Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Segregated Dolls at Local Walmart



On the eve of Christmas Eve I received a phone call from my daughter asking if I had dolls appropriate for a friend's boyfriend's three young daughters who at that time would not be receiving dolls for Christmas for reasons that I will not share here.  The girls' stair-step ages range from 3 to 5 years.  My immediate answer (spoken like a true doll collector not wanting to part with any dolls) was, "No." 

Dolls that I have as singles and duplicates.

I felt, at that age, they needed the same doll and I only had two of any one kind of never-removed-from-box doll and those were articulated Barbies that might not be appropriate for them.  (Reason:  Mattel's discontinuation of articulation in the playline due to the potential skin pinching caused by movement of the joints).  Others I considered were the $5 fashion dolls from Family Dollar, but I only have two and they are not the same doll.

 My daughter told me there were no black dolls at the store where she was shopping.

I asked, "Where are you?"  It was late, and I wanted to know why she was out shopping, alone.  She informed me of her small town location outside the city limits.  I said, "That's why you can't find any black dolls.  You're shopping in the wrong area.  You need to go to Walmart."  Her answer was, "I am at Walmart."

"Well, you need to go to a different Walmart that stocks black dolls," and I told her which one, "but not tonight!" I ordered.  "You need to get off the street."  Her answer, "o...kay," was spoken in a tone of obedience or in a manner to make me think she would heed my advice.

I tossed and turned a bit that night thinking about the little doll-less-on-Christmas-morning girls.  I had decided that as soon as I completed my workday on Christmas Eve, as much as I did not want to be caught in any stores with last-minute Christmas shoppers, I would check the nearest Walgreens or Family Dollar to see if any black dolls were left that were age appropriate.   My initial plan was to locate three Doc McStuffins dolls.

Because I knew she would be awake, I called my daughter at 6 a.m. the next morning.  The following conversation ensued:

Daughter:  What-up?
Me:  Where are you?
Daughter:  On my way to your house.
Me:  For what?
Her:  To pick up the Vans that you're giving L. because I bought another color instead.  I'm going to take the pair you have back.
Me:  I've already wrapped them.
Her:  That's okay.  The pair I am bringing for you to give him instead are already wrapped, too. 
Me:  He's going to recognize your wrapping paper and know they're from you and not me.
Her:  It doesn't matter.
Me:  Where are my boys?
Her:  With their dad.
Me:   Oh.  I'm going to Walgreens or Family Dollar today to find dolls for the girls.  How old did you say they are?
Her:  I found some.
Me:  You did (relieved that I don't have to go out and that she found dolls)!  Where?
Her:  Walmart.
Me:  Which one?
Her:  The same store.  They had the black dolls segregated.
Me:  What????
Her:  Yes.  I asked someone [a store clerk] why weren't there any black dolls and she showed me where they were, in a random area no where near the toy section.
Me:  That is ridiculous.  Well, I'm glad you found some.  Which doll did you buy?
Her:  I don't know... the ones with the vinyl faces and soft bodies.  [Similar to this one maybe.]
Me:  Good.  That's the kind they need.  Why are you out so early?
Her:  You know Kohl's is open 24 hours.
Me:  No, I didn't know.  


Now the moral to this story is:  If you are shopping for black dolls in a store where none are in sight, seek help by asking, "Do you have any black dolls in stock?"  Chances are, if the store is a small-town Walmart where the African American demographic is low, the dolls are either non-existent are pushed to the side in some inconspicuous "random area."


dbg

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Quick and Unusual Afternoon Post - Pazette's Redress (Actually 2013 Holiday Barbie)

2013 Holiday Barbie preparing for a well-deserved redress

2013 Holiday Barbie was one of my doll Christmas gifts from a a friend.  I wanted this doll because of the Pazette head sculpt, which was first used on Stephen Burrow's doll of the same name (in ebony complexion).  My plan was to give her an immediate redress.  Plan completed.

Cardboard was used to line the skirt of 2013 Holiday Barbie's dress.  Tsk, tsk, tsk.

During the deboxing process, I was shocked to discover the cardboard Mattel tacked underneath the front of the skirt.  I call this cutting corners to the extreme.  They probably feel most "collectors" will keep the dolls boxed and will never know. 

