All dolls have secret lives as we all know. Here’s a peek into theirs…
Hello everyone and thanks as always for dropping in!
This weeks featured clients both hail from that great city by the bay, San Francisco!
Best friends Esther and Helen made a holiday out of it and took the train down the coast for a bit of shopping and sight-seeing here in Los Angeles for a few days. Now not only had they made appointments at Pink Bubbles Doll Spa for an upcoming special occasion, but they were also on a mission. You see, the girls are collectors, something I’m sure none of us can relate to at all…or am I wrong?!
“Oh Norman, what have you done with the money for the new tires?!”
Long-time fans of the legendary Judy Garland, these two gal pals make a yearly pilgrimage to Hollywood, hunting for treasures to add to their ever-growing Judy collections. Local movie memorabilia shops can sometimes hold a hidden Garland gem or at the very least, an unseen 8 x 10 portrait of their favorite star!
Of course they always visit Judy’s footprints at Grauman’s Chinese Theater and never fail to continue their fun tradition of having their picture taken standing in front of the gates of M.G.M. Studios every year!
Their visit to the spa was of course also Judy related, how could it not be! The girls excitedly told me they had tickets to see “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” starring the fabulous Connie Champagne as Judy Garland when they returned home and wanted to look their very best…just in case they got the chance to meet Ms. Champagne after her show. Who knows, they might even get to have their picture taken with the talented songstress and if they did, they promised to send me a copy!
Still chatting excitedly about Ms. Champagne’s upcoming show, the girls started their beauty appointments with a trip to the back with Daffy who assisted them with their Pink Bubbles Beauty Bath for Face & Body of course!
While we wait, lets take a peek at what they looked like before they began…
Here’s Esther:
And here’s Helen:
When the girlsreturned I began with Helen as I instructed Daffy to give Esther a special treatment for her darkened skin-tone.
A reset of Helen’s brunette bobbed hairstyle was done and I followed with fresh applications of eyebrows and needed touch-ups of her shadow and ridges. Colorful lips and a kiss of blush brought much-needed color to her pretty face!
With the lightening treatment on Esther’s complexion a success, I re-styled her hair in the classic Swirl hairdo she’s worn for years…and why not, it suits her beautifully! I followed with all needed make-up repairs but chose to leave her brows alone to keep them original. A pretty yellow hair bow and a pair of “Safety-First!” pearl earrings from Beatrice’s counter were the finishing touches. Of course both ladies had their finger and toe nails done by Madge!
I’d say both Esther and Helen’s trip to Pink Bubbles was a triumph! As they gathered their coats and said their goodbye’s to the staff, I shared in their excitement in seeing the upcoming show celebrating their favorite star in song and admit I felt a bit jealous! As they settled their bill with Vera, I wished them both a safe journey home.
They promised to try to get me an autograph from Ms. Champagne if they could as I too am a long-time fan of Judy and truly appreciate any artist who keeps the magic of Ms. Garland alive for us all to enjoy! The girls didn’t disappoint either, because within a few days I received a gorgeous lobby poster from the performance signed in person to me from Connie Champagne and I just love it! I really look forward to seeing these gals again next year here at the Pink Bubbles Doll Spa!
Client Up-date!
Here’s a lovely candid of our Pink Bubbles clients Ms. Esther Smith & Ms. Helen Lawson at home sent in by Connie! Don’t they both look gorgeous!
Till next time P.B.D.S. readers, please enjoy this clip of the wonderful Connie Champagne as Judy Garland!
A champagne toast to Connie for sending her dolls to Pink Bubbles and for sharing her marvelous talent with us all! And of course another toast to Judy Garland, thank you Judy for all the joy you’ve brought to your fans lives these many, many years. You’ll never be forgotten!
Visit the “Book An Appointment” tab at the top of the page to treat your own doll to her own day of beauty at the Pink Bubbles Doll Spa!
Spa packages as well as individual services are available.
Please visit again soon for more dolly adventures!
All dolls have secret lives as we all know. Here’s a peek into one of them…
Welcome back to the Pink Bubbles Doll Spa! I’m so happy you’ve all dropped in this week as we had a very special celebrity client come in…Miss Joan Crawford!
