Showing posts with label Sandra Stillwell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sandra Stillwell. Show all posts

8/28/2013

Sandra Stillwell Presents: "Every Day's A Holiday" Souvenir Fashions

The amount of stuff I came home with from Kansas City borders on the obscene. Besides the things I bought, we were given an incredible array of fashions and swag. Today I had some time to photograph most of the souvenir outfits.
All the ensembles came with gloves but I'm not the most patient dolly dresser and I just didn't put most of them on.
A-Tisket-A-Tasket
A-Tisket-A-Tasket
Patriotic Promenade
Bewitching
Silver Bells
Waiting For Saint Nick
Waiting For Saint Nick
Romantic Rendezvous
The dolls are mine as we did not get dolls as souvenirs. However....I did win a centerpiece Vita and I also won two Tonner dolls in the raffle. I was very lucky. More about that later.

Those of us who went on Thursday's tour will be getting a fantastic replica of a late 40's TWA hostess fashion. This is a picture of the prototype.
We got an adorable felt circle skirt decorated with Christmas symbols. Other swag included handbags, hats, paper miniatures, and so much more.

Wait until you see the rest of the goodies! Stay tuned.

4/05/2013

Registration is now officially open for Sandra Stillwell's "Every Day's A Holiday"!

Here is the official notification from Sandra:



You are cordially invited to join us for THE gala holiday happening of the year, when friends old and new gather for Sandra Stillwell Presents: "Every Day's A Holiday", in Kansas City, Missouri, August 22-25th, 2013.

Do you remember...
The childhood anticipation of waiting for Santa -- snug in your cozy new Christmas PJ's? Those magical Christmas mornings when you unwrapped that beautifully dressed dolly or other treasures you'd been dreaming of?

The excitement of shopping for that perfectly accessorized frock to wear on Easter morning? Brightly colored flowers and the delightful pastel colors of Easter eggs? The warm feeling of a fuzzy soft Easter bunny or chick?
Do you recall...
The thrill of receiving that special heartfelt valentine from a secret friend? The tug at your heart feeling of romantic chocolate and flowers sent from someone who thinks you're special?
How about the wide eyed fun of spooky ghosts, witches, black cats and bats? Or the fun of trick or treating and eating your loot afterwards? Dressing up in Halloween costumes or kitsch, and seasonable colors of orange, purple and black?
Do you remember...
Festive fourth of July parties and picnics with family and friends, followed by larger than life fireworks displays at nightfall? The sounds of big band music with patriotic colors and stars and stripes as far as the eye can see?
Or perhaps a different type of holiday has special meaning for you -- a fantasy flight to a far away destination? An anniversary? New Year's Eve?  
"Sandra Stillwell Presents: Every Day's A Holiday" will sweep you back to a time of such happy remembrances when the magic of holidays could be witnessed everywhere from Main Street to Hollywood's Silver Screen.   
 
Limited to only 50 attendees, this intimate holiday soiree will be a celebration of friends, dolls, beloved holiday traditions, classic movies and beautiful fashions -- all rolled into a fun filled weekend that will surely bring out the child in us all!  
The Souvenir Package...
Our "Every Day's A Holiday" souvenir package will be a collection of elegant holiday fashions mixed with a twist of fun!  Created to fit your favorite 16" fashion doll these designs will be produced especially for this not to be missed Sandra Stillwell Presents event!
Also Included in your registration fee will be a docent guided tour of the Toy and Miniature Museum of Kansas City to view fabulous examples of dolls, dollhouses, miniature room sets, teddy bears, and toys of yesteryear. Housed in a 38 room historic mansion, this delightful museum is truly a child's Christmas dream come true!
Of course, no holiday would be complete without Kansas City's own Hallmark Cards, so we're also planning a tour at the Hallmark Visitor's Center, where we'll learn the rich history of this century old company.
And, if all the exciting things mentioned above weren't enough... there's still more packed into your "Every Day's A Holiday" registration -- a fun movie break, desert reception and 3 meals, including a gala Saturday night banquet! We will also have illustrious guest speakers, interesting programs and displays, raffles, room shopping, and maybe even a few holiday surprises!! 
Registration and other fees...
 As an added bonus for each convention guest who books within the Sandra Stillwell Presents group block, the hotel has once again agreed to include a complimentary breakfast for every night's stay. These breakfasts on our event days -- including our Sunday farewell breakfast -- will be group meal functions in our ballroom, with table gifts and centerpieces. There will be an additional $35 fee per breakfast for registrants not staying at the hotel to attend these meals and receive any related souvenirs.


