Collecting Fashion Dolls by Terri Gold

Snarky Comic Relief

2012-02-13T20:08:00.002-05:00

Overheard after the Grammy Awards

Links to Toy Fair 2012 Pictures

2012-02-13T00:16:00.000-05:00

http://www.toyassociation.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=tf_Home

*** http://idlehands1.blogspot.com/2012/02/toy-fair-2012-mattel-monster-high.html

This blogger covers EVERYTHING in detail. Follow his posts on an hourly basis for the duration of the fair.

This is his Flickr site:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulnomad/collections/72157629022673857/

New Products on the Horizon

2012-02-12T15:54:00.001-05:00

Watch for these new products from Tonner, Tonner Toys and Wilde Imagination. These tempting images were posted on FB from the Javits Center Toy Fair today. I'm hoping for better images and descriptions later this week.

Avatar Characters, 22" Resin

Maudlynne Macabre, 15.25" vinyl

City Girls, 16" Vinyl

Runway Fashion Reinterpretation

2012-02-12T12:28:00.000-05:00

The Super Sleuths are at it again and have come up with these two fantastic matches.

Posted by berenis on Dolly Daily
From Mattel:

2012 BFMC Evening Gown Barbie Givenchy Haute Couture Fall 2011

Posted by corvas on Dolly Daily
From Integrity Toys:

NuFantasy Gretel 'Sweet Nothing' Alexander McQueen Fall 2011 RTW

Which versions do you prefer?

Laurebelle Couture Exclusive "Glam Addict" Giselle

2012-02-11T12:02:00.000-05:00

The latest lottery for members of the W Club is an European exclusive Giselle called Glam Addict. This doll is very beautiful and has a stylish fashion that comes with additional shoes and accessories. It's being called a mini giftset. The price for US and Canadian customers is $150. plus either $15. or $25. respectively for shipping. The price for the rest of the world is EU 140 ($185.33) + EU 30 ($40.) for shipping. The difference in price has many Europeans howling with dismay. After all, if this is a European exclusive, why are the Europeans paying so much more? The answer was a mixture of shipping costs, VAT, customs and whatever other taxes and duties exist. Laurence explained that she is pre-paying certain of these fees which would normally fall to the buyers and so these costs must be passed on. It's quite a burden for overseas collectors. But...maybe they don't have to pay for health insurance. Perhaps their income taxes are proportionally lower. There's always some other benefit to offset these issues.

The lottery closes on February 14. I have entered but my luck in the past 3 years has not been good. This is probably the best looking Giselle so far and I don't have any in my collection. I would restyle her hair done in a more glamorous Hollywood style to suit the fashion.

Lingerie

2012-02-10T20:56:00.000-05:00

People have been posting such wonderful lingerie and purple themed photos over at Prego (again) so I thought I'd cull a bunch and post them here for all to enjoy.

Amelia by Janet in Oregon

Tyler by aquabluerose

Hypnosis by Lyanne NZ

Dollmore's Diana by Sisen

Gothica and Toxica by Valtoy


Ellowyne by M2

Iplehouse Elena by LeeAnn

Photoshoot (The Do-Over)

2012-02-09T22:35:00.001-05:00

Dasha and Elise had a second chance in front of the camera earlier today. What a difference the proper background makes!

Mauve Absolue wearing Behind the Drama's gown and a vintage mink stole.

Geometry showed up wearing a Ficon leather gown.

In the image above, I desaturated the backdrop and column.

The Mermaid Barbie Doll

2012-02-09T15:42:00.000-05:00

Designed by Linda Kyaw, released on 2/8 and on backorder until 3/8/2012. Price $100.

Description:
Sure to make waves wherever she goes, Mermaid Barbie® doll wears a sheer bodice accented with beads and rhinestones in iridescent blue and silver. Iridescent paillettes create the first half of her shimmery tail ending with two different shades of pleated organza.

Pretty picture, isn't it? I would like to see this doll in person. She comes with the rock display but the ad says she cannot stand alone as shown. I know many Barbie collectors do not remove their dolls from the boxes and this one is definitely a 'stay-in-the-box' doll. I can see this as a lovely 8X10 print for a doll room.

So what do you think? Is $100 a fair price for this mermaid beauty?