Color Infusion Janay "allowed" Pazette to borrow her tribal chevron-print dress.  She is wearing shoes from a Barbie fashion purchased from Target prior to the holidays.  (See next photo.)

The clutch she holds was made for Janay earlier this year.  (Yes, Janay allowed Pazette to borrow that, too.)  Her earrings are her own, but they will be replaced soon.

Pazette models the tribal chevron-print dress made by Shasha.





I think she looks lovely in her borrowed things (not as lovely as Janay), but lovely enough.  

A possible additional plan is to upgrade her ModelMuse body to an articulated one.  I have not made a final decision on whether or not I will follow through with this, but more redressing will definitely be done.


dbg

Monday, December 29, 2014

I Knew I Would Miss Thanking Someone


In my "Every Good and Perfect Gift" post where I thanked several for their kind gestures of sending doll-related gifts, I overlooked thanking Brini of Brini's Doll Domain for the handmade scarf she sent for me to wear along with the knit scarves and hand bags for playscale dolls I won in one of her 2013 giveaway contests. The scarf she made for me was an unexpected, pleasant surprise that I love and that my mother admires each time she sees me wearing it.  These items arrived in January 2014 and were illustrated here where I expressed my sincere gratitude to Brini, but I still failed to include her in my Every Good and Perfect Gift post. 

The Friday after Christmas, I went to the post office to mail a package for my mother.  While there, I checked my PO box and found notification to pick up a package inside.  I was surprised when I viewed the return address.  I thought, "I didn't win one of this year's contests."  

Attached to the outer box was an envelop that contained a beautiful Christmas greeting with a handwritten note from Brini that reads:

Happy Holidays!
I wanted to make sure your mother had her own scarf this year.  Please pass this on to her and let her know she is loved!  There is one for you too!  I remember you loved peach and when I saw this yarn I knew it was you!  Enjoy!

How sweet, kind, thoughtful, and considerate is that?  While the scarf is not a doll-related gift, I had to extend a heartfelt thanks to Brini in blog form as well as in the email I have already sent her.

Even though the temperature was around 60 when I opened the package from Brini, I wore my new peach scarf immediately.  In this photo it is worn looped from front to back with the ends brought back to the front.  It can be worn several different ways.

I took the following photos of my mother reading Brini's note (after she had already opened her package) and another of her modeling her new scarf that is in her words, "gorgeous!"  A selfie modeling my original scarf that I wore that day because it was a better match for my purple sweater is also included.


Mama is reading Brini's note and then models her new scarf.
Selfie, wearing my original scarf from Brini.


Thank you again, Brini for taking the time to make another scarf for me.  I extend  a very special thanks to you for making a scarf for my mother, who wanted me to send you her love!

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. -- James 1:17

dbg

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Black Barbie Clone/Bild Lilli Owner Seeks Additional Information



Unknown 16-inch Black Barbie/Bild Lilli clone with molded hair, including plastic ponytail, marked Hong Kong.
Please view the above and additional photographs below which were shared by a Facebook user seeking additional information about this 16-inch doll sold as a black Bild Lilli.  The information provided about the doll from the owner is as follows:

She was listed as a dark skinned Hong Kong lili clone doll with plastic pony tail... I have purchased other clothes to preserve her bikini such as this slip and scarf. She has no marks and slight wear to her makeup... Her bathing suit was breaking so I put a small faster to minimize wear when taking it off and putting on. Other than that I have not retouched her. The shoes I purchased and modified to fit her feet.


As indicated by the owner, the scarf, slip and shoes were added.
Any additional knowledge about this doll such as manufacturer and/or name may be added as a comment and will be greatly appreciated.  Thank you in advance!

dbg

Friday, December 26, 2014

Is it Kwanza or Kwanzaa?


Several years ago I wondered which spelling was correct for the African American celebration of family, community and culture observed from December 26th through January 1st:  Is is Kwanza or Kwanzaa?