If booked within our hotel room block and paid in full by cash, check/money order by July 5, the registration fee is $415. After July 5, the fee is $440. Payments can be made, but are non refundable.

A $15 charge will be added to payments other than cash or check/ money order.

A $50 cancellation fee applies to all cancellations prior to August 9th. After that date, no cancellations are allowed.

Companion registrations will be available if purchased with a full registration. Please email for details.


Checks or Money Orders for registration should be made payable to Sandra Stillwell, and mailed to:


Every Day's A Holiday
c/o Sandra Stillwell
8305 Blue Lick Rd
Louisville, KY 40219

Please contact me if you need to make special arrangements.


At this time, there are no absentee registrations, however, we will have a wait list for those interested. If absentee registrations become available, they will be offered to those on the list before being made available to the general public.
Hotel:
What could be a more perfect place to set the scene for our holiday celebrations than "Holiday Inn"? Yes -- that's right -- we'll be spending our "Sandra Stillwell Presents" holidays at the Holiday Inn Country Club Plaza!!
Tucked inside the legendary neighborhood known for it's beautiful fountains, Spanish architecture, upscale shopping and great restaurants and nightlife, the Plaza Holiday Inn is only a few steps away from Kansas City's renowned Country Club Plaza -- which made history as the first ever outdoor shopping center!
We've secured the very special group rate of only $119 per night, which includes breakfast in the hotel restaurant on days that we do not have a convention breakfast function.
In order for you to experience everything Kansas City has to offer, this special rate has been extended 5 days before and 5 days after convention, based on availability. If you need to book outside these dates, please contact me directly.  
The Plaza Holiday Inn offers complimentary Wi-fi, garage parking (on availability) and neighborhood shuttle that will take guests shopping to both Country Club Plaza and Hallmark's Crown Center. For those who would like to visit restaurants, museums, and convenience stores within a 3 mile radius of the hotel. (Shuttle runs on a first request basis)
Hotel reservations may be made by calling 1-866-280-6326 and asking for the "Sandra Stillwell Presents" group rate. Please note that the cutoff date for guest bookings is 8/8/13, or until the block is sold out -- which ever comes first
Please remember that it is VERY important to book within our group block.
Our room block is extremely limited, so I highly recommend that hotel reservations be made as soon as you can. I will be monitoring the group bookings closely to make timely revisions while possible. 

If you plan to join us for Every Day's A Holiday and are not yet ready to make hotel reservations, it would help greatly to know what days you are planning to book.
I strongly encourage all attendees to stay at the Convention hotel for a complete "convention experience". Besides all the fun and camaraderie those who don't stay at the hotel will miss out on, our room and food rates are based on meeting a guaranteed minimum, and it is crucial I have your cooperation to meet that guarantee.

