along with an original sketch shown below (copyright Bobby Hawcutt) ...

This is the copy about 'Bonnie' from Bobby Doll:

OOAK Fashion Cloth Rag Doll - Part of my 2014
Dinky Doll collection

Made from cotton and only 12 inches tall! Bonnie wears a 60's inspired vivid pink shift dress made from vintage fabric with complimenting rose corsage. Her tiny shoes are hand painted in teal. All clothing is sewn on and is non-removable.

Bonnie has a wire skeleton so she has can strike a few poses. Her hair is platinum mohair and is styled in a loosely curled up do. Her face has been hand painted and detailed with big blue eyes and dainty strawberry red lips!

This girl will come packaged in her box with tag to prove her identity!

Isn't she just the most adorable little thing ever? I was quite sorry that I missed the second in Bobby's 'Dinky Doll' series, 'Bunny' going up for sale a few months later as I feel she needs a friend to hang out with ..... Hmmmm this could prove to be dangerous!

http://bobbydolls.blogspot.co.uk/
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/PlasticCity?ref=em

Painted Doll

In the days before Sybarites, Superdoll used to to make couture to fit the Tonner dolls. I remember a lot of these exquisite gowns, many of them bridal, and have had the privilege and pleasure of seeing some of these at an exhibit at the Paris Doll Museum in 2010.

Superdoll being Superdoll would not let just any old Tonner doll model their creations ... Charles used to repaint, or rather 'enhance' their Sydney Chase dolls for this prestigeous job ... this is 'Maude', a Sydney that has been enhanced by Charles. She has been given a fabulous updo and sultry new make-up. She is modelling a gown which was a limited edition of three called 'Carnidiva' and was made for the UK Doll Divas 2005 doll club event. Three colourways were made ... hot pink, teal green and apricot. The masque and headpiece was not made by Superdoll but are made with fabric donated by them.

'Maude' is modeling 'Carnidiva' in the apricot colourway and neckpiece from 'Couture Salon' both by Superdoll. Shoes from Ashton Drake for Gene Marshall and masque and headpiece by Doll-Scum.

Burlesque Belles

These three tattooed teasers are from a collection called 'Helles Belles' (great name yeah?!) which was exclusive to the lovely Marl of Marl & B in Florida. Superdoll has always had exclusives for Marl, the first was 'Santa's Baby' in 2006, followed by 'Limousine' in 2007, 'Queen B' in 2008, and 'Sanctuary' in 2009; however this was the first trio exclusive and the dolls were released over two years. Left to right is 'Neurotica', released in 2012, then 'Gothica' and finally 'Toxica', both released in 2011. These are my favourite dolls from the Marl & B Sybarites, followed by 'Sanctuary' who is totally different to these rockabilly rebels! Their default outfits are fabulous and deserve a post all of their own.

'Neurotica' is modelling the 'Slipper' Lingerie and holds a powder puff from a Daisy and Willow outfit. 'Gothica' is modelling the lace underwear from 'Skye', black patent 'Automatic' boots, leather studded 'Punctuation' hair bow, black leather 'Seville' driving gloves and carries a silver Sybarite hand-mirror. 'Toxica' is modelling the coffee lace 'Sugar' underwear, 'Patina' boots and head-piece from 'Couture Salon'. They are lounging on the 'Daze' bed covered with a leopard print fur from ebay. Everything shown is by Superdoll (unless stated).

Red Carpet

Well it is a 'green carpet' that 'Seville' is lying (so fabulously) on but her gown is definitely 100% red carpet-worthy! It is the super-pretty 'Powder' by Superdoll. This was part of the *CLASSIC 8* series from mid-2006 and my favourite from that series.The fur cape is outgrageous, with its tulle and red pom-pom trim and you can just see the divine diamante trimmed heels peeping out from under the hem of the dress.

I was going to sell 'Seville' but I am having second thoughts now!

'Seville' is modelling 'Powder' by Superdoll from the *CLASSIC 8* series. Maribou powder puff from Somers and Field.