Mary T's Doll House to Close

2012-02-08T22:31:00.002-05:00

An announcement signed by Mary T of Mary T's Doll House was sent out earlier this evening. Here is the text:

I just wanted to write and update everyone on what is happening at Mary T's Doll House. I have had a great time being a doll dealer, but the time has come to move onward and forward. As a result, I will be shutting the shop down. This is not an easy decision, but one that is right for me.

I have decided not to carry any of the 2012 lines and Integrity is aware that I declined my allocations.

My website will remain active for awhile so that I can sell remaining stock.

I have had a wonderful 14 years as a dealer and I thank each and every customer for supporting me all these years. I am still a collector at heart, so I hope to stay in touch with many of you as I consider you all not just customers, but my friends.

_______________

BFC Membership for 2012 Opens Today

2012-02-08T14:23:00.001-05:00

Membership for the 2012 season in the Barbie Fan Club opened today for current members. New members may begin to register on February 15. This year all members will received a Silkstone dress form.

That's a big step up from a mouse pad. Of course you will also get your membership card.

Every 3 months you get a $20. credit towards a purchase. There have been occasions when it was more than $20. You cannot save up your credits as each expires at the end of the quarter in which it is granted.

Membership is $24.95. This year I was charged $2. tax for the first time. Soon I will have to pay tax on the air I breathe.

http://www.barbiecollector.com/shop

Fashion Sleuth Challenge

2012-02-08T14:02:00.002-05:00

I have a challenge to the sleuths. Find sources for the clothes Jason Wu designed before he left the new crop of designers in charge. Did he copy or design?? Go back 5 or more years to the Fashion Royalty dolls outfits.

There will always be similar parts of fashion from one item to another. But as you can see below, there is no mistaking where the dolls' outfits came from. That's what I want you to look for.

A fashion sleuth over at Dolly Daily, corvas, posted these images. The interpretations are amazingly similar. There's no doubt as to the source of the clothes for these dolls.

Dior Resort 2008 - Adele/VeroStyle Counsel - Dior Fall 2008 RTW

Air Apparent Vero - Dior Fall 2008 RTW

Business Class Anja - Dior Fall 2008 RTW

Point of Departure Eugenia - Dior Resort 2008

Photoshoot From Hell

2012-02-07T17:54:00.000-05:00

I'm turning into a lazy photographer. I'd rather take stupid iPhone photos than go into my studio and do the real thing. I'm lazy in the studio, too. I had a handbag to sell so I hung up a contrasting piece of fabric and shot some pictures. Then instead of changing the background to suit the dolls I wanted to photograph, I decided to leave it. Blech. I knew it wasn't working almost immediately but didn't do anything to change it. It's a good thing I'm not doing this for money. On the other hand, if I were getting paid, perhaps I'd be less lazy.

Here you have a lesson in how backgrounds can ruin photographs. Ugh. I don't even want to talk about how much work it was to pull these images out. The last one, of course, has had it's background completely Photoshopped.
In the second picture of Dasha I desaturated the yellow tones. Compare it to the picture that follows and you will see what I mean. Both dresses are the same color IRL.
The dresses on Dasha and Elise are by Cholo. Vanessa is the former Intoxicating Mix rerooted. She is wearing Ayumi's outfit. That is also Ayumi's FR2 body. Ayumi's (ugly) head is on the way to Italy.

Fashion Inspiration?

2012-02-05T23:26:00.000-05:00

Carmen Dell Orefice in 1954 Revlon ad

Monogram Allure

I think it's a great copy. I wonder how they get away with it. Apparently iconic images are not copyrighted. What about fashions?

I ordered this Monogram doll because of the outfit and it doesn't bother me that it was copied. I just can't believe that there is no copyright protection. I remember that a few years ago Jason Wu got involved in some kind of movement to protect designers' work. The copying of designs for dolls was brought up on the boards shortly after that. I think that movement sort of fizzled.

Sybarite Pompadour Alterations

2012-02-05T20:19:00.002-05:00

Several new Sybarite Pompadour owners have opted to cover up her exposed breasts and/or otherwise alter her appearance. What do you think of the changes?

Caren Castro posted this image on Prego. Just look at all the fabulous accessories and miniatures. When Caren creates a diorama, she really goes all the way!

Here's one by Kat/SF dressed in Play's fashion with the curlers removed.