Also, with our many planned activities, you'll find being on site much more convenient!
Optional Offsite Tours:
Known as the "City of Fountains", Kansas City boasts more fountains than any other city outside of Rome. Our Thursday tour will feature a driving tour of some of these lovely fountains, as well as other Kansas City landmarks.
Second only to New York City in garment manufacturing during the 1960's, Kansas City earned the nickname, "Paris of the Plains". Our Thursday offsite tour will also include a visit to the Kansas City Garment District Museum, where curator and designer Ann Brownfield will treat us to a behind the scenes tour of their "Kansas City produced" archives. We will learn about Kansas City's garment manufacturing legacy and see fashions that were manufactured there -- including TWA airline hostess uniforms.  
Owned at one time by Howard Hughes and frequented by celebrities, TWA -- Kansas City's hometown airline -- was well known as the "Airline To The Stars". I'm excited to say that still another part of our Thursday offsite tour will take us to the TWA Museum, which was founded and is operated by former TWA employees. Housed in the original 1931 building that was built to house the TWA corporate headquarters and maintenance facility, the TWA Museum collection features both pilot and stewardess uniforms, plus many other artifacts which tell the history of the airline pioneer. Director Pam Blaschum --a longtime TWA stewardess -- will be our hostess as we travel back through the glory years of airline travel and learn all about the legacy of this important aviation giant.
The cost of the Thursday tour -- only $119 (dependant on our filling up the chartered bus) -- will include an exclusive souvenir fashion that relates back to Kansas City's heritage.  More details forthcoming soon.
The Sunday tour is not finalized yet, but if there is enough interest, we will plan do one! Our Sunday tours have traditionally been for a smaller group -- a great chance to relax and enjoy each other's company after convention, while having a fun time seeing sites we may not have been able to see otherwise. Kansas City, known as both the jazz capital and the BBQ capital of the world, offers many other interesting and fun activities that I'm currently looking into -- and, as always, I welcome suggestions of what YOU would like to see and do!
Please watch for news about this Sunday tour and any additions/changes to our other tours in the next few weeks...
Raffle Donations:
A little known fact about conventions is that registration fees never fully cover expenses! Last year's raffle was a big success -- a huge help to convention and great fun for participants, too! So, once again, we'll be having a raffle to help offset extra costs. Dolls, fashions, repaints, accessories, gift certificates... donations of all types and sizes are welcome and greatly appreciated!! If you would like to contribute to the raffle, please email me at dls6643@aol.com.
Airport Code and Transportation...
The airport code for Kansas City International Airport is KCI.
Super Shuttle is offering a special group rate of $19 each way, or $32 round trip.
Super Shuttle can also accommodate private transportation for 3 people traveling together for $39 one way, or $64 for 10 people. Reservations can be placed online or by calling 1-800-BLUE VAN (258-3826) and providing the code CVVWS. Please make reservations 24 hrs in advance.
An alternative to Super Shuttle is 5 Guys Shuttle (913 7485423), who offers a private van for 1-4 people for $40. Depending on the amount of luggage, this van may be able to accommodate 6.

It is extremely important that you let me know as soon as possible if you are interested in joining us for "Every Day's A Holiday" and if you plan to extend your stay either before or after convention.


Your feedback is crucial to know how many people to count on when planning souvenirs, meal functions, and offsite functions.  
A small deposit of only $50 will hold your spot for this not to be missed "Sandra Stillwell Presents" event! Last year's "Radio Days" convention sold out in record time and we expect this year to follow suit, so please don't wait too long to register!
Holidays have always been a magical time for me -- a time for little indulgences and big dreams. I truly believe that "Every Day's A Holiday" and any day spent with friends and dollies is cause for celebration.
I've been dreaming of doing this "holiday" convention for a long time, and now that the time is drawing near...like a kid waiting for Christmas...I'm getting more and more excited about spending my "holidays" with you!
So mark your calendars, pack your bags, and start making plans to experience the holidays in "Sandra Stillwell"  style!
I hope to see you all in August!
Sincerely,
Sandra
502 3775153


6/09/2012

News About Upcoming Conventions


I have more information about the Jamieshow Convention which will take place on September 28-30 in Canandaigua, NY.
There are three workshops which will take place simultaneously on Friday. George Gonzales is doing Photography, repainting eyes and lips is being taught by Peg Stroud of PegFamousGirls and Styling Doll Wigs and Hair is being taught by Michael Scott. Attendees will be divided into three groups and will rotate through the classes so everyone will get a chance. The groups will be small enough for all to get personal attention. The workshops will take place in the Angelic Dreamz  historic firehouse building, the loft of which is above the shop. I've been there and it's a wonderful setting.