Ooh La Valentine

I love the face paint on this Gene (it does have an official name but I can't recall what it is!) who is called 'Ooh-La-La!'. There were three dolls made by Integrity with this face paint, the other two being 'Shadow Song' and 'Rondolet'.

This is an Ashton Drake outfit that I sold and bought back again. I love the style and the fabric is great quality ... I just find the length a bit strange?! The shoes are nice too and a change from the ribbon ties (which I actually do like but it got to the point where AD used them for almost every outfit!). Gene is ready to make an entrance at the Hollywood Valentine Ball ... I wonder who will be escorting her?

'Ooh-La-La!' Gene by Integrity is modelling the 'Ransom in Red' outfit by Ashton Drake. Ruby and diamond necklace by Tonner, ruby and diamond earrings by Franklin Mint and heart-shaped diamond brooch by Facets.

Oh Lordy!

When Integrity relaunched Ms Madra Lord with the FAO Exclusive 'Midas Touch' I was delighted! I always liked Madra; she was the devil to Gene's angel ... a bit like Rizzo vs Sandy! Now to get anything direct from FAO to the United Kingdom is nigh on impossible ... useless website and riduculous shipping cost being the two main obstacles, so I resigned myself to being Madra-less for a while.

This served me well in long run because I saw 'Metropolitan Madra' and just had to have her. It did help that a very nice US seller was willing to ship her to the UK, so over to old Blighty my first Integrity Madra came! I just did not like her outfit one little bit and sold it almost immediately; it was a wine coloured satin gown with big winged sleeves and totally average jewellery and shoes ... just not my thing!

'El Morocco' is one of the Gene outfits that I kept. The fit isn't fabulous but I like the length and the tulle overskirt is cute.  It was also one the few AD outfits to come with black hose. I keep meaning to do something better with the hat!

'Metropolitan Madra' by integrity is modelling the dress, overskirt, cuff, earrings, hose and clutch purse from 'El Morocco' by Ashton Drake. Hat by Fil Baldowski. Crystal butterfly heels by Doll-Scum.

400 Flamingo

This is 'Skye' who is the last of the 400 Club series by Superdoll and was a Haute Doll Exclusive in October 2005. I decided that I did not 'need' her and was happy with my trio of 'Sugar', 'Sushi' and Sabbatha' ... and so it remained for quite a while. 

What triggered the change was the doll I bought with the money I got from selling 'Sabbatha' and, as mentioned in the previous post, I could just not get over the fact that I had made this mistake and every time I picked up this doll, it just reminded me of the fact.

All was not lost however, as a fellow collector posted that they wanted to trade the doll I had for their 'Skye' and I jumped at the chance! No she was not 'Sabbatha' but I was delighted with the swap and have never regretted it one bit. Now I was all the more determined to find the absent sister!

'Skye' is modelling the 'Candyache', gown, pink fishnet hose and wedge sandals, 'Bloodhound' bangles and 'Colorshop' blonde pigtail wig all by Superdoll. Vintage kimono silk bandana by Doll-scum.

Never on the Sabbatha

Well as you can see my "only the one" Sybarite vow was well and truly out of the window and this gave me free reign to order 'Sabbatha' from Haute Doll in October 2005. She was offered with 'Skye' and they were a slightly higher edition than their 400 Club sisters 'Sugar' and 'Sushi' at 95 pieces each.

'Sabbatha' sold out pretty quickly but 'Skye' proved less popular and took quite a few weeks to sell out. they both came in the same underwear, fishnet knee socks and stilleto boots as 'Sugar' and 'Sushi' ... 'Sabbatha' in red and 'Skye' in black.

I stupidly sold my 'Sabbatha' in October 2006 to buy another Sybarite and instantly regretted it but luckily, I did manage to buy her back almost three years later (and at over twice the original  price), so lesson learned hopefully! The reason it took three years and cost double is because she is still one of the most desirable Sybarites and seems to be most people's favourite from the '400 Club' quartet.