In an effort to promote community and culture among the family of African Americans, Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chair of the Department of Africana Studies at California State University, Long Beach, created Kwanzaa.  The holiday celebration was founded in 1966 during the aftermath of the 1965 Watts, California riots. Per the Official Kwanzaa website, where the the word is spelled with two As,

"Kwanzaa was created to introduce and reinforce seven basic values of African culture which contribute to building and reinforcing family, community and culture among African American people as well as Africans throughout the world African community. These values are called the Nguzo Saba which in Swahili means the Seven Principles. Developed by Dr. Karenga, the Nguzo Saba stand at the heart of the origin and meaning of Kwanzaa, for it is these values which are not only the building blocks for community but also serve to reinforce and enhance them."
The Seven Principles:
  • Unity: Umoja (oo–MO–jah) - To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.
  • Self-determination: Kujichagulia (koo–gee–cha–goo–LEE–yah) - To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.
  • Collective Work and Responsibility: Ujima (oo–GEE–mah) - To build and maintain our community together and make our brother’s and sister’s problems our problems and to solve them together. 
  • Cooperative Economics: Ujamaa (oo–JAH–mah) - To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.  
  •  Purpose: Nia (nee–YAH) - To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.   
  •  Creativity: Kuumba (koo–OOM–bah) - To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
  • Faith: Imani (ee–MAH–nee) - To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.
In a vintage Sesame Street video, Tyrel Jackson Williams (now a teen actor who is younger brother of Tyler James Williams, Everybody Hates Chris), explains how his family celebrates Kwanzaa.



Kwanza Doll

Kwanza by Robert Tonner, 1997 is #11 of 500 dolls worldwide.
In 1997 when his "Christmas Doll Kwanza" was released, Robert Tonner chose to use the original Swahili spelling of the word.  After discovering another collector's doll on her dolls-for-sale list priced at the original retail of $250, Tonner's doll was placed on my wish list.  Although this lovely15-inch, all-vinyl, USA-made doll with beautiful Afrocentric dress made of natural fibers, wearing real leather sandals, was well worth the collector's asking price, Kwanza remained on my wish list in hopes of locating the doll for a better price. 

Kwanza models her real leather sandals and shows off her elaborate pinned up braided hairstyle in the next photo.
The ends of her crisscross braids are curly and pinned up onto the top of her head.
As illustrated in the above photos, some 14 years later, I now own Tonner's Kwanza.  After a much appreciated alert from another collector, I won an eBay auction for the desired doll for $30.99 + $12 shipping.  Kwanza's arrival prompted me to research the spelling of her name. 


The following text is copied from the The Chicago Tribune website.


How do you spell them?
Let's start with Kwanzaa. Or is it Kwanza? Both are correct, actually. Kwanza is the original spelling of the African harvest festival upon which the American holiday is based. The spelling was changed to Kwanzaa, according to the American Heritage Dictionary, to add a seventh letter to correspond with the seven traditional African principles (unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith) honored during the holiday.
Interestingly, Dictionary.com defines kwanza (with a lowercase k) as a unit of currency: 
the standard monetary unit of Angola, divided into 100 lwei. 

Kwanzaa with an alternate spelling, Kwanza (both capitalized) is defined at Dictionary.com as: 
a harvest festival celebrated from Dec. 26th until Jan. 1st in some African-American communities.
 
During an inaugural Kwanzaa celebration, "seven children volunteered to carry the six letters in the word, Kwanza.  Rather than leave one child out, the holiday spelling inherited a spare A at its end." (History.com).

I have not yet determined why Tonner chose to spell the doll's name, Kwanza.  I have also not determined why the doll is referred to as a "Christmas" doll since the holiday is unrelated to Christmas. One "a" or two, I do appreciate Tonner's initiative in recognizing the existence of the holiday with a doll with such high quality.  But more than that, I am happy the doll is finally part of my doll family.  Thanks again for the heads up, DS. 

The answer to my own question, Is it Kwanza or Kwanzaa? with reference to the African American celebration of family, community and culture:  It is officially Kwanzaa. 


Learn more about the Kwanzaa celebration at the Official Kwanzaa website and here (history.com)The history.com link provides more concise information and includes a very informative 4-minute video
      

dbg

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Wishing You Good Tidings of Great Joy




Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Naija Princess Aisha


 Part of the line of 11-1/2 inch dolls created by Taofick Okoya, Aisha is a Naija (Nigerian) Princess of Africa.