More about the teachers:
—You all know George's photography from the business and from his posts on the doll boards. They speak for themselves.
—Peg has been repainting and designing 12 and 16 inch dolls for more than 12 years.http://www.flickr.com/photos/89211057@N00/sets/  She is an accomplished tattoo artist and owns a business called Lady Luck Tattoo. http://www.tattooladyluck.com/
—Michael Scott designs and creates doll clothing.  http://michaelscottdesigns.blogspot.com He is also a professional cosmetician/hairdresser and he will demonstrate techniques to style the Jamieshow wig caps.

During the day on Saturday we will have a guided tour of the Strong Museum of Play's extensive doll collection and doll houses. http://www.museumofplay.org/collections/doll. Transportation and lunch is included.
  
Here is the outline of the schedule:
Friday: 
-Opening breakfast reception and registration and Inn on the Lake.
-Workshops
-Angelic Dreamz will be closed to the public but open to convention attendees for VIP shopping.
-Cocktail Reception on the Veranda of the Sonnenberg Gardens overlooking the formal gardens.
Saturday:
-Trip to Strong Museum of Art and Toy Hall of Fame. Lunch
-"Speakeasy" Costume and Cocktail event at the Loft with live jazz and a few surprises.
Sunday:
-Closing Brunch with presentation of event doll.

There are still a few openings. Click here to go to Angelic Dreamz web page.

____________________________________

Sandra Stillwell announced that her August 9-12  Radio Days convention in Cincinnati, Ohio is now sold out! She is taking a waiting list from which spots may be filled if she can increase the numbers or in event of cancellations.
If you have never attended one of Sandra's events, get on the waiting list. You won't be sorry.
You can call Sandra at 502 377-5153.

____________________________________

The Wilde Imagination event sold out almost immediately but I've noticed several offers from people who are willing to proxy for those who can't attend. There is probably a waiting list as well. Go to the Wilde Imagination site for more information.
______________________________________
The Integrity Toys event is always a big, exciting convention with lots of attendees, doll swag and more. This year it's in Orlando. There are spots remaining if you want to attend. Here is the link.
_____________________

Yes, there are other conventions taking place between now and the end of October and when I get more information, I will post it. 

If you've never been to a convention, you might want to look back about one year on my blog for my post which discusses how much it costs to attend a convention.  

This was based on past experience and attendance at an Integrity Toys/Fashion Royalty convention. They have changed the format this year: one less meal, higher convention price, more expensive hotel - so the numbers aren't exactly accurate but you can get a good idea. As they get closer to the date, a detailed convention packet will be issued with specific prices for convention collection dolls and other events.


5/13/2012

Registration for Sandra Stillwell Presents: Radio Days is now open!


 Sandra Stillwell's doll events are legendary and the next one is coming up August 9-12 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Click on this link for full information and registration.

Radio Days





_____________________________________
Cincinnati Skyline by

8/30/2011

Balenciaga Inspired Collection on JAMIEshow

Angelic Dreamz posted a wonderful video using JAMIEshow dolls and Gene dolls modeling the Balenciaga inspired collection from Sandra Stillwell's Golden Gate Event. A video like this is one great answer to the question, "What are dolls for?"



http://youtu.be/5XEBDDuGvps?hd=1

JAMIEshow dolls are available at Angelic Dreamz and there are several fashions remaining for sale directly from Sandra. Links to both of these sites are underlined above.


11/17/2010

Tentative Plans: Sandra Stillwell Presents Convention for 2011

San Francisco here we come for "Golden Gate Glamour" on June 3-5, 2011.

Details are not finalized. More information forthcoming.

Please let Sandra know that you are interested in attending.  502 3775153

http://sandrastillwellpresents.blogspot.com/ 




9/16/2010

"Guilded Trappings" Gift Set

I realize that I haven't shown pictures of the beautiful gift set Sandra Stillwell created for us for the Golden Age of "Doll" Couture event in Nashville this past August. We received parts of the set at each of four meal events. The set was a limited edition of 50, all of which have sold out.
This week I took some time to play with the different pieces and take some photographs of the combinations and of the individual pieces so everyone can see how fantastic this set truly is.