'Sabbatha' is modelling a mesh and lace bodysuit from 'Cross' black pencil skirt from 'Will, checked obi, tabi-geta shoes and parasol from 'Marigold, red fishnet hose from 'Librium' and platinum wig from 'Blade, all by Superdoll.

Yo! Sushi

This is 'Sushi' and she is the second Sybarite that I bought (after the usual "I only need one" justification to oneself) a few days after I ordered 'Sugar' from the Superdoll site. If she had sold out quicker I would not have had the choice/excuse but she didn't and, nearly 10 years on, I am still so glad that I did hit that 'BUY' button!

She is one of my most redressed girls and anything pink/green goes straight to her. She suits all hair colours and like her sister 'Sugar', she is going nowhere. I just love her!

'Sushi' is modelling the complete 'Thyme' outfit from the 'Fashion Victim' series and the Ginger 'Fro wig  from the 'Colorshop' Wig series, all by Superdoll. Diamante hair clip by Facets.

Pour some Sugar on me

Moving on with the 'my first' Integrity/Ashton Drake/Tonner theme, it would be downright rude and dare I say a diabolical liberty for me not to give a mention to my first Sybarite, who was the darling 'Sugar'. She appeared on the Superdoll site on 6 October 2005 and the rest is, as they say, history.

Although she was LE 75, she did not sell out immediately as there were not a lot of Sybarite enthusiasts at the time. She appeared with 'Sushi' - who was even slower to sell out (maybe because she was a bit more funky with neon yellow underwear and boots; 'Sugar' had coffee coloured). At the time a few of people painted her odd eyes (one brown/one blue) to match ... didn't get it myself! 

I love her just as much now, if not more, than that first day when I unzipped her silver travelling bag. My experience is that you can't say that for many dolls you've had for almost 10 years! She is still my favourite out of the four '400 Club' girls and easily in my top five.

'Sugar' is modelling the mink-trimmed parka, Superdoll logo tee and pin sequinned mini skirt from 'Superdelic' all by Superdoll. Pink leopard boots also by Superdoll. lace hose from an unknown maker. Directors chair by Ashton Drake. 'Kiss Me' bag, hairpiece and orange mongolian skin wig all by Doll-Scum.

Integrity Intact

Well almost ... 'Vixen' Gene's body went rather jaundiced so she has now had her head transplanted onto a Tonner 'Antoinette' body but that's another story! 

I was solely a Gene collector in the beginning; I didn't have everything but I had around 15 dolls and lots of outfits and accessories. I then got into Tonner because of the 'Sydney Chase' sculpt (I still like the early Sydney's and have kept about 5 or 6) and sold my Ashton Drake Gene dolls (except a nude 'Heart of Hollywood' ... I never did like the outfit!). I then got into the Sybarites and sold off all my Tonner dolls with the exception of the Sydney's mentioned earlier. Can you see a pattern forming here? 

I thought I had things nicely under control ... "I will just concentrate on the Sybarites now", I smugly told myself. When I saw the new 'Vixen' Gene all that went out of the window. The last thing I was planning on doing was 'getting back' into Gene! Damn you Integrity and your relaunch of Gene ... I am kind of relieved that they have stopped. At least I had kept a lot of Ashton Drake clothing, so over 25 dolls later I didn't feel quite as guilty as I should have done!

'Vixen' Gene from Integrity is modelling 'Lucky Stripe' by Ashton Drake. Director's chair also by Ashton Drake. Hair restyled by Doll-Scum.

DC or not DC?

That is the question that was asked recently on a Sybarite board that I post on. Actually the question was along the lines of "what is your favourite Sybarite sculpt?" and my answer was the DC sculpt. Superdoll have several sculpts and mainly use the Venus sculpt for production dolls ... the DC sculpt is saved for special Limited Editions, for example Superdoll Events, OOAKs and exhibition collections.