Another beauty with her chest covered photo by Marny.

This one id by 59DOLL:

By Stacy:

2012 DOTY Industry's Choice Awards Announced

2012-02-05T19:32:00.000-05:00

I wish to extend my sincere congratulations to all these winners. The entire list is here.

Some of the winners are pictured. You can do Google searches for others by entering the name of the doll and its creator into your search.

Children's Play Doll
Lil' Cutesies Twins in Stroller – JC Toys Group
Playtime Baby Little Princess – Adora
Laura – Sonja Hartmann
Mosi – Playmates Toys

Collectible Baby Doll
Marei – Hildegard Gunzel
Nursery Time Baby – Adora
Joylee – MasterPiece Dolls
Olivia's Gentle Touch – Ashton-Drake Galleries
Harper – MasterPiece Dolls

Collectible Fashion Doll
Princess Catherine Bride Doll – Ashton-Drake Galleries

Grace Kelly the Bride Doll – Mattel

The Corpse Bride – Tonner

Toxica – Superfrock

Dinner with Duke & Duchess – Joan Greene

Collectible Ball-Jointed Doll
Lydia Grimmsley – Kim Lasher

Winona – Connie Lowe

Eryka – Kim Lasher
Madame Eshe – Angelic Dreamz

Aurora – MasterPiece Dolls

Collectible Vinyl/Plastic Doll, Less Than $150
Goddess of the Galaxy Barbie – Mattel
Oink! – Adora
Madison – Ashton-Drake Galleries
Grace – Sonja Hartmann

Collectible Vinyl/Plastic Doll, More than $150
Lilli Princess Frog – Heidi Plusczok
Belladonna – Robert Tonner

Tanya – Maybe Baby
Amelie – Doris Stannat
Midnight Blue – Joan Greene

Collectible Miniature Doll, 8 Inches or Less
Lettie – Berdine Creedy
Snips + Snails Tommy – Heartstring Dolls
French Fashion Bru Tiny Tot – Marie Osmond Dolls
Little Belle Flower – Heidi Plusczok
Cosette – Kish & Company

Collectible Manufacturer's Artist Doll
Virginia – Zofia & Henry Zawieruszynski
Eden – Kim Lasher
Fee – Hildegard Gunzel
Princess Sarah – Heidi Plusczok
Suchin – Kish & Company

Artist Ball Jointed Doll
Chloe in Whisperland – Joe MacPhale
Eppie and Arnaud – Connie Lowe
Ava Le Cle – Kim Lasher
Candy Pink “Protea” – Berdine Creedy
Sierra – Judy Porter

Artist Baby Doll
Sweet Cheyenne – Lori Ivanovic
Louise – Pat Moulton
Lully and His Teddybear – Luciana Miglioranzi
Baby Bridgette – Lori Ivanovic

Artist Miniature Doll
Anna – Elizabeth Cooper
Addie in Pink – Bo Bergmann
Nell – Elizabeth

Artist Doll, Less Than $1,250
Celebration of Sisterhood Set – Bo Bergmann
Peppermint Green “Protea” – Berdine Creedy
Liliana – Zofia & Henry Zawieruszynski
Little Grace – Diane Effner
Lizbeth – Anna Hardman

Artist Doll, More Than $1,250
Blue Funky Fairy – Susan Krey
Kristina – Zofia & Henry Zawieruszynski
Wonderland Alice – Gregg Ortiz
Rapunzel – Hildegard Gunzel
Ambriel Antoinette – Bo Bergmann

One-Of-A-Kind Doll, Less Than $1,250
Spoonful of Sugar – Roxanna Maria
Iris Blue – Lorella Falconi
Love’s Pledge – Joy Calhoon
Lucky Child Heidi – Gaby Dolls
Crème de la Rose – Diane Effner

One-Of-A-Kind Doll, More Than $1,250
Masako – Lynn Cartwright
Glenda the Good Witch – Gregg Ortiz
Jacob the Daydreamer – Nina Tugarina
Hoshi – Lynn Cartwright
Dorothy of Oz – Gregg Ortiz

Click on the DOTY logo below to go to the explanation of the requirements and guidelines for dolls to be entered into the competition.