 The Certificate of Authenticity reads as follows:
 Gene read the invitation again. The words were every bit as exciting as the first time she read them:
 Your presence is requested as Special Guest of Guy Amie Charbonneau for a private showing of his Spring couture collection, Gilded Trappings. -Avenue Montaigne, Paris.

Below the engraved letters, in a masculine hand read "I had only you in mind when I created this collection. -G"

Gene had traveled abroad many times before, but the occasion to be guest of honor at her favorite designer's salon was a rare opportunity. Ordinarily, she would travel with a vast and luxurious wardrobe suitable for any engagement. This time Gene would board ship with only one suitcase and the bare essentials, for she knew awaiting her in Paris would be an exquisite wardrobe, custom designed just for her.









 Every single piece shows attention to fine detail. The linings are perfection. The closures are zippers, hook & eye and/or snaps. The fabrics drape beautifully. There are three complete fashions and a multitude of options for mix and match. You can tell that a tremendous amount of thought and planning went in to this set. I just love the look of the last picture of Violet wearing the vest from the suit with the formal skirt, the long faux fur wrap and the hat from the suit.
The long shawl that she is wearing in the next to the last picture has rhinestones on both ends and on both sides! I've never seen that before. 

Below are a few other pictures I haven't shown.

JamieShow Shoes

Sandra also made a tiny version of this book for us.

The china tea set I won at the Crawford House tea.


Above is the specially designed chair manufactured by Bella! for the event. The metallic gold embroidery is GAC (Golden Age of Couture or Guy Amie Charbonneau.) It was part of the centerpieces and an optional purchase. In the background is part of a 'wall' I created using the sketches of George Sarofeen. We were gifted with several full sized sketches as well as a miniature portfolio filled with many sketches. On the table, the miniature pink book is the one I mentioned above and JamieShow shoes are shown at the foot of the chair. The bridal bouquet is perched on the back of the chair.

I am having so much fun with all the goodies. I love stuff.

Look for my article covering this event with several unpublished photographs in the Winter Edition of FDQ in January, 2011.




8/31/2010

Sandra Stillwell's Golden Age of Couture — Nashville, August, 2010

The first thing I want to say is that I will probably go to every event that Sandra organizes in the future. This talented lady wove an amazingly detailed tapestry by combining the best of the location with a fabulous event. She organized visits to top Nashville locations that related to our purpose. Presentations at meals were relevant and interesting. The fashions Sandra had created for the centerpiece dolls and for our event souvenirs are beautiful and so abundant I can hardly believe it.
I shot more than 400 pictures, many of them not so impressive. It takes alot time to go through them and post. Interior shots at Cheekwood and the Frist were not permitted


Cheekwood
 The Cheekwood mansion was huge and we were told that just one small family of four lived there in it's day. There was a Chihuly installation out-of-doors. I think if I hadn't seen a mind-blowing Chihuly installation in Pittsburgh a few years ago, I would have been more impressed with this one.


Ryman Auditorium 
The history of the Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Old Opry is fascinating and I recommend going to their websites to read about it. I do not follow country music but I certainly learned a great deal of interesting facts. 

Country Music Hall of Fame

Frist Center for the Visual Arts
The Frist Center is housed in an Art Deco United States Post Office with spectacular marble work, wrought iron gratings, doors and moldings. This is truly an impressive building aside from the exhibit. The Golden Age of Couture exhibit at the Frist Center was very special. I finally got to see four of the Theatre de la Mode mannequins in person. Madame Lachasse was beyond belief. Her teensy leather gloves were handsewn and still in perfect condition. She had tiny silk stockings and a cigarette case with pastel colored cigarettes! The miniatures created to go along with her wardrobe fascinated me. 










