L.A. Trip Part 2

While attending the Integrity Toys Convention in Los Angeles, I had the chance to connect with an old friend who has been living there for several years. She and her boyfriend came by the hotel on Saturday, the last day of the convention, and picked me up to take me for lunch on Rodeo Drive.

Rodeo Drive was swamped with people. I'm sure a lot of them, like me, were tourists. It's for sure the shutterbugs were out in full force! The weather was fantastic! 80 degrees, sun shining, very low humidity (which I am not used to!) and my friend, Libby, and her boyfriend, Phil, provided me with nonstop entertainment!  We walked the street, segueing into shops here and there, admiring the window displays of Chanel and Badgley Mischka and the many beautiful people moving along the street in their designer duds and sky high heels.

I insisted on going into the Ralph Lauren store. I love Ralph Lauren's clothes. I have quite a few pieces in my wardrobe and I have long admired the classic style of his designs, whether it is a dress or sweater or handbag. Every single thing has class and never goes out of style. I was taking pictures inside the store when Libby said, "They don't like that." So, I snapped a couple more shots and quietly exited.

As we completed our walk along Rodeo Drive (it's only a few blocks) and began discussing where we would have lunch, Libby said they had one more place to take me, and that it was off the beaten path. They had saved the best for last! Seriously!

Edelweiss Chocolate Factory is a tiny little store front and holds all manner of surprises, not the least of which was that THIS was wear the famous "I Love Lucy" episode in the chocolate factory was filmed!

The lovely woman in attendance graciously allowed us into the back of the store to see the conveyor belt that Lucy and Ethel worked on and I have to tell you, it is so much smaller than what we saw on the little black and white screens of our TVs!

The shop has had two owners, and Shirley Jones (of "Partridge Family" fame) is the current owner. It seems that the local folks are eager to preserve the little candy shop hidden away there off of Rodeo Drive and I can understand why! It certainly does have historic significance! At least for those of us of "a certain age!"

The front of the store is filled with candy in jars, candy in boxes, candy in glass cases ... candy everywhere! It is truly a delightful place to visit and I would later learn that some L.A. folks don't even know this place exists. We were told that Tom Cruise and Jay Leno are regular customers, so, clearly the celebrities know where the really great candy stores are!
Of course, I purchased chocolates for my darling husband!

After leaving the candy store, we found a lovely little restaurant and had a delightful lunch on the street where we could watch all the action. People watching is one of my favorite pastimes, and Rodeo Drive is great place to do that!

Libby had told Phil about my photographic adventures with Danbo, and when he asked if I had brought Danbo along, I said, "Of course! I never go anywhere without my little man!" He played with Danbo for a bit and managed to set up a shot for me. He did a terrific job, as you can see! Yes, it was truly a lovely way to spend an afternoon with friends! Thanks, guys!!

L.A. Trip Part 1

My darling husband and I did not get to take a vacation in 2013. He has been super busy in his job, so we were confined to day trips within radius of home. I, on the other hand, did board a plane and fly across the continent to attend a doll convention. This was my first trip to California and my first Integrity Toys Convention.

I arrived at LAX the day before the shooting. I am forever grateful the shooter didn't choose that day to make his statement.

The hotel was fantastic! The convention was held at The Century Plaza in Century City and it was a grand place for a doll convention! Kudos to Jason Wu and Integrity Toys for selecting such fine accommodations for the conventioneers! From the Starbuck's in the lobby to the beds (which were just fabulous!) to the meals served at every convention event, I am certain you couldn't do better. The staff was friendly and helpful, whether you called the front desk for something as mundane as how to turn the lamp on or stopped housekeeping in the hall to ask for more body lotion! Great people!

 I loved the room! The beds were ultra comfortable and, even though I was on East Coast Time, I slept like a baby and felt rested and ready to play every day! I shared my room with an amazing woman who is making quite a name for herself in the world of doll photography. In fact, she has actually raised the bar with her unique photographic style. She lives in Burbank and has won an Emmy for a short film she directed, "Change For A Dollar," and she is a fascinating human being. I was so blessed to have this chance to get to know her and watch her work! She's inspiring! Her name? Sharon Wright. Check out her Facebook page with doll pics here or visit her flickr page here to see what I'm talking about.

 Back to the convention! There were dinners every night, each with a different theme. My favorite, of course, was the Poppy Parker Luncheon, as she's the doll that drew me here. I was not a Fashion Royalty collector, but now I have five. And, it's a sure bet there will be more! As for the Poppy Luncheon, it was all a girl could ask for! Great food, beautiful dolls, new friends and so much fun!

Sharon's "Mini Me" and my first Poppy, Coney Island

There was shopping. Wait.
THERE WAS SHOPPING!
Integrity Toys hosted a salesroom that offered Fashion Royalty dolls, Dynamite Girls, Jem dolls, and, of course, Poppy Parker dolls! There were one of a kind dolls and dioramas that had been entered into a contest and every convention attendant had the opportunity to vote for their favorite. There was room shopping, too! Doll clothes, accessories, furniture, and more dolls were available throughout the hotel as guests opened their rooms for shopping! It was so much fun!

 Then, on the final night of the convention, the table doll was Black Orchid Vanessa Perrin wearing a reproduction of an original Jason Wu design. Yes, you had to buy the doll if you wanted to add her to your collection, but your number had to be called. My number, 9, was the first number called and I snapped that girl up and brought her home with me. And, yes! I got Jason Wu to sign her. Not the box. No. No. The doll! He signed her back in gold ink!

I have decided I will attend the Integrity Toys Convention in 2014 in Orlando, and I'll be attending with a couple of my favorite doll friends! Saving my nickels and dimes and counting the days!