Luminous Ayumi and Lottery Drama

2012-02-03T21:12:00.000-05:00

Luminous Ayumi was the IDEX exclusive doll offered by Integrity Toys to the public at the recent event. She was $160. The remainder of the dolls were put up for lottery to the W Club members and the results were announced yesterday.
I was browsing a doll board yesterday evening when I saw a very angry and resentful post regarding the actions of lottery winners who post their lottery wins at an inflated prices. I checked the W Board and saw that, indeed, one winner had posted Ayumi for sale. She stated that she open to offers higher than what she was asking on eBay. This person native language is not English.
There was anger directed at this woman in the succeeding posts. It was disturbing to read. Why couldn't these people email the seller to tell her that posting a lottery win on the W Board immediately after the lottery ended could cause a problem and it's not a 'friendly' thing to do? Someone could have explained this to her. Last year a member did the same thing more than once and no one attacked her. I couldn't understand why this woman left to hang in the wind.
Anyway, today the angriest W Board post had been removed (by the poster?) and several voices of reason prevailed. The thread was also closed.
Sad.

Here's Ayumi. A friend picked one up for me at IDEX.

The designers are playing the Name Game again. They call this doll Ayumi however she looks nothing like Ayumi. IMO this new sculpt is unattractive. That could be partly because of the ginormous eyebrows and huge forehead. It's too bad because her fashion is very pretty. The shoes are well made which allows the doll to stand without support.

Luminous Ayumi has a beautiful and complex hairstyle that is woven with ribbon. This certainly took skill to create and it was done well. For redressers, this could pose a problem as the ribbon probably cannot be removed without undoing the hairstyle.

As of right now the average eBay going price is about $240. It will drop because as more people actually receive their dolls, more will be offered for sale.

Silkstone Grace Kelly Bride Doll 50% Off

2012-02-02T22:11:00.002-05:00

If you have been wanting the Grace Kelly Silkstone bride doll, Target is offering her for 50% off the original price of $175.

http://www.target.com/p/Barbie-Gold-Label-Collector-Doll-Grace-Kelly-Bride/-/A-13575146#?lnk=sc_qi_detailimage

Photoshoot

2012-02-01T00:13:00.000-05:00

Monogram Magnetism was not one of my favorite dolls but tonight I redressed her and she's moved up the ladder. She is gorgeous in the right color.
In these images she's wearing the FR2 Only Natural dress, a shawl from a Randall Craig fashion, Rising Sun Kyori jewelry and Spring Forward Eugenia shoes.

What a difference from the fashion she came dressed in!

Here's Geometry wearing the Tribe wig and Basique Black gown.

Ficon Presents Ga-IN

2012-01-29T20:33:00.002-05:00

A new doll from Ficon is now available for ordering. Her name is Ga-IN. She is LE30 and sells for $795.

collaboration with Park:Original makeup designed by park

skin:pale skin(not regular skin)

eye:side glanced eye.

doll includes:

doll+outfit+stocking+fur+wig+shoes+extra hands+tabaco pipe

outfit:inner dress+out dress+long black coat+fur

makeup:Yian & K

outfit:Rhi

wig:chewin

shoes:Ko

Clicking on the image will take you to the Ficon website where you can see more of Alexandra's magnificent photography of this gorgeous doll.

Toxica in Fugu

2012-01-29T00:39:00.000-05:00

New JAMIEshow Dolls - Winter 2012

2012-01-28T22:03:00.000-05:00

Angelic Dreamz revealed their new JAMIEshow dolls at IDEX this weekend. JAMIEshow dolls are 16" resin ball jointed dolls.

Click on any image to see the entire line.

Eshe

Grace

Cameron

Sasha

Link to IDEX 2012 Horseman/Vita Pictures

2012-01-28T11:55:00.002-05:00

Click on the image above to go to Sharon Meyer's pictures from IDEX.
You can contact her at mmtn52@gmail.com if you wish to order anything.

Are poodles really from France?

2012-01-27T23:44:00.002-05:00

Answer:

No. Poodles are really from Germany, 'Poodle' comes from 'Pudel', a germanic word meaning 'puddle'. They were bred as water dogs, hence their other name 'puddle dogs'.