Now Joan Crawford is truly one of my all-time favorite actresses and as you can well imagine the girls here at Pink Bubbles were very excited to meet this silver screen legend in the vinyl flesh!
Vera took the phone call of course and excitedly repeated her conversation with the Academy Award winner back to me…
“Good afternoon Pink Bubbles Doll Spa, this is Vera Frost…how may I help you?”
“Hello Vera, this is Joan Crawford. I’d like to come in tomorrow for a hair dressing consultation…is there an appointment available? Your spa has come highly recommended to me by my dearest friend Elizabeth. Now Vera, it’s so very important that I look my absolute best as I’m sure you’ve read in all the papers that I’m going to begin rehearsals for my first Technicolor film “Torch Song” this week. I need a fresh new look that suits my character “Jenny Stewart…Broadway star!”
“Of course Miss Crawford, we’d be happy to see you at 10:30, would that be a good time?”
“That’s absolutely perfect Vera, we’ll make it 9:00 a.m. sharp then! I’ll be bringing a few of my costumes along so we can see how everything works together. I’ll see you tomorrow, Good-bye dear!”
“Well, I guess we’ll be starting our day a bit earlier than we thought!” I said to Vera, anticipating the following days arrival of the illustrious star.
Unlocking the front door at 8:00 a.m. the following morning to prepare, Daffy and Beatrice were already making their way in from the parking lot. Vera pulled up in her pink Chevy convertible at 8:20 which was a good thing as Miss Crawford’s sleek black limousine pulled up at precisely 8:30! Obviously keeping one step ahead of Joan Crawford wasn’t going to be easy!
Vera barely had time to check her lipstick and stow-away her pocketbook before Joan’s driver opened the door allowing Miss Crawford to make her entrance. “Vera dear! I’m so excited to meet you!” said Joan taking her hand. “Oh what a charming room…all shades of pink, so flattering for your raven hair and I just adore that pop of color in the front…is that lavender? How…unique!”
“Why thank you Miss Crawford, I…” was all Vera managed to say before Joan turned to greet the rest of us who had gathered at Vera’s well-appointed reception desk. “Hello everyone, I’m Joan!” she said smiling, introducing herself to the staff while shaking all our hands. A pretty exciting morning I must say!
Taking off her stunning black sable coat, white satin head scarf and matching gloves she handed them all off to her driver. “I know we’re going to have a marvelous morning together ladies! John, please take those things to the dressing rooms, and be careful of those costumes…Daffy dear can you show John the way? I just can’t wait to get started…shall we?” Hooking her arm into mine, “Mildred Pierce” herself escorted me towards my station!
Seated in my chair, Joan described what had led her here to us in the first place. She was very unhappy with the hairstyle options presented to her at the studio for her upcoming film and after a luncheon with her pal “La Liz” (who by the way raved about Pink Bubbles!) knew she had to come see us!
Always re-inventing her image, Joan instructed me she wanted something sophisticated and fresh. Something new, exciting and young…well, mostly young!
Sitting in my chair, she told me it was time her public met a new Joan Crawford…a Joan Crawford ready for a new decade…a fresh look that says:
“Welcome to the future!”
“Welcome to Technicolor!”
“Welcome to 1953!”
And with that we said goodbye to the old Joan…
and “Hello!” to the new!
New hairstyle, enhanced eyebrows, fuller lips and added glamor lashes all come together to create Joan’s latest version of herself…and she loved it!
Joan couldn’t wait to see how her new look worked with the films wardrobe and gave our staff a private fashion show of a few of her “Torch Song” costumes designed and made for Joan by her favorite designer Liz Cole of LizRetros!
Here’s Joan in her rehearsal costume:
Joan can’t help being a “Two-Faced Woman!” treating us to a few steps from her dance routine!
A day none of us will soon forget came to an end as Joan packed up her things and bid us all farewell! She promised Vera to messenger over a signed portrait for the “Wall of Fame” very soon as well as some movie tickets for the films release.
True to her word it wasn’t long before the whole Pink Bubbles staff consisting of me, Vera, Daffy, Beatrice and Madge had a “girls night-out” at the movies…courtesy of my favorite “Screen Queen” Miss Joan Crawford!