I do not have many DC Sybarites  (my favourite dolls are owned by other people and they mostly happen to be the DC sculpt). However I am very happy with the ones I do have and 'Librium' and 'Cosma' who are pictured above, just happen to be DCs!

I was craving a splash of colour on this cold, wet, grey January day and this has satisfied that need. The added bonus is that it also shows off my favourite Sybarite sculpt!

'Librium', on the left of the picture is modelling 'Sweet', the platinum afro wig from 'Sushi', hose from 'Iguana Blue' all by Superdoll. Jewelled hair clip from Facets. 'Cosma' on the right of the picture is modelling 'Sour' and the auburn corkscrew wig from 'Powder'. Bird hairpiece by Doll-Scum

Plum Crazy

I am a bit fed up of long hair on my dolls ... sometimes it just seems to overtake the picture as it can jump out for all the wrong reasons! Also it just gets really messy and static, no matter how careful you are with it. I have sprayed all my Monolithic girls hair do's so they are rock hard and others that had really long, loose hair like 'Vixen', 'Distant Venus', 'Blue Horizon' and 'Love Madra' have had a restyle (and then it's been sprayed to within an inch of it's life!)

Imagine what a refreshing change it is to have a Gene with short hair ... 'Plum Role' just blew me away with her sassy pixie cut and she is now a favourite. She is the perfect choice to model this fabulously authentic 'bad girl' outfit by the super-talented Byanca Evans!

'Plum Role' Gene by Integrity is modelling a tulip petal halterneck bra-top, leopard pencil skirt and glitter clutch purse by Byanca Evans. Director's chair by Ashton Drake. Lace-up platform sandals and gold hoop earrings by Doll-Scum.

Coquette Calling

Still on a cocktail vibe here so though I'd share my favourite Superdoll and actually favourite ever doll dress 'Coquette' ... isn't it just divine?!

Superdoll have a tradition that goes back many years - they always produce a special Valentine outfit. These started off as OOAKs for Sydney Chase and then when the Sybarites were born, they were produced in higher numbers (no more than 25) and sold on the Supersite on a 'first-come-first-served' basis... you can imagine the frenzy they cause and of course, they always sell out immediately (I have never been lucky with them or the Halloween gowns). Now the Valentine/Halloween issues have changed to a complete doll.

This dress is a Valentine gown from 2008 and is called 'Coquetry'; there were two Valentine gowns issued in 2008, the other one being 'Guilded Glaze' and no big surprise, I missed them both but have managed to snag them since!

'Raven Couture Swallow' models the fabulous 'Coquetry' cocktail dress and slip-on stiletto mules. Black hose are from 'Mass', customised black fur stole from 'Powder' all by Superdoll. Vintage telephone from 'Hot Day in Hollywood', gloves from 'Unsung Melody' both by Ashton Drake. Black tulle, lurex and feather headpiece by Doll-Scum.

Cocktail Party

I am getting to like cocktail dresses more and more ... don't get me wrong, there is nothing quite like a spectacular gown when a diva wants to make and entrance, but sometimes a LBD (or a little dress of any colour) can turn as many heads. This is a cocktail dress is from Tonner's 2005 Boutique line and I love it's vintage styling, particularly the fact that it ends below the knee. The lace is a good scale and nice quality too - not that tacky stripper's underwear stuff! It is not a perfect fit on Gene but a small pin at the back of the waist and et voila ... who would know?

'Cocoa Crisp' Gene from Integrity models Tonner's 'Cocktail Noir'. Suede heels are from Tonner, gloves from 'Unsung Melody' and Topaz ear-studs from 'First Stop Chicago' both by Ashton Drake. Re-upholstered Tonner chair and velvet hair bow (just seen) by Doll-scum.

New Sensation

This is one of those outfits that I have had for years (about 13 I'd guess) and although it only saw the light of day once, when I first tried it on my one and only Gene, I somehow could not bring myself to move it on. There were more things I liked about it (the bubble skirt attachment, the blue against the rich gold satin, the gloves, the shoes) than I didn't like (the wrap/stole, the length of the dress, too many bows going on). It suddenly came to me that this might look better as a cocktail dress. So, I took a deep breath, a needle and thread and some shears .... "Off with her mermaid train!"