Display Dolls
Imagine walking into a ballroom filled with nearly 200 Genes, Madras, and assorted other dolls from the Ashton-Drake and Integrity Gene Marshall lines! Impressive, right?



Chez Manuel More about Manuel can be found on the internet. He has a long history of designing bling-y fashions for country western stars and other well-known personalities and performers.



Crawford Manor  Cheryl Crawford debuts her Crawford Manor collection of 16" resin dolls.

7/07/2010

Sandra Stillwell presents THE GOLDEN AGE of DOLL COUTURE in Nashville

My reservation is made! Sandra Stillwell, widely known for presenting fabulous doll events, has announced the event of the summer. She is calling it The Golden Age of Doll Couture. Read the description below to find out more. The inserted photos and illustrations are gathered from various sources and are intended to entice you—if you actually need more enticing after reading what Sandra has in store.

Hello, Friends!

Save the date! August 27th-29th, 2010!!


Please mark your calendar and make plans to join us in Nashville, Tennessee, at the Millenium Maxwell House Hotel, for Sandra Stillwell Presents: The Golden Age Of (Doll) Couture.

Limited to only 50 attendees, this intimate doll collector's retreat will be a celebration of friends, dolls, tradition, and timeless couture in Nashville, a fashion forward city known for it's "kick up your heels" atmosphere!

Themed around the London V&A Museum exhibition of the same name, The Golden Age Of Couture will highlight the creations of designers from Paris to London, 1947-57. This landmark exhibition, shown exclusively in the United States at Nashville's Frist Center For The Visual Arts, will be an integral part of our program. 



http://www.fristcenter.org/site/exhibitions/exhibitiondetail.aspx?cid=795

 

Our souvenir will be a beautiful fashion gift set designed to fit your favorite 16" fashion doll. Inspired by "The Golden Age of Couture", the collection was manufactured especially for this exciting event. Centerpiece dolls modeling stunning haute couture fashions will be showcased at each meal function.

In addition to fashions, the registration fee will also include 3 meals and a gala Saturday night banquet, illustrious guest speakers, interesting displays, table gifts, raffles, room sales, and more surprises!

I'm happy to announce that for the first time, your all inclusive registration will also feature an exclusive off-site reception and tours with transportation on Friday and Saturday.

Expect a fun filled, activity packed weekend of dolls, friends, and fashion!

Tentative Agenda:
Friday:
We'll kick off convention with a 'welcome' breakfast on Friday. Our guest speaker, Andee Rudolph, from the curatorial staff of the Frist's "Golden Age of Couture", has prepared a special program to give us an in depth, behind the scenes view of the exhibition. 


Nashville is nicknamed "Music City" for it's colorful musical legacy. After breakfast on Friday, we'll be visiting the not to be missed Country Music Hall of Fame and the historic Ryman Auditorium, home of the Grand Ole Opry and "Mother Church" of country music. Shop and stroll down famed Broadway and the Second Avenue district in downtown Nashville, or take a minute to enjoy performances by talented artists hoping to be "discovered" in one of the many downtown establishments. 
Nashville boasts it's own style, as evidenced in elaborate suits of beautiful embroidery and dazzling rhinestones by the legendary cowboy couturier, Manuel, who began his career in the mid 1950's in Los Angeles.

As head tailor at Nudie's of Hollywood, Manuel dressed many Hollywood celebrities. Today his career has even deeper roots in entertainment history, with his having been responsible for the "look" of Johnny Cash, Elvis, and the Rolling Stones, among others! 

Event attendees will have the rare opportunity to see the Rhinestone Rembrandt at work when Manuel graciously opens his studio to host an exclusive, private soiree for our group on Friday evening. 
Imagine a beautiful Victorian brownstone full of spectacular one of a kind creations at every turn! Manuel's studio is truly a paradise for every fan of "sparkle" and style! Prepare yourselves for a real treat as Manuel and staff welcome us as only they can do...with over the top Nashville style!

Following the reception, take in the Nashville nightlife or have dinner on your own.