As shown above, three dolls are illustrated on the back of Aisha's box:  Temilola, Aisha, and Chinyere.  The back of box describes the Naija Princess dolls as follows:

Naija Princess
Is a Nigerian doll of colour which has been created to fill the void of coloured dolls in the local market and in Africa.  The dolls come with Nigerian names from the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria.  Our culture and tradition are from our [decendants] of Kings and Queens.  Every little girl dreams of [be] a princess and Naija Princess is here to make each and every little girl's dream a reality.
Details about Nigeria, from the back of Aisha's box, read as follows:

Nigeria
The largest and the most populated Black country in Africa and in the world is situated at the tail end of the West African sector of the great Black continent.  On gaining her independence from Britain on October 1, 1960, Nigeria has been a fast and dynamic country.

Rich in history and culture, Nigerian women are renowned worldwide for their unique dress sense.  There are over 200 ethnic groups currently living in harmony making up the country called Nigeria.  There are, however, 3 major tribes and languages, namely, IBO, HAUSA and YORUBA,which these dolls represent.

The Ibo Princess, CHINYERE, from the rich dense rain forests of the East; the Hausa Princess, AISHA, from the ancient palaces and kingdoms of Northern part of the country, and from the cocoa-growing, rich sun-kissed waters and beaches of the South West comes the Yoruba Princess, TEMILOLA.

Each tribe has a distinct style from each other from the traditional dress to the head ties and hairstyles.
Side panel of Aisha's box illustrates the doll wearing her extra yellow and white fashion.  Chinyere is illustrated below Aisha.

Aisha has microbraids and brown painted eyes.  She wears an orange and yellow print dress, yellow earrings and has a separately packaged pair of yellow pumps.  Also separately packaged is the yellow and white gingham wrap skirt with matching head wrap, and white star-print blouse as worn by the doll on the back and side panel of the box.

Temilola is shown on the opposite side panel of Aisha's box.

Naija Princess Aisha and Queens of Africa Nneka have different head sculpts.


The Princess of Africa dolls use a different head sculpt than the Queens of Africa dolls, as illustrated in the side-by-side photos of Aisha and Nneka, above.  Both doll lines are without articulation.

Aisha was purchased from American-based seller, Slice by Cake Boutique.  At the time of this writing, very few dolls remain in stock.  Those interested in purchasing, however, should bookmark the website and/or email Slice by Cake Boutique to check on future availability.

 dbg

Monday, December 22, 2014

Every Good and Perfect Gift


Throughout my years as a collector, writing, blogging, communicating with fellow bloggers, and others who share or understand my passion for Black dolls, I have formed lasting friendships and been part of enriching doll networks and groups of like-minded people.

I am taking the time now to thank those who have been part of one or more of my circle of doll-friends many of whom have sent unexpected gifts my way this year.

First of all, I want to thank all the dedicated readers/followers of this blog.  I greatly appreciate those who share their input through comments and also those who are not as vocal but continue to read my posts and often contact me directly.

In no certain order, and I hope I do not omit anyone, below are some of the doll gifts I have received this year from those in my close circle of doll friends and from acquaintances.

Circa 1960s church fan features a praying girl with a doll.
In a recent email from Sherry Howard of Myauctionfinds.com, I was asked if I collect doll memorabilia.  After my "yes" answer, Sherry graciously sent me this delightful church fan that in my estimate, dates back to the '60s or possibly a decade earlier.  The caption on the lower right of the fan with the image of an adorable little girl involved deeply in prayer as her brown baby doll sleeps, reads:  "Bless Dolly Too."  Used in advertising by Hinton and Pennick Funeral Service of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, their name and motto, Our aim is to be worthy of your friendship" appear on the back of the fan.  Thank you, again, Sherry!  Some of Sherry's other church fan finds can be seen here.

Cloth doll plastic bag holder and Santa door ornament

Ms. Harper was a long-time member of my Yahoo Group! WeLoveBlackDolls.  She is now a member of my private Facebook group.  This week I received an unexpected package that contained a 24-inch cloth doll that serves as a plastic bag holder.   The package from Ms. Harper also included an African American Santa door ornament.  Both, shown above, are so delightful and warmly received.  Thank you, again, Ms. Harper for thinking of me!

