Hello Dolly!

I got a package today from my beloved eBay...
The entire box was encased with tape. *grumbles* How in the heck am I supposed to get into this?!

Ahhh, easier than it looked. I just slit one end open and pulled it back. Then I saw this beautiful paper, and it dawned on me that it was wrapped this way as to not damage the Ashton Drake box in case of resale.

Opening the tissue paper....

Oooo, she's SO pretty! Ooo she nekkid!



















Yes, another doll. I said I didn't have any doll $$$, and I don't.... not for a $150 plus doll. But I picked up this beautiful Madra doll for only $20. I think she will make a lovely Belle Watling.

Love that red hair!

Belle, we know your reputation, but be a doll and put on a robe will you?

I figured since she's a saucy, sultry girl that she could borrow Rose's kimono. Fitting for a soiled dove, don't you think? I'm sure she'd give Jack a dime to draw her like one of his french girls too.

I'm sure Rose won't mind that Madra is wearing her kimono, afterall~ Madra let her wear the "Turbulence" ensemble for her airplane escapades...

Now I need to make Belle's red coat. This info was taken from one of the books in my collection, "Gone With the Wind On Film". It lists every costume in detail. I have found some descriptions to be innacurate however. Click to view the large version.

Here is a photo of Ona Munson (Belle), with Walter Plunkett ~who designed the costumes of Gone With the Wind. This particular outfit was said to be one of his favorites from the film. It is very sad that Ona took her own life at age 51.

She was typecast in Hollywood as a madam~ always playing such rolls and this seemed to upset her.

In the end she delt with many health issues and apparently couldn't take it anymore. Her note read,

"This is the only way I know to be free again...Please don't follow me."