Dear Constant Reader,
Another fun part of The Expo (I keep saying that — it’s all fun) is shopping! There were a lot of vendors this year, but I was so busy I did very little shopping.
Here’s my meagre haul: 
My Face for the World to See, Liz Renay’s autobiography, from The Nevermind Shop. I saw Liz Renay (“rhymes with ‘play’”) at Exotic World in 2006, carried onto stage in a litter by scantly-clad hunks. That sort of entrance stays with you for a while. And I got the book for an absolute song.
A sleep mask from Not Your Grandmother’s Linen. This is the best sleep mask I’ve ever used — the elastic is covered with satin, so it doesn’t tangle in your hair, there’s a tiny cushion at the lower edge, so the light can’t sneak up the sides of your nose, and the fabric has a subtle design of wee couples getting it on. She designs all her own fabrics and they can get rather racy — at second glance.
A hair comb from Esoterica Jewelry. It’s hard to see in the picture, but the comb has green gems. “Redheads and their green” said Erica, the proprietress. Most of her items repurpose elements from vintage jewelry in nifty ways. I’ve bought from her before, but only as gifts. This one is for me.
Not pictured is the tie that is being hand-delivered to Haute Under the Collar for them to bling up for Scratch. He owns several ties from them already, but this one is going to be special…
Even though I didn’t buy these at The Expo, I wore them there. (Forgive me for the crummy picture. My camera is cranky and often refuses to flash.) Both sets came from Farasha & Su’ad Dance & Designs. The amber set did dual duty as I loaned the necklace to Tony Elling for hostessing on Friday night and I wore it again on Saturday. The blue set I wore on Sunday. I also noticed Betty with the same set in red and Mimi Mischief in purple.
Betty, as usual, cut a wide swath. I know she picked up a ton of trim at Meadhall Outfitters, got a couple of vintage dresses at The Fox Affect, and bought an enormous organza boa at Nancy’s Basement.
I’d like to mention Vixens Ahoy who appeared for the first time anywhere. If you’re looking for retro accessories, like tea aprons or handbag, Marion is your lady. She does custom work too! (like a number of Boston Babydoll costumes…).
