I don't know if I'll ever stop talking about my trip. I have to say that the country of Japan knows how to treat a doll. Perhaps that is because of the way that a doll or doll-figure is interwoven into the culture. Just look at this perfectly sized Imperial sedan chair. Honestly, I wanted to bring that home with me so badly! Can you just see me traveling to my job here in NYC in that? I should mention that I plan to be carried inside -- guess I'm going to have to find 4 strong, buff guys to do the heavy lifting!



As you know, I thoroughly enjoyed the shopping, and this was one of my favorite 'finds'. Reproductions of the armor for Japanese Samurai and in my size! I really could not decide which helmet I liked most. So, I just bought them all! And do you see the Samurai swords and the sword rest in back of me? Oh! I feel a need to redecorate my apartment in an Asian theme!



One of the tourist attractions in Tokyo is the Tokyo Tower. It is the largest self-supporting steel structure in the world and you can go up to one of the observation decks and see all of Tokyo spread out at your feet! My "people" thought it would be funny if I really got a 'bird's eye view' and here is the result! I'm NOT doing that again!



Personally, I like this version best! They do say that diamonds are a girl's best friend, don't they?



Don't worry. I'm going to sort through more photos and share them with you. Who knows? You might even get to see a photo of my traveling companions!

I was so sad to say sayonara to Tokyo and the lovely people of Japan

I simply cannot tell you what a fantastic time I had in Tokyo. I can hardly wait to share my adventures with you. Let me say one word, “SHOPPING”! Ohmygoodness, people in Japan really take their shopping experiences seriously!
!

I think I’ve made my point by simply showing you the entrance to this mall! Honestly, it looks as if I went mad in some photo editing program, but that is really the mall! I’ve done a lot of “window shopping” in my time, but ‘mirror shopping” was entirely new.

Tokyo, like most cities is a study in contrast. You can go from a mall of mirrors to the absolute serenity of the Imperial Gardens in just the blink of an eye. After the sensory overload of mega-marathon shopping I took a time to refresh and enjoy nature in the gardens.


I’m wearing my versatile cream sweater with the ubiquitously American statement of jeans and cowgirl boots. By the way, I found my whole outfit at the Urban®Boutique right here in NYC. But I’ll tell you more about that later.
Isn’t this just beautiful? The Japanese garden is truly a magnificent work of art.



Contrast that with hundreds of people pursuing the art of shopping! This is not a place for you if you are agoraphobic!



Harajuku Street is a favorite shopping spot for the youth of the city. I was quite thankful that I had “my people” with me or I might have truly been trampled by the crowd! People watching is quite a sport in this area. Trends seem to change about every 3 minutes and it’s hard to keep up. These two beauties had no trouble doing it though. I think I’m going to have to try that look! Part doll, part Victorian, part Lolita and ALL pink!!


That’s it for part one. I’ll tell you more and show you more photos of the trip soon! Sayonara for now!

As my visit to Japan gets closer I’m getting more and more excited. Since I don’t like to leave anything to the last minute, I thought I had better organize my packing. I usually pack very lightly, but I’m not quite sure what I’ll be called on to do on my first visit to Tokyo, and I don’t want to be improperly dressed. You only get ‘one chance to make a first impression’ you know. I thought I’d get a second and third opinion, so I asked a couple of my friends if they’d come over and help me decide just what I should pack.





I know that 3 heads should be better than one, but maybe not when it comes to packing. Pandora’s view was that I should take an empty suitcase and ‘shop Japan!!’. September was of the opinion that I should pretty much take every single thing in my closet!

This is going to be a bit more challenging that I had thought. Stay tuned.

I am so excited that I can hardly manage to pack my suitcase!  Yes, I am actually going to Japan at the end of this month.

   I'll be going to an event at the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center and I am extremely anxious to make a good impression on all the  people I'll be meeting.  Here's a chance to combine the adventure of travel with the opportunity to make new friends.  Two of my very favorite things.  And I get to see Japan!


It will come as no surprise to most of you that I love to shop, and from what I hear there will be some fantastic shopping in Tokyo.  Paris may be the center of fashion, but from what I’ve read Omotesando Hills in Tokyo is the center for fashion consumption, and  I’m ready for the challenge!  "Credit card, don’t fail me now."


Speaking of fashion, I found a darling new boutique called Urban®Chic here in NYC.  Honestly, I wanted everything in the store, but I restrained myself!  I have to leave room in my suitcase, don’t I?

I can’t wait to visit Harajuku bridge and do some people-watching.  From what I hear the street fashions are pretty amazing.  And I so want to see the Imperial Palace and the Japan Folks Crafts Museum.  The Ome Kimono Museum is at the very top of my list.  I am fascinated by the beauty of the kimono and the skill required to make them.  I’m hoping I can buy one that doesn’t cost as much as my car!