History of the Poodle
by Lee Weston      The Poodle's history is shrouded in antiquity and hypothesis. By the 15th century we see dogs that actually resemble the Poodle as we know it, in writings and in art work It is believed by some that the poodle is the original water spaniel. It is known that the Poodle was, and even today, is used as a working hunter and duck retriever. The very stylish hair trim that is distinctive with the Poodle, and seen in conformation, actually has a real function and purpose. The Poodle's coat protects the dog from water and debris in the water, it buoys the dog, and adds insulation to keep the joints, and the rest of the dog, warm while working. The hindquarters of the dog is shaved so that the dog can swim more easily rather than being weighted down with the equivalent of a diaper and long footed pajamas.
     Breed historians are in general agreement that the Poodle had its origins in Germany, with some influence from Russia and then became standardized as a distinct breed in France where it is the national dog. That is why many people today refer to the Poodle with the misnomer of "French" Poodle. In Germany the Poodle (from the German word pudel - meaning "to splash in water") was a very sturdy dog, that possessed two coat types, curly and corded. The corded type of coat is rarely seen in the United States, but is still in existence. The Russian variety was described as somewhat "greyhound" in body type.
     We know that the Standard (sized) Poodle developed first, and that the Miniature and Toy Poodles were developed afterwards, and all three varieties have a long history. It is not known for certain if the Miniature and Toy Poodles are "bred down" versions of the Standard, or if these smaller Poodles developed in their own right. An interesting hypothesis dealing with the history of any breed that predates written history, did the breed develop from a common ancestor, or did the breed develop because dog fanciers from different countries were trying to breed a dog for a particular purpose and function and, independently developed a breed of dog that had similar traits?
     In France, Poodles were used for a variety of purposes. There was the Caniche which was a large dog widely used for duck hunting. The Petit Barbet was a Toy size dog that led a pampered and primped style of life in the royal courts. The Truffle dog was used in the search for that flavorful morsel that was used by so many of the French chefs.
     A very important event in the history of the Poodle is when the breed was imported from France to Great Britain. The Kennel Club of England registered its first Poodle in 1874, and the Poodle Club of England was founded in 1876. In 1910 the curley and corded dogs were put in separate divisions, as was the Miniature. Prior to this time Poodles of all sizes and coat types were shown in the same classes.
     The foundations that were developed in England became the cornerstones of the breed in the United States. Precisely when the Poodle was imported to the United States is not known. The American Kennel Club registered its first Poodle in 1886. The Poodle Club of America was originally founded in 1896. Shortly after its establishment it was disbanded, and then reorganized in 1931. The P.C.A. used the Standard and Rules of the Curley Poodle Club of England as its base for establishing the Standard in the U.S. The same Standard now applies to all three sizes of Poodle, the only difference is in the height measurements for each size.
     The Standard and Miniature Poodle are shown in the Non Sporting Group of the A.K.C., and the Toy Poodle is shown in the Toy Group.
     The F.C.I. (Federation Cynologique Internationale) recognizes four sizes: the Standard, Miniature, Dwarf and Toy. All four sizes are shown in Group 9.

Ich bin Berliner.

Wir sind Berliner.

2012 Integrity Toys Reveal

2012-01-27T23:16:00.000-05:00

IT is unveiling new dolls at IDEX.

First up, the Monogram dolls are the clear winners. Someone (new, perhaps?) designed this line and made a 180° turn from the direction they had taken in the past year. They went from dowdy (Bemused, Envied & Passionate) and WWTT to stylish and classy the way they were the first two years and maybe even better.

There are five dressed dolls offered. From what I can see, three of them (2,4,5) have the original sculpt and two have caught the puffy-Poppy-upper-lip-thing. All the fashions are stunning except the one in the middle which doesn't seem suited or fitted to the doll's scale and size. However, the accessories from that ensemble are lovely.
The blonde one on the end seems to be channeling Hollywood glamour - maybe Marilyn. I was pleasantly surprised that I liked two of these five enough to pre-order them! SHOCK!
The price has gone up $10 per doll to $160. Must be for the lashes. Yes, Monogram dolls now sport lashes.
I predict there will be issues with the hair bump on #2 - as it looks uneven in this picture already.

Congratulations to the designer of the Monogram dolls for this success. Don't let the bastards get you down.

The other doll I was impressed with is the Gretel doll from the Hansel and Gretel Nu.Fantasy duo. The dolls are available separately - they are not a set.

