Bric-A-Brac starring Catrine, Operetta, Clawdeen

For today's shoot I gathered Kohl's Operetta, Catrine, and Scaris Clawdeen. I really meant for this shoot to be a spotlight primarily for Operetta, but things didn't go that way. Catrine just has a way of stealing the spotlight without even meaning to. As for Clawdeen -- well, it's her Scaris version so (f)lawlessness was inevitable. Anyway I threw 'em in some different outfits and got to snapping...

Catrine... sigh

Scaris Clawdeen... le sigh

Kohl's Operetta... damn

The whole trio.

"My purse is made of bones. Isn't that cool!" "My purse is made of a cassette. You know, from the 80's. And it's labelled "monster mix". Stop wasting my time and come back when you've learned vintage trumps goth. Always."

Kohl's Operetta has been re-released, by the way. This is an almost miraculous -- and nearly unheard of in the MH world -- second chance for those of you who couldn't get the best Operetta to date the first time around to do just that. Take advantage of this rare opportunity.

Scaris Clawdeen makes the purple netting on the midriff work in ways Abbey simply can't, in my opinion.

Unnngg. So perfect.

If you're one of those people whose fashion philosophy includes tights =/= pants, you won't like these pics. Everyone else, enjoy!

I really owe reader Mighoula a debt of gratitude. Somehow I had nearly forgotten just how astounding Catrine's beauty is until she reminded me in a recent comment. Thanks, Mighoula!

This is Catrine 2, by the way. Isn't she stun-gorge?

Hmm, I may have to throw stun-gorge onto Urban Dictionary and just include a picture of Catrine as the "definition"...

And we end with my current favorite motif. Heel in purse = pain in beauty. Too pretentious?

As always, thanks for reading! I can't say enough how much I appreciate you guys and your support! I know sometimes things can get a little crazy within the fandom and differing opinions can lead to occasional spats, but I love our little community anyway! MH = love.

I'm pretty sure Spectra haunted Halston at some point in the mid-70's...

The evidence speaks for itself...

So I threw DJ Spectra in ILF Scarah's in-box outfit. Obviously on Scarah this look is pure 60's mod. But on DJ Spectra, what with her earthy, middle-parted, wavy hairdo and more adult-looking facemold (compared to Scarah), she gives the look a 70's bent.

Which is to say she looks glorious. Don't front. Even you loonies who say this facemold "looks old" know Spectra is totally rocking your world right now.

In a year of mostly disappointing Cleos, Spectra has been my rebound. And of all the amazing dolls we got for her this year I do believe this is my favorite.

In 1978 Spectra floated through the mirrored doors of Olympic Tower and ganked this coat. I'm convinced.

For all we know she floated along the runways, too. It's not like the normies would've seen her. (Which is a real shame given how she's totally owning this look.)

A ghost on the move!

No Spectra, we're not worthy.

A fierce attitude, vintage style, and flawless face. Clap for her.

In other news, my computer has crashed twice in as many weeks. And when I say crashed, I do mean crashed. The first time it happened I lost everything but was able to get it back up and running. I had to re-install all my programs, a pain in the butt, but at least I was back in business, so to speak. The second time it crashed it took several days to get it running again, and now that it is, it won't let me load my editing software onto the computer. All of which is a long-winded way of saying I used a totally new (and different for me) editing program for these pics. I was worried at first but as I played with the settings I found myself really warming up to it! These are the first-ever pics I edited with the program so there's probably a learning curve I'll have to adjust to. All that said, I'm pretty happy with how these came out. I may just stick with this new program! Let me know what you think! As always, thanks for reading!

Transmission 2

We've received another mysterious transmission from Catty. This time it includes shots of Dead Tired Spectra wearing pieces borrowed from Legacy Day Raven Queen and Picture Day Abbey. Wonder what it could all mean?...

This Spectra utilizes the "old" facemold. No one will be surprised to learn that I'm very pleased by this.

On Legacy Day Raven this outfit comes across as costume-y, very much a "doll dress". But on Spectra it reads as fun and funky with a metal edge.

  

At this point it seems you never know what facemold you're gonna get on Spectra. Mattel keeps going back and forth on which one they use depending on the doll. Can they just not make up their mind?

Not that I'm complaining. Only occasionally getting the original mold is better than not getting it at all. (Sidenote: Spectra looks like such a badass in this outfit!)

Dead Tired Spectra's hair is still smooth and shiny like we're used to with her, but the texture itself is somewhat brittle. It's also rooted a bit thinly. That said, this is Spectra we're talking about! Her hair, even when not in excellent condition, is still better than about 90% of other dolls' hair. If you prefer the original facemold and have plenty of clothes to change her into (her nightgown is cute but not what most want on their fashion doll) you can't go wrong with DT Spectra! And since she's a budget doll the price is right, too.

In the meantime I'm wondering what the deal is with these transmissions...

Catty Noir Overrides And Invades All Voicething Outlets!

She came from out of nowhere and suddenly there she was -- everywhere! Flickr, Tumblr, even Voicething's sister blog The Sequel. There was Catty, loud and proud and possibly the fiercest we've ever seen her! Why did she target Voicething? What does it all mean? We're not sure, but we have a feeling this isn't the last we'll be seeing of this ferocious feline... and we wonder if next time she'll bring some friends along with her...

Paper Dolls

I recently had a request for scans of the cardboard character models Mattel used to use to showcase the outfits in the fashion packs. Ask and ye shall receive -- even if it takes a while sometimes! The great thing about these models is that they can also be used as paper dolls. (Well, so long as you don't mind that your dolls are footless.) And since Mattel has yet to officially release MH paper dolls, these are certainly the next best thing. Here are scans of the ones I have.

We'll start with Frankie because she's awesome and beautiful.

Sometimes they also use these cardboard models to showcase playsets, so buyers can get a rough idea of what an actual doll will look like with the set. Here's Frankie going voltageous in front of her vanity.

I really love the look they've been using for Frankie's box art representations for the past year or so. She always looks maniacally happy to the point of being demented. And yet still gorgeous!

Next we have Clawdeen...

I especially like this one since, as far as I'm aware, this "look" hasn't been used for her since.

Scaris Clawdeen -- expect big things on my year-end countdown in December!

Lagoona never leaves me "blue". I know, terrible.

Draculaura always looks so cute in her drawings! Too bad this doesn't always translate to her dolls.

And a few single hits, but they're all primo...

Adorkable.

Fiercely frigid Abbey.

We need more Spectra models! It really is a shame Mattel isn't using these in the FPs anymore.

Unfortunately I can't find my Operetta model, so I had to use my partial scan from last year's character spotlight. Sadface.

And we end on a high note -- Rochelle! We never got a FP model of her but at least we have this one from the Scaris Car.

I'd like to dedicate this post to my fellow ephemerites. Paper goods -- so fun, so cool, so collectible.

PS: If you're a really big dork like I am these can be printed off on thick stock paper (or thin stock then laminated) and used as bookmarks. There's no reason why your copy of The Peripatetic Coffin can't be fiercely fabulous in between reading sessions!