Do you think I might see Takeshi Kaneshiro while I’m there?  Oh, be still my heart!  :-)  Hey, a girl can dream, can’t she?

Oh, my goodness. I have developed a terrible craving for some new shoes! I was walking to work at Seward-Wilks the other day and I was very nearly late because I couldn't stop looking at all the shoes in the department store windows. I usually order my shoes from Horsman because they fit so well, and even New Yorkers who have access to all those great stores shop online these days. But that doesn't mean that I don't "look'. If you want to check out my favorite shoes, take a look here: http://www.horsmanltd.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=46

My work clothes are usually rather conservative. As a financial advisor, I need to present a very 'stable' presence. My Black Mary Jane pumps are my favorite 'everyday' shoes. They go with just everything and they are comfortable! That's the most important thing. But on the weekend? Trust me, I am in my Cowboy boots and jeans. They'll take me anywhere from a walk though Central Park to dinner at my favorite restaurant in Chinatown. I love my black pair, but I really think that I should get another pair in maybe a tan or brown. Just in case, you know?

My friend, Zhonti, is coming to the city next weekend and we've decided to drive to Connecticut to look in antique shops. Doesn't that sound like fun? Oh, did I remember to tell you that my last bonus ( Yes. I even did well in a scary market) allowed me to get the vintage Mini-Cooper that I've had my heart set on for years? I know, having a car in NYC is like having an extra head. What do you really DO with it? LOL. But I couldn't resist. Here is "Dolly"
sitting in front of one of my favorite shops in the village.



I'll have to decide which shoes I wear on this trip. I'm thinking maybe my Glitter Sneakers! I'm so excited to see if we find any 'treasures'.

Don't you love the first signs of Spring's approach?

Daffodils blowing in the still-chilly winds of March?

Redbuds flowering among the yet bare branches of winter-sleeping trees?

Robins strutting around our yards in their little brown suits with the cheery red vests?

And ... Fashion Week! Yes! New clothes. Haute couture!! The true sign of Spring!

I always remember as a little girl how excited I would be about picking out my new Easter outfit. And as a 'big girl', I seem to get just as excited. This year I'm going to wear my appropriately named 'Spring' outfit.




Honestly, isn't this just adorable? I think I'll be perfectly dressed for the 5th Avenue Easter Parade, don't you?
I'm going to dash off and look for a new hat to go with this because every girl needs an Easter bonnet! Maybe I'll pick up a couple of chocolate eggs ... just to keep my strength up while I shop, of course.

Au revoir till next time!

Vita

I have new wigs, shoes and a new RETRO 50's phone! The phone is available in 4 colors, black white, pink and an exclusive color to Doll Peddler in Turquoise! All the phones are hand made in the USA! YES it can be done at home! All the phones are very limited and when they are gone that's it!
You can see all the new items here http://www.horsmanltd.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=77


Oh and that is my new friend Zhonti modeling the new phone!

Hello Everyone!
Spring has finally sprung here in New York. The trees are starting to leaf out, the flowers are blooming and I wake each morning to the glorious sound of birds chirping. The weather is getting warmer and I just love this time of year when everything is fresh and new. And speaking of fresh and new, I have decided instead of spring cleaning this year.....I'm going to buy all new furniture for my fab pad! Zhonti has a break between films and is going to fly in from L.A. to stay with me for a week. She's going to help me pick out some incredible new items for my apartment. I know I want a new dining table and chairs.....and maybe a chaise for the bedroom.....and I definitely need some new lamps! But.....do I go modern or traditional? Should I choose blue, black or sage? These are the types of choices we girls dont mind making!

I have some sad news to share with you. My friend Zhonti and I have just lost a very good friend, Marsh. She passed away Saturday after suffering from a severe stroke on Wednesday. We shall miss her dearly!

Every year Doll Reader magazine hosts IDEX, a wonderful weekend, featuring the best in all things doll related, in Orlando, Florida and I always put it on my calendar. So I'm heading to sunnier climes and I'm bringing some wonderful things along with me!

I know I've mentioned my best pal Zhonti to you. Well, she's making her debut at this event! I can't wait to introduce her to all of my faithful readers. In addition, my new Vintage line will be on display as well as all of the wonderful Urban Environments furniture!

But wait, there's more! To go along with the Urban Environments, a collection of new backdrops have been created just for me! They'll be on display at the Horsman booth, along with all of the rest of the fabulous things from Horsman!

The event takes place this weekend, January 27 through 30 at the Rosen Shingle Creek center. You can find me and the entire collection at booths 501, 503 and 505! Make sure to stop by!

More information, check out www.idexshows.com