Senegalese boy, Issa Pouye, by Mme. Fabinta Lo
In a package from Paulette of Limbe Dolls, that contained the much-needed Monster High limbs I knew I was receiving, was another unexpected gift.  Seen first here in a guest post written by Paulette about the doll's artist, Issa Pouye was a pleasant surprise upon arrival in his own cloth drawstring bag.  His artist, Mme. Fabinta Lo makes dolls representing traditional aspects of Senegalese culture and history.  After learning about Mme. Lo's dolls through Paulette's post about her work, we (the artist and I) became Facebook friends.  It was my immediate desire to own at least one of her dolls.  Thanks to Paulette, now I do.  As described by Paulette in her guest post, "Issa Pouye is from the Peul ethnic group.  The Peul are traditionally nomadic herders, but Issa has left his rural village to attend school in the city."  Here he is surrounded by many dolls who were not familiar with his culture before now. 

1960s Dress Me-type doll and So In Style Grace with Courtney Goes to the Salon
After participating in a doll museum photo-sharing project hosted by one of the members of the So In Style Fan Club, I received a certificate of participation and unexpected gifts from the project host (JB).  One of the gifts was a vintage, Dexter's circa 1960s dress me-type fashion doll. So In Style Grace with Courtney Goes to the Salon doll set was another.  Thank you again, JB for your generosity!

Paper doll and cutout books published by LaVerne Hall

I placed an order for a sock doll and a clothespin doll from LaVerne Hall, who sent along several of her published paper dolls and additional doll artist-related literature.  Thank you again, LaVerne for your generous gifts.  A blog post featuring my sock doll and clothespin doll by Laverne is forthcoming. 

SIS Baby Phat Kara and Prom Grace

This year I received dolls and other items from Kimberley Wallace, founder and moderator of the So In Style Fan Club.  These were sent after my participation in fan club events.  Two of the dolls received, Grace and Kara, are shown above.


In May of this year, near my birthday, I received this beautiful hand-sewn white dress from Ms. Betty Ativie along with a pair of lace anklet socks as a "just because gift," which I blogged about here.  In a note accompanying the dress and socks, Betty referred to the items as a "just-because gift."  Although they arrived around the time of my birthday, Betty had no prior knowledge of my date of birth. Thank you again for sharing your sewing talents with me and my dolls, Betty!

1996 Clueless doll fashion and Lucky Locket Kiddles boxed paper doll set (1968).

Ms. S. has been a blessing to me for the years I have known her.  I have received several items from her throughout the years.  This year I received a Clueless doll fashion and Lovely Locket Kiddles boxed paper doll set, which are shown above.  Both remain very much appreciated. 

Tressy finally has a headband to replicate her original 1970s headband.  Cinnamon, who has her original outfit, has a new pale peach fashion with matching headband, orange blouse, and a shoulder bag to wear courtesy of Ms. Gauley. 

Earlier this year, email correspondent turned doll-friend, and fellow collector, Ms. Gauley, had items made for two of my Ideal Crissy grow-hair family dolls.  A replacement headband was made for Tressy and a pair of too-cute overalls with matching blouse and shoulder bag were made for Cinnamon.  Thank you, again, Ms. Gauley!

After receipt, I blogged about my "I Can Be" (Little Wyatt)  here.  The doll and now framed poem received from talented doll artist, Wyatt Hicks, will be forever treasured!  Thank you again, Wyatt!

Circa 1940s Black Americana tea bell mammy and circa 1950s beaded Zulu doll
After the death of Maya Angelou in May of this year, I entered and won a Facebook contest for an autographed copy of Maya Angelou's book, Mom & Me & Me & Mom.  The contest was conducted by noted author and heir of her mother's extensive doll collection, Jo Maeder.  The above pictured circa 1940s Black Americana tea bell mammy and circa 1950s beaded Zulu doll had been part of her mother's collection.  After announcing me as the winner, Jo asked if I would be willing to accept the pair as a gift along with the autographed book I won.  Of course, I answered, "Yes!"    Thank you, again, Jo!


Shindana's Kimmie dressed as a bride

Shindana's Kimmie, circa 1968, dressed as a bride, was a gift from fellow black-doll enthusiast, Linda Hayes, as a thank you for posting some of her dolls for sale on this blog over a several-week period.  Kimmie is a welcome addition to my Shindana doll collection.  Thank you again, Linda!