This description cracked me up: "This high fashion reinterpretation of the traditional German folk tale has Hansel and Gretel looking fabulous while lost in the woods. They are ready to take on any old witch or fashionista."
I hope her hair is as fabulous in the production doll as it looks in the promo. I also hope the fashion doesn't stain her body. Why? Because I pre-ordered her, too. ($135.)

Poppy Parker shows up with Chip. When I read that name all I could think of is Chip and Dale, computer chips, corn chips and those California Highway guys on bikes, CHiPs.

They should have named him Biff. Anyway, he's not a looker. He's just an expensive Ken with a blank, expressionless face. His tuxedo and shoes are very nice.
Poppy's dress is a vintage 50's prom dress style in deep coral.
Darla comes with the microphone. She is not part of the set. Her dress is more sophisticated as is her hairstyle. She has a little Jackie Kennedy style going on. Is she supposed to be older than Poppy?

The Poppy/Chip set is $150. Darla is $89.

There is a whole new line of dolls featuring Poppy Parker as Sabrina.

Sabrina is a 1954 comedy-romance film directed by Billy Wilder, adapted for the screen by Wilder, Samuel A. Taylor, and Ernest Lehman from Taylor's play Sabrina Fair (in the UK, the movie has the title Sabrina Fair). It stars Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, and William Holden. This was Wilder's last film released by Paramount Pictures, ending a 12-year relation with Wilder and the company.

The line features two dressed dolls and two giftsets. If you like Poppy, you will like these sets.

These are the two dressed dolls. They retail for $125. each.
The giftsets each have multiple outfits and accessories.

And now for the part of the collection I think is the least impressive - the Avantguard16 (FR16) and the Giant Poppys.

I am completely unimpressed with these four dolls. Their facial screening is cartoon-like and I don't care for any of the fashions. I did have the opportunity to examine the FR16 body and I will not be buying any doll on that body. I originally thought that these dolls might be good body donors for the Avantguard dolls I already have whose bodies are yellowed and floppy. The new bodies are just as lightweight and wobbly. The size has changed as well which will create more problems for redressers. Retail price $175. That's interesting. The 12" FR2s were also $175. I suppose a little extra vinyl and fabric doesn't amount to very much.

The giant Poppys are unappealing. The fashions are acceptable enough for the era they are supposed to represent but with the increased size, that phony-looking upper lip has grown to what looks like a clothespin has been pinching it. These dolls retail for $150. each.

There's bee stung lips and there's deformity. Hey...to each his own. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Seems like IT is counting on the success of the little Poppys and trying to bring collectors into the 16" world. They'd better be careful because if the minions start collecting 16" dolls, they might discover a whole world of gorgeous 16" dolls out there that aren't made by IT and that have different lips from each other. I must do a collage of IT lips - 2011-2. Waldo will be in there for sure.

This line is called Teen Poppy. Aren't the little Poppy dolls teens, too?

What I Would Order...

2012-01-26T00:08:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I put together a fantasy order instead of a real one. It provides a little bit of buying satisfaction and I know that I can safely list anything I want.

First up, this is what I'd get from the NuMood collection:
Basic Sydney because I love Sydney and she can wear all of my currrent Tyler fashions. I'd get a set of convertible feet.

Then I would get these pieces from the collection. Lots of mix and match goodness here.

The cost of this order would be $524.88 at full retail. Interesting that it doesn't look like so much money when you look at the separates.
OK so I'm not going to do it because it is nearly what a nice nude Sybarite would cost me.
I do love those flat shoes! I'll bet they would fit the Avanguard flat foot. But I hate the AG bodies -they've all turned yellow and are floppy.

Focus, Terri, focus.

______

From the other introduced products I might get this guy (Freedom For Fashion Neo Tokyo $199.99) because he's hot-looking and I like his outfit.

I'd get Ms. Beetlejuice (224.99) to scare away evil demons and because she is a very weird-looking doll. I like her as an oddity.

I would order Emily ($224.99) for her outfit. The doll herself would have to go live elsewhere because she reminds me too much of Evangeline Ghastly.

Marvel Comics' Black Cat ($159.99) might get a spot in my collection because she is very pretty. Someone else would be happy to get her outfit, I'm sure. I love her blonde eyebrows!

This fantasy order would retail for $809.96. Fantasies are easy to come by.

At these prices, a car ride to Kingston for an hour of gazing and a little touching fits into my budget very well.