Saturday:
Saturday morning brings a celebration of all things Madra! Ms Lord is a little miffed that there has been such a to-do over Gene's 15th Anniversary and Retirement, when nary a word has been mentioned about this being her 10th Anniversary! Madra will grace us with her presence in a special display and as the morning's centerpiece as we highlight her "career". She suggests that guests bring their Madra dolls to join in the celebration, as Madra always loves a good party! (Don't tell Madra, but of course, other fashion dolls are welcomed, too!) Our guest speaker will be former Gene Team Director Joan Greene, who will share tidbits about Madra's "history" and highlights of her own career as a toy designer. 

After breakfast on Saturday, we'll visit the Frist Center For The Visual Arts, where we will have a special guided tour of the "Golden Age Of Couture" exhibition. See over 200 rare examples of haute couture fashion and accessories created by preeminent European fashion designers such as Dior, Balenciaga, Fath, Desses, and Hartnell, among others. A bonus is the ability to see the fine detailing of these exquisite artifacts from all sides, as many fashions are displayed in the round. Also shown is related fashion photography and rare news footage of vintage couture fashion shows on monitors throughout the exhibit. 


A must see for every doll lover is the elegant fashion doll, Miss Lachasse, complete with miniature wardrobe from the Bath Fashion Museum, and a sampling of Theatre de la Mode fashion mannequins on loan from the Maryhill Museum of Art. 


Our tour guides will also tell us about the history of the landmark building that houses the Frist Center -- a prominent architectural treasure from the Art Deco period that was once the Nashville downtown post office.

Enjoy a snack or light lunch on your own in the coffee shop, or walk next door to have a drink at the historical Union Station hotel, a magnificently restored 19th Century train station. 

We'll return to the hotel for an elegant late afternoon Victorian Tea, hosted by well known doll artist and designer Cheryl Crawford, of Crawford Manor. Intriguing surprises await! 
Our gala Saturday night banquet will feature the elegance of a vintage couture fashion show finale. 
Fashion shows are famous for their quick changes. The most fashionable 50's lady had a wardrobe of "after hours" fashions to entertain her closest friends. Whether your "after hours" attire consists of an elegant hostess ensemble or kitschy PJ's, make a quick change and join your friends back in the banquet room for an after hours party!

Of course, a party isn't a party without games, so brush up on your "Fashion Sleuth" knowledge for lots of prizes! To make sure we leave with all the answers, we will be showing an onscreen presentation of doll fashions directly inspired by vintage couture.

Sunday:
Convention will conclude with Sunday's "Legacy" breakfast, hosted by George Gonzales Angelic Dreamz and JamieShow.
Stunning centerpieces representing the future of Haute Couture will "walk the runway" at this finale.
http://www.angelicdreamz.com/

Registration and Hotel:
A non refundable deposit of only $50 will reserve your spot for this limited event. The registration fee is only $299 if paid in full, by cash or check, by July 31st. After July, the fee is $329. A $12 charge will be added to other payments options.

Hotel rooms must be reserved through the group's room block to qualify for the above prices. There will be an additional $75 charge for those not staying in the hotel or booking through 3rd parties.

A $50 cancellation fee applies to all cancellations prior to August 1st. After that date, no cancellations are allowed.

Companion registration will be available if purchased with a full registration. Please contact Sandra for details.

The address to send registrations can be found at the end of this email. Please be sure to include your contact information, including email address and phone number.

Our special group room rate is $93 plus tax. In room Internet access is included in the group rate. The Millineum Maxwell House Hotel also offers free parking and complimentary airport and downtown shuttle, based on availability. The group rate is available from Monday, August 23rd, through Wednesday, September 1st for those who would like to come early or stay over to take advantage of the many fun sightseeing opportunities in the area.

The phone number for hotel reservations is 1-800--457-4460, 8-5 PM Central Time, M-F. You must mention the code 1009SANDRA or identify yourselves as being with the Doll Collector's Convention to be included in the room block.

