A letter from the forgotten

(An open letter from Lolita)

Dear Niel,

I don't know if you still remember me. I'm Lolita, well that's what you named me. I'm your fifth doll. I'm actually Storm (X-men), a superhero. I let go of my marvel-ous identity as you welcomed me in your home. Not only that, you gave me a job as model, a family of my own (with my partner Vernie and daughter Puypuy) and new friends. I was really grateful. In case you have forgotten me, I have attached some photos to remind you.

(My first appearances in your old blog)

 
Then one day, new dolls came in. They excited you. They were new. We all know how important being new is. You wanted to redress and restyle them, give them new looks. You forgot about us, stored in a box. And now you have an army of action figures. Where do I fit in? In a storage box?

I wanted to wear the clothes that you made but you didn't let me. Is it because I'm on the "heavy" side? Is it because I pose like an amateur? Is it because my hair is wild? Please tell me. Am I THAT ugly? I need some explanation. I can take it. I'm tough. You characterized me as a tough woman.

(My old modelling portfolio)

I can improve myself. I'm willing to change if only you give me a chance. I haven't eaten in a while so I'm really skinny now. Plus, I beheaded a Dynamite Girl and snatched her body so I can pose fiercely. My hair, well it is still not what you would call normal but I think it looks better now.

How come Kayla gets all the job? Is there a chance I can get some modelling stint in your blog? Please say yes. Otherwise you should just throw me in the trash or give me to a poor girl who badly needs a doll! Please be considerate.

Hurting,
Lolita

PS.

How are Vernie and Puypuy? I haven't seen them in a long time. Have you forgotten about them, too?


________________________

(My response)

Dear Lolita,

I really don't know what to say. Ummm... errr... I'll call you, maybe???

Deluded,
Niel

Another idea for Mattel

We almost never run out criticisms on Barbie products. In fairness to Mattel, they listen. I have mentioned in my previous blog that they should do the following and they did.

1. More Asian playline dolls
2. Asian Ken
3. A smiling Asian

So just in case Mattel is listening again, I'm posting this idea here. A lot of Ken collectors have been wanting this so I figured I echo the concern.

How about a rooted redhead Ken? I bet if that comes out even in a less articulated body, people would buy. I guess it would still be cheaper to buy that than to have a Ken head re-rooted with red hair. They can recreate Ken's redhead friend, Alan. Or why not a new Ken for the Dolls of the World line like an Irish Ken? They usually stereotype Irish people as redheads, don't they?


This post was inspired by Ms Leo's blog entry:
http://i-luv-dolls.blogspot.com/2012/09/these-too-are-greens.html

Rockin' Red

No pair of men's pants calls for attention quite like those red pants. This intense color is worn best by people with dominant personalities, people who can handle all the deadly attention.

For the first two looks, I tried to control the intensity with white, black and gray. The first look is more relaxed but still evokes sensuality. The second look, although very casual, still conveys strength.

The final look is that of a rock star. It's about power and control. A trace of ochre pulls the attention away from the red crotch to the intense face. The dominating red is down-played by black. The withheld intensity, softened by a fur wrap, is just about to explode.

Wow With White

Although white is an easy color to wear, it won't be so easy for a guy if it is so short!

The first look is sporty and typical, almost bland if not for the pop of purple. I'm from a tropical country so a blazer is just not part of out basic wardrobe. A blazer and shorts combo seems new to me, but it is not really out there. That just won't work for someone who knows he is special.

So how do you style a pair of white shorts and make a guy wearing it have that wow factor? Give him a little twinkle and take cue from Tony Manero. This look is not about being safe. It's about being a star. Wouldn't you like to dance with this star?

Blue Bottom

Blue is generally a safe color  for men to wear.  It is fairly easily to style a blue pair of pants. The first look is for a warm weather while the second, cold. Not that they look bad, but there's really nothing new with either. That just won't do for this fashion sensitive Ken.

I was looking for inspiration on how to style a blue bottom when I came across Pause (an online fashion magazine). I forgot what specific article I got the inspiration from, but it was one of those where they feature what actual people wear on the streets. The main trend was a touch of bold colors in men's wear but one guy caught my attention. He was mixing some military inspired pieces with bold colors. It seems like a major mismatch but I kinda liked it and used it in this look. Bold colors seem to make men look softer or feminine but with a touch of a military piece, there seems to be an added masculinity in the look.