As the theater lights began to dim, I settled into the comfy velvet seat, fresh popcorn in hand. With the opening credits beginning to roll, I couldn’t help but recall Joan’s recent visit to the Pink Bubbles Doll Spa and the words she spoke from my chair:
“Welcome to the future!”
“Welcome to Technicolor!”
“Welcome to 1953!”
Thank you Rosanna for sending your Joan Crawford doll to the Pink Bubbles Doll Spa!
And a special “thank you” to Liz for the wonderful “Torch Song” creations! They are truly amazing!
All dolls have secret lives as we all know…here’s a peek into one of them…
There’s been a lot of excitement around here at the Pink Bubbles Doll Spa this week! We were not only able to add a very special celebrity client to our roster (which thrilled Vera by the way) but our very own shampoo girl Daffy got to meet and spend some time with one of her favorite T.V. personalities to boot!
Daffy’s idol Debbie Drake!
Daffy’s been a long-time fan of this lovely lady for years and religiously starts her day exercising with Debbie in front of her television set every morning at precisely 9:15 a.m. come rain or shine!
So that’s how Daffy keeps her figure…well, that and her jog here to the spa to clock in by 10:00!
One of Daffy’s beauty secrets revealed!
Now our newest guest is not only hostess of her very own television exercise program, but she’s also the authoress of the best-selling book “Debbie Drake’s Easy Way to a Perfect Figure and Glowing Health” and hastwo High-fidelity record albums to her credit; “Feel Good, Look Great! Exercise Along With Debbie Drake!” and “How To Keep Your Husband Happy: Look Slim! Keep Trim!”
As a matter-of-fact, here’s a shot of Daffy’s well-worn copy of Debbie’s book:
And if that isn’t enough, Miss Drake has had the honor of having an actual doll made in her celebrity likeness…the Debbie Drake doll!
The resemblance is uncanny!
Now you may be wondering how Debbie came to make an appointment with us here at the spa. Well, it all began with a phone call from Ms. Drake herself! She happened to be coming to town to make a personal appearance at our local Woolworth’s to promote her latest album:
Take a note ladies!
According to Vera, Ms. Drake would be coming directly from the airport as her tight schedule allowed no extra time to check in at the hotel to prepare herself for her in-store appearance. It also helped that we happened to be located on the same street as Woolworth’s! In just a few short steps, she would be able to greet her fans fresh and beautiful as a daisy! Needless to say, upon hearing the news that morning, Daffy was beside herself with excitement!
Here is a candid of an unmade-up Ms. Drake as she looked when she first arrived to Pink Bubble’s:
Must have been a rough trip!
Debbie began her visit with a star-struck Daffy who assisted her with our Pink Bubbles Beauty Bath for Face & Body. Daffy then washed and conditioned her idols hair and after wrapping her platinum locks in one of our pink spa towels, led her to my chair. After her comb-out, set and style, we discussed her make-up options and she decided she really wanted to emphasize her brown eyes and add some color and definition, a look she doesn’t usually wear. I think it really suits her and she loved it! A bit of blush to the cheeks and a quick stop at Madge’s nail station was all that was left to prepare her for the “In-Person” visit that was quickly approaching. As a finishing touch, Daffy presented Debbie with a pair of Beatrice’s pearl earrings. A gift from a fan!
Here’s Ms. Drake’s lovely results:
And her dramatic “Before & After” photos:
Below a fun-loving Debbie poses playfully after her make-over for our camera!
With a bit of time to spare and as a very special surprise to Daffy, we pushed the furnishings aside in our customer lounge and Debbie led us all through a quick exercise routine. Of course she just instructed us as she had just been made-up and was now wearing a lovely dress and high heels. Daffy just couldn’t believe it, a dream come true! Poor Vera only made it six minutes through…I guess the deep squats did her in. Of course she was wearing a girdle!
Daffy, an aspiring actress herself, was able to spend the last few minutes alone with her idol Debbie Drake who was gracious enough to give her some advice on making it in show business. Debbie told her if she applied herself, books, records and even her own T.V. show were all in reach for her too. And by the way, keeping a great figure wasn’t a bad idea either! Advice Daffy was sure to take to heart and practice…beginning tomorrow morning at 9:15 a.m. sharp!