This Ashton Drake outfit was originally called 'My Favourite Bow' but I think Mattel got the horrors and the name had to change. Well a few less bows and a change of hemline and I love this outfit now ... sometines less is more.

'Shadow Song' Gene from Integrity is modelling a redesigned 'Gold Sensation' by Ashton Drake/Doll-Scum. Diamante necklace and drop earrings are called 'Frostfire' from Facets. Diamante cuffs also by Facets. 

Lucite delite

As you get older you cannot make a Christmas list for fear of appearing both greedy and presumptuous. You can, however, drop hints ... some are taken on board, others not. This gorgeous lucite bag was the result of such a hint. "Oooh what a clever and wonderful person who found this for you" I hear you chirp. Are you joking??!! I would NEVER trust anyone to choose a lucite bag for me ... but they are more than welcome to give me the money to hunt one down myself!

This beauty arrived yesterday and is dark grey marbled with a clear etched lid and handle. It is in great condition ... all the hinges are tight and rust-free and the clasp is in good working order. Sadly there is no makers label inside (there was one but this has come away). My guess is that it is not 'Wilardy' or 'Rialto' as they are usually stamped on the hinge. I'll have to do a bit of detective work on this one!

Hound of Love

This is one occasion where everything on this picture is pure, one hundred percent Superdoll ... nothing has come from any other doll line as this picture was taken for a Sybarite forum where you are requested not to use anything non-Superdoll so I respect these terms when I post on there. I can understand the need for this forum to remain 'pure' as it is a dedicated Sybarite/Superdoll fan site.

'Blade' is modelling the bodysuit, skirt, boots, collar and cuffs from 'Love', the checked apron from 'Bloodhound', the cape from 'No Ballet', stockings and sheer armlets from 'XXX', crystal headband from 'Blackbird Society', glitter clutch from the 'Blade' giftset and the wig from 'Pompadour'.

Something Borrowed

I am not new to blogging ... I did have two blogs on the go simultaneously (one for the Sybarites and one for Gene and company) and at first I was posting regularly but, like most things, they started to take a back seat and became a bit of a 'chore' for want of a better description. I was going to start another blog dedicated solely to my Abbe Lane Sybarite ... this was going to be pictures of Abbe dressed in fashions from the 40s, 50s early 60s etc ... a kind of Golden Age of Hollywood thing. However, circumstance (an out-of-date software/browser glitch) prevented this plan but I now see this as a good thing. I've decided to have just one blog mixing everything - I think I had been moulded by rules and regulations too much; these being both from doll boards and also 'self-imposed' albeit subconciously. It finally dawned that I had forgotton how to enjoy my dolls! I do understand the need for rules and regulations when you are running a forum and I do respect these ... but sometimes I just want to put something on a doll that does not belong to her! Now, do I alter this dress to cocktail length?!

'You Devil You' Abbe Lane is modelling the 'Happy Birthday Mr President' dress and 'Diamonds Are A Doll's Best Friend' jewellery set from the Franklin Mint. Fur stole by Doll-Scum.

Where do I begin?

Let's start at the beginning (that's a very good place to start!). 

I saw my first doll that I had to have (as an adult; not going back to Sindy or Barbie etc when I was a kid) in 1999. Surprisingly maybe, this was not on the internet, but actually in person in a doll store ... a very, very, very rare outlet to see in the UK. 

She was 'Hello Hollywood Hello' Gene and I totally fell head over heels for the 40s look, the outfit, the hair, the shoes the storycard! Of course I told myself she would be a one-off. I no longer have the doll but I kept the outfit and still have a soft spot for Ms Marshall.

'Heart of Hollywood' Gene models the 'Hello Hollywood, Hello' outfit. Doll, outfit and hatboxes by Ashton Drake.