Black Lipstick and Gray Lady

I have admired the photos I've seen of the custom outfits made for the original vinyl gray lady. When I received Black Lipstick, I thought she needed something special as well. Diane Wagner is my go-to gal when it comes to creating outfits that are timeless and tailored perfectly. With a Wayne Nilson dress for inspiration, I asked Diane to change it up a bit by making the skirt black and changing the color of the trim as well.



I could not have been more pleased with the results. Hairstyles by Kathy Johnson, my go-to gal for the best in 'dos!



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Merry Christmas, 2013!

Here's wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas/Happy Holiday Season. J'Adore Gene is wearing "A Touch of Hospitality" as she hangs the first ornament on her tree.

With hat and purse completing her Wayne Nilson ensemble, Gene is ready to step out on the town to celebrate the holidays with friends and family.



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Gene Marshall: A Touch of Hospitality, Pt. 2

As promised many moons ago, here is part 2 of A Touch of Hospitality, this time featuring the outfit that Gene wears when she initially shows up at the Ladies Auxiliary. The rest of the story card:



So with excited chatter, the Ladies Auxiliary headed down the hall to a bright sunny room, where a large group of children wearing casts, bandages and hospital gowns sat playing. When the visitors entered, the children grew quiet. Then suddenly, Gene stepped into the room, dressed in a jolly holiday costume, holding a telephone. “Yes, Santa,” she said into the receiver, “I’m there now. And I have all the presents you sent. What? Yes, I’ll tell them all you said hello!” With that, she hung up and said, “Does anyone here want a present from Santa?”



The hubbub that followed will long be remembered. Surrounded by young patients, Gene had soon passed out presents, and gotten one and all laughing—which everyone knows is the best present of all!



To see my Gene Marshall photos, visit my regular website.

Gene: A Touch of Hospitality

Often times, Gene’s outfits will come with extra pieces that make it more versatile; in this case, Gene can go from festive 1952 party-goer to Santa’s Helper, all in the twinkling of an eye, thanks to costumer Wayne Nilson. The festive party outfit will have to wait until a later post. I have put Gene smack-dab in the middle of the San Jacinto Mountains, hanging ornaments on her very own flocked Christmas tree. From the story card:

“In appreciation for your devoted support of The Pediatric Hospital, pelase join us for a holiday reception in your honor,” read the invitation from the Ladies AUxiliary. Gene was thrilled—and touched. The Pediatric Hospital was one of her favorite causes,a nd just to be a part of such an organization was honor enough.

The reception went well. Gene sat and listened modestly to the many tributes. When it was time for her to speak, her speech was very simple: “I thank you for the tremendous honor you’ve given me today—but if it’s all the same to you, I’d like to take the rest of our time here and visit the children’s playroom! I’ve prepared a special surprise—I’ll meet you there…” And Gene excused herself to prepare.

To see my Gene Marshall photos, visit my regular website.