Cutie Pops Candi (stock photo from Amazon.com)

Fellow collector and doll friend, Cheryl Bruce sent Cutie Pops Candi by Jada Toys to me as part of a Pay it Forward Facebook challenge I participated in this year.  In January, Cheryl posted the challenge details as a status update.  Essentially, the first five people to respond in a comment that they were "in" would receive a surprise from her sometime during the year.  The surprise could be something purchased, something homegrown, a book, or something the recipient would like.  I was one of the five people to comment.  In turn, I had to post the Pay if Forward challenge details as a Facebook status update and likewise send surprises to the first five people to post a comment that they were also willing to participate.  Cutie Pops was my surprise from Cheryl and was she ever a surprise. Before receiving the doll I had no prior knowledge of her existence.  Thank you again, Cheryl!

Queens of Africa Nneka, a gift from Mr. Taofick Okoya, founder of the Queens of Africa dolls
In March of this year, I received a Queens of Africa (QoA) doll from Mr. Taofick Okoya, creator of the QoA dolls.  Nneka, shown above, was custom made for me.  Without knowing peach is my favorite color, the doll's costume is various shades of peach and burnt orange.  After reading one of my posts about the Queens of Africa dolls, Mr. Okoya sent me a message through Facebook informing me of his plan to have a doll custom made for me.  My gratitude for his kind gesture continues.  Incidentally, from US-based seller, Slice by Cake, I recently purchased another doll produced as a result of Mr. Okoya's dedicated efforts to provide dolls of color for Nigerian children.  My newest doll is a Princess of Africa and has a different head sculpt than the queens.  A separate blog post about my newly acquired doll will soon follow.

Again, I hope I have not missed naming anyone who gave dolls and doll-related items to me this year.  To each and every one of you, I extend a huge heartfelt thanks.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. -- James 1:17


dbg

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Shoes and Solid Gold Fashion for Janay


I ordered four pairs of shoes for Janay from Facets by Marcia* in three different styles.  Shown above, Janay models a bronze wrap pump, which is so close to brown that I now wish I had selected a different color for the brown platform pump (front left).  An option to paint the brown pumps is under consideration.


In the above image, Janay models the black with red platform patent-leather pumps with a black and red brocade dress formerly worn by Tonner's Tiny Dottie.  Janay took ownership of that dress upon her arrival during the third quarter of this year.

Pleased with the style and color of the black and red pumps, next Janay paired these with her tribal chevron-print dress purchased from Shasha of atelierniShasha.  She finds these to be a perfect match for this dress.

Janay illustrates the fit of the white buckle pump and brown platform pumps.

*Lengthwise, the open-toe buckle shoes and platform pumps from Facets by Marcia are a nice fit.  Due to the doll's high arch, the heels of these two styles tend to slip; the buckle style slips more.  I used clear elastic bands to hold the buckle shoes in place as shown in the photo above.   The bronze wrap style that Janay models in the first image has the best overall fit.

As I was writing this post, my husband handed me a small package containing three pairs of black Stardoll/Monster High shoes ordered from eBay seller, bestqualityforever2010.  Janay illustrates how well these fit her in the next image.

These Stardoll/Monster High shoes are nice for a dressed down look.  The price of $1.99 + $1.98 shipping worked well for me.  I ordered three pairs with the intent to paint the two extras another color.  Thanks for the heads up on these Roxanne.

*****


Janay's Color Infusion Solid Gold fashion

After items from the 2014 Integrity Toys Gloss Convention this past October were revealed, I immediately knew Janay had to own the Solid Gold fashion offered at the convention and shown above. In addition to a gold sequined, lined jacket with matching cami, gold belt, gold satiny shorts, and tan mid-calf boots, the fashion includes three gold tone bracelets and lightning shaped drop earrings.  The shorts have two side pockets with a hook and eye back closure.  The same closure is used for the camisole and jacket.  Selling originally on eBay from $75 up, I was able to snatch it up for $35 after a cooling down, post-convention period.  (Haste usually makes waste while patience saves.)


In the two final images, Janay models her new fashion, first without the jacket and then wearing it. 

Color Infusion Janay in Solid Gold fashion, without the jacket (top photo) and with (bottom photo).

She looks as electrifying as I had imagined.

*****
To see the three shoe styles offered at Facets by Marcia that fit Color Infusion (CI) Janay, click and scroll down to the Jem Integrity styles at this link.  Remember, the wrap style, in my opinion, is the best fit for CI Janay.

dbg