You may also register online at:
http://gc.synxis.com/rez.aspx?Hotel=11542&Chain=5303&Dest=USA&locale=en-US&arrive=08/26/2010&depart=08/30/2010&adult=1&child=0&Group=1009SANDRA

Please don't delay in booking your reservation, as the group room block is extremely limited and will only be held through July 26th. Once the block is sold out, and after July 26th, reservations will be made subject to availability. One night's fee will be charged upon reservation, refundable up to 48 hours of guaranteed arrival.

If you have any problems making reservations, please contact me immediately.

Airport and Flights:
Nashville International Airport (BNA) is serviced by all major airlines, with 45 cities nonstop. Southwest Airlines, which recently featured Nashville in it's Spirit Magazine, is one airline that especially stands out. http://www.spiritmag.com/city_profiles/article/meet_Nashville/
Book your flights soon to take advantage of summer sales!

When booking your flight, don't forget to allow a few extra days if possible to enjoy the multitude of tourist attractions and unique activities that Tennessee has to offer!

Additional Tours:

Whether attending a performance during the Grand Ol Opry's 85th birthday celebration, recording your own demo at famous RCA Studio "B" where Elvis and other greats recorded, relaxing on a riverboat cruise on the General Jackson, visiting historic Hermitage: the home of President Andrew Jackson, taking a tour of the Mansion at Belle Mead Plantation with wine-tasting and tea or lemonade in the carriage house, touring Belmont Mansion and the
grounds of the college, or taking in an evening of Chiluly and Art the grand Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Art Museum, Nashville has something for everyone! Day trips to other nearby Tennessee destinations include visiting Pigeon Forge and Dollywood for it's 25th Anniversary Celebration, Memphis and Elvis' Graceland, or Loretta Lynn's Hurricane Mills Museum. 
 
Depending on interest, we can arrange optional excursions, either post or pre convention, for any of the experiences below, so please let me know what you'd like to do!

Since many people arrive on Thursday, we will offer our traditional Thursday tour. The agenda will be decided according your feedback, but I would strongly recommend ending the day at Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Art Museum for the spectacular "Chihuly at Cheekwood". The Chiluly At Night exhibition features breathtaking sculptures of Chiluly art glass showcased throughout the 55 acre gardens. Also on display in the 30,000 square foot art museum is a magnificent collection of Faberge eggs, world-class artwork and decorative arts. Built in the 20's, the Georgian-style Cheekwood Mansion was originally home to the Maxwell House Coffee dynasty family. We can enjoy a light boxed dinner on the patio while taking in the beautiful foliage. http://www.cheekwood.org/


  On Sunday afternoon, I suggest we step back in time and tour the lovely Belle Mead Plantation, once the South's preeminent thoroughbred farm. The Belle Mead Mansion, built in 1853, is the centerpiece of the property. Enjoy a wine tasting in the plantation winery, shop in the gift shop, or leisurely stroll through the log cabin and carriage house for a true southern experience. Depending on our group size, we may also book a tea in the carriage house or a lemonade and desert break on the back porch!
http://www.bellemeadeplantation.com/


 
Raffle Donations:
We will be having raffles to help cover convention expenses. Donations of all sizes are greatly appreciated. If you would like to donate to the raffle, please email me at dls6643@aol.com.

Nashville has risen from the recently devastating floods and is stronger than ever. Nashvillians are very interested in our program and are eager to welcome us with open arms and southern hospitality!

A sentimental favorite of mine for many reasons, I've wanted to share Nashville with friends and fellow doll fans for a long time. Especially now, it's my honor to bring guests to this amazing city!

Please remember that this event is extremely limited, so do not hesitate to register. If you plan to attend, please RSVP as soon as possible so I'll have an idea of how many to count on.

I hope you'll join me in August for an event to remember!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions...
Sincerely,
Sandra Stillwell

dls6643@aol.com

Please mail registrations to:
Sandra Stillwell
8305 Blue Lick Rd
Louisville, Ky 40219