In closing, here’s a candid shot of Debbie and Daffy commemorating their new friendship and Debbie’s visit to the Pink Bubbles Doll Spa!
Thank you Jaime for sending the fabulous Debbie Drake to the Pink Bubbles Doll Spa! Come back again soon!
Visit the “Book An Appointment” tab at the top of the page to treat your own doll to a day of beauty at the Pink Bubbles Doll Spa!
Spa packages as well as individual services are available.
Please visit our blog’s store and view our current eBay listings for Pink Bubbles “Swan” dolls available for adoption into your own collections! The links are on the right side of the page above.
Here’s a “sneak-peek” of tomorrow’s eBay listings:
Have a great weekend everyone and look for a new make-over tale next week!
It takes a lot more than a pair of violet peepers to keep your Ken doll sending serious jewelry! Just ask celebrity client and friend of the Pink Bubbles Doll Spa, Miss Elizabeth Taylor. “La Liz” would like to share with our P.B.D.S. readers an exciting new make-up trend sure to keeps those rocks coming your way!
Liz models the ancient Egyptian look for you to wear now . . .
Cleopatra herself would never have told, but Liz will!
2,000 years after Cleopatra used her beauty secrets to such outrageously unfair feminine advantage, Liz revives them for you in a wonderfully wearable modern adaption.
A centuries-old bewitchery brought brilliantly up-to-date!
“The magic begins with your “Sphinx Eyes'” says Liz. “Draw him into your gaze with your kohl-lined lids and he’ll become your own personal Marc Anthony!” laughs Liz.” I adore sparkle as you all know, so don’t be afraid of bold glittery eye shadows as well.”
“Add to it the provocative flattery of ‘SPHINX PINK’ – Revlon’s new shade for lips and fingertips.” she continued. “You’ll have him worshiping at your feet in no time!”
With her advice, you’ll suddenly span 2,000 years with fashions (and Liz’s) favorite look – The Cleopatra Look!
There you have it, straight from the beautiful lips of Liz herself!
If you’d like to view the entire ‘Sphinx Pink’ line, please see Beatrice in our gift shop. She’ll be happy to show you!
The Pink Bubbles Doll Spa has always had its fair share of celebrity clientage. One of the biggest and brightest of course was the legendary Elizabeth Taylor!
As I seem to recall it, we received an urgent telephone call from “La Liz’s” private secretary the morning of the 46th Academy Awards in 1970. Liz was in a tizzy! She was set to present the Best Picture statuette that evening and couldn’t do a thing with her hair! Several stylist had come and gone that morning from her hotel suite and none of them could please her. One poor fellow by the name of Mr. Felix received a flying hairbrush to the back of the head as he hurriedly exited her dressing rooms! Liz was known to have very precise aim!
In desperation, the secretary pleaded with us to send someone over immediately as per the request (demand) of her boss. Sensing the urgency of the situation I took it upon myself to personally take the call. Armed with an arsenal of hair products I arrived to find a quite distraught superstar at the very end of her diamond necklace! Jumping into action I promptly called room service and had them send up drinks!
Mr Felix had indeed left poor Liz’s hair in a mess! He deserved those (alleged) six stitches in the back of his cranium as far as we were both concerned! What an afternoon we had! The drinking, laughing, teasing and spraying resulted in an award-winning Oscar coiffure! With the addition of rooted glamour lashes, Liz was absolutely thrilled! The Grecian inspired hairdo created for her that afternoon received raves from the press and fans alike. It also created quite a buzz throughout the Hollywood hair community and was an often requested style by loyal Pink Bubble’s Spa customers for years afterward.
Gown, Edith Head.
Jeweled necklace courtesy of Richard Burton, setting by Cartier.
Hair, The Pink Bubbles Doll Spa of course!
Elizabeth received a complete re-root in a wonderfully dark brunette shade. She also was given rooted lashes. Jewels, gown and movie star glamour from the collection of Liz herself!
“Oh Norman, what have you done with the money for the new tires?!”
Pink Bubbles Doll Spa 