What not to wear by Brenda and Ethel

Our fashion forward duo Ethel and Brenda are here again, this time bringing us an exclusive "What not to wear" feature to the blog. The subject of the feature is non other than Barbie who was in dire need of a makeover according to our knowledgeable duo. Coming soon, FTB's hit by snow in England and Bernard in Argentina plus voting for the Buddy awards will be here so get those entries in. Also, word on the street is that Phillip is enroute to Jakarta, Indonesia.


Brenda and Ethel get ready for an arduous day of crimping, curling, dressing and pouffing.
Oh, dear says Ethel, we really do have our work cut out today. Brenda concurs "the lace and pearl combo" are so last year.
First they tackle the hair. "So much of it.... "mutters Brenda. When her arm gives out Ethel takes over.

From plain Jane to disco diva. Barbie is unrecognizable from before. "For this look, says Ethel we wanted to make it fun". I love the boots, it really makes her legs look long" says Brenda. "That's because they are long...."mumbles Ethel. Note (Ethel's promising modelling career was quickly extinguished when she stopped growing.)


The intrepid duo ask Barbie to pick out her favourite outfit. Brenda and Ethel are speechless for once. Brenda wonders whether Barbie ever looks in a mirror.

They whisk Barbie into shape and transform her. "This is a casual going out in the evening look" says Brenda. "Notice the wide belt accentuating the waist, I think she looks splendid" says Ethel.
Brenda and Ethel can't understand the fascination for pink hair, with the purple its just too much. They confer on a suitable approach and get to work.


Hmmm, Ethel is still not convinced about the skirt, but they were on a budget. Brenda wishes she had hair to give her more height. They are happy for the moment, their work is done. Thanks to Ciara and Emily for the "What not to wear' feature.

An FTB Christmas

It might be 2009 but I received photos of an FTB Christmas and I had to share them with you. Wade and Cordelia make their debut as well as blog favourites Ethel, Constance, Wally and Herman. Don't forget to get your entries in for the buddy awards. You can also vote on how many countries Phillip will get to visit (to the right of the blog). Coming soon Brenda and Ethel's " What not to wear" a hilarious before and after styling piece as well as Bernard's trip to Argentina.

Ethel tries to shake the presents to see which are clothes (who hasn't)

She delves into her stash.
She pokes and prods the package and is intrigued. What could this be ? Ethel is thrilled to discover its a new FTB. (She secretly thinks that he will make an assistant, not the intention but that's Ethel for you!)

She makes Wade feel right at home by offering him one of her prized double chocolate chip muffins which after his transatlantic journey and subsequent hibernation, he is more than ready for a chocolate rush.

Wade isn't used to these cold conditions and despite having a full tummy is feeling a bit chilly. Ethel reveals to him how she stays toasty by showing him the wonders of central heating, and the radiator.

Cordelia was also unwrapped this christmas and was relieved to have a very nice owner.

The FTB's get together for a hike up the christmas tree where you'll see some old favourites Herman, Constance, Wally and Ethel plus newbie Cordelia.

These pics that were sent by Ciara thanks go to her and her friends for bringing the FTB's together for Christmas.

Ethel at Court Gardens

Ethel has been busy over the Summer, not content with a trip to Paris and Spain she also visited The Court Gardens as part of her Spring Collection research.

Ethel finds herself in a dark place.

She is not impressed by all the green stuff on the pond as she can't see her reflection.

After what seems like hours of walking Ethel reaches an impasse. What pray tell lies behind the gate ? and why did she not bring her hat.

It's no use the gate won't budge, Ethel is a lady so no climbing for her. You'll remember her fall into the Spanish ruin on her last vacation. She has learnt her lesson. Ethel begins to panic as the SPF she has on will only last another hour and a tan is so last year.

Fed up, she consults the map to find out where the coffee shop is and is horrified by the walk to get there. Ethel is definitely not the outdoorsy type.

Thanks to Ciara for her great pictures. Coming soon to the blog, Wally in Le Havre Part 2, The arrival of Julius and The Secret Diary of Hairy hank. Watch this space.

FTB's in Paris

As mentioned in a previous blog. Ethel, Constance and Wally are back from Paris and their owners have sent me a bunch of pictures of their tour de Paris.

The journey begins, no Eurostar for our intrepid trio as they brave the seas on a ferry.

They listen to some music to drown out the sound of the engines and combat the nausea from the rocking of the boat.
Ethel arrives and hasn't the energy to unpack.

Wally and Ethel are the first to bed once they are settled in their Parisian Hotel.They are not impressed that they have to share a bed and that Constance somehow got separated.

Wally gets an attack of the munchies and sneaks off for a midnight snack. He misjudges the depth of the tin and spends the night surrounded by biscuits.

Ethel revitalised checks out the sights and marvels at the Eiffel Tower.
Ethel likes it so much she buys one for herself and when in Paris the beret must be worn.

Ethel outside the Notre Dame Cathedral, she wonders if the Hunchback still lives there ?

Constance gets into a spot of bother.

Constance and Wally pay their respects at the Memorial at Vimy Ridge.

Wally wonders off to check out the museum.Wally decides to climb a wall of sandbags for a better view.

Wally always up to no good loses his friends at the Louvre. A man in a beret appears to think someone is taking his picture judging by the po.

Outside the Pompidou Centre, the trio prepare for an afternoon of art and culture. According to my sources apparently it didn't smell very nice inside so they didn't enjoy it that much.

Ethel once again house hunting thinks the Palace at Versailles would make a great residence.The trio are impressed by the spectacular gardens at Versaille. Ethel thinks it would be a great spot to show her fashion collection.

Ethel and Constance take a cheeky picture in front of the naked lady to show their friends.

Wally, Constance and Ethel despite being ignored when queuing for toilets and travelling in lifts have thoroughly enjoyed their Parisian jaunt but the real world beckons and they have to get back to their responsabilities. Thanks to Ciara, Sophie and Emily for their fabulous pictures.

Ethel goes to Spain - Part 2

Ethel had more adventures in Spain than her previous post would suggest, she also visited some rural spots looking for inspiration for her next fashion collection. She is going rustic this season .Ethel contemplates life.

Ethel wonders how she got here, she misses the buzz of the big city and her minions waiting on her hand and foot.

Ethel spots the perfect rustic getaway and takes a closer peek.
So the path would definitely need fixing, she thinks. This just wouldn't do.
She spies a window and can't resist a peek.This place needs a little work but with a bit of imagination........Ethel's creative mind starts racing. Overcome with excitement at the prospect of this bijou dwelling she loses her footing.

Ethel lands with a thud and bangs her head. What was I thinking, I can't live in the sticks, she says to herself. She realises the perfect rustic getaway is not so perfect after all.
Ethel takes one last look before biding farewell to the countryside.

Back to the city at last Ethel breathes a sigh of relief, pavement, transport, shopping..... Ethel decides the rustic life is not for her. She is a city girl.

She takes a stroll through the city, admiring the marvellous fountain and thinking about her next trip to Paris.

Thanks again to Ciara for her fabulous photos, I look forward to the Paris adventure.