The "Evolution" of Foreign Affair Veronique

Impulse control? I don't have it and if you think that re-working a doll is a way to save money in a tight economy, give it up.

It all started out with a lovely Foreign Affair Veronique, the doll from a Fashion Royalty 2005 gift set.

After having this doll for a few years, I decided to change her hairstyle. What was I thinking? Needless to say, it didn't work out well. I sent the doll to Susan Korba to have her hair re-rooted. The results were stunning.

She remained in this gorgeous condition for about a year until I had the bright idea to fix her eyelashes. That wasn't too destructive but then I decided to do a little enhancing around the lashes. That fed the flames. I went on to change her lip color and it was all downhill from there.
Before quitting for the night, I had removed all her face paint and the new lashes in disgust.


Since I had already invested in the reroot, I couldn't just leave her in my studio with no face, could I?
Off she went to Ohio, to be repainted by Jon Copeland. Here are the results.

Thank You For Your Referrals

Just a note of thanks to all those who put my name in as a referral when they joined the W Club. I was one of the winners! I will be able to choose as a gift one of the coming 2009 Club dolls and I am now a W Club Ambassador. Yeah, I know, whatever.
So if you have any pressing information you'd like to pass along .... you know what to do.

My first Madame Alexander 10" Cissette dolls arrived today. I haven't had time to take any pictures. They are adorable but like all other child faced dolls I've purchased in the past 5 years, they don't stay long.

Michelle Obama wears Jason Wu to the Inaugural Ball

One news reporter said, "now Jason Wu is a household word." He's been a household word in this house for quite a few years. Congratulations, Jason!

On to the dress. Hopefully tomorrow we will get better pictures. According to another reporter it is:

"...a white chiffon one-shoulder gown by Jason Wu. The dress, with a strap across one shoulder, ruched bodice, fluffy appliqués and sparkling beading, will (as tradition dictates) be donated to the Smithsonian."

How does Michelle look in the dress? It's just my opinion that she needs a stylist who knows how to make a woman's figure look it's best. She wears clothing that is unflattering to her body. It's depressing. I guess you can't have it all.

Gene Marshall attends a Presidential Ball

How fortuitous that I just bought this costume from another collector!

Here is the text from the story card. Obviously the costume came on a doll originally.

Invited to join the Governor and his wife to an inaugural ball, Gene is thrilled to discover a new fan: The President! Presidential Ball is a sparkling special occasion gown, circa 1957 - a shimmering cascade of sparkling beadwork from bodice to hemline. Over the top: a floor-length off-white coat lined in pale peach. Includes earrings, beaded clutch, strap sandals with rhinestone trim, hosiery - and an invitation to the ball! Gene stands 15.5 inches tall. New for 2003, Gene's facial paint has been tailored to each doll in the Gene Marshall collection, with vibrant colours and soft shading that give each Gene a beautiful appearance. Individually numbered certificate of authenticity and doll stand included.

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Here is my version on Suited to a T Gene. The flag has been added in honor of the inauguration of our new President, Barack Obama.

Goldmine: A New AvantGuard Doll

Here she is in all her glory. I like her. The outfit is fantastic. The wig is mohair. I hope she looks exactly like the picture provided by Integrity!

Handmade Couture for Fashion Royalty

If you buy on eBay you probably have seen hundreds of OOAK and handmade items for your 1/6 scale divas. I'm sure you check feedback before plunking down that Paypal payment. A seller who has many comments about late delivery and a less than stellar record usually does not get my business but I couldn't resist this time. In December I purchased two gowns from Parawatee, formerly TD Fashions. I bought them about two weeks apart. The first, paid for on December 15 has not arrived and I had to file with Paypal to get action. Parawatee does not speak enough English to be able to communicate even in a very simple form. But this woman knows how to sew. Aside from Jason Wu's creations for Fashion Royalty and Gene Marshall, these are the finest items I have ever seen for modern fashion dolls. The detail, the fit and the finish is superb. If this seller could improve her language skills and ability to ship on time, she'd probably be sold out.

Purchase price was $49.99 plus $7. to ship. Gown did not come with any accessories. Most of her gowns run about $69.99. My model is A Fashionable Life Vanessa. Jewelry is by Joy.