Coach Outlet Wizard of Oz Collection

 I apologize for not getting this news up in a more timely manner but this was such a total, HUGE surprise and happened so fast!  But fear not.  There's multiple ways to still get what you want.  

Coach, who makes designer purses and accessories just debuted a fabulous Wizard of Oz line!!!!!  Their pieces are unmistakably Coach with Wizard of Oz flair.  

Oz fans are enthusiastically flocking to Coach Outlet stores nationwide. It's marvelous to see pictures of their new treasures on Facebook.  

Go to https://www.coachoutlet.com/ and sign up to view the collection.  If what you want is marked sold out, print up a wishlist and go to your local outlet where they should be able to order for you.  It's also been reported you can call stores all around the country and they will ship to you.  Certainly can't hurt to try.  

I haven't seen any pieces in person myself but the response so far has been overwhelmingly positive from both Oz and Coach collectors.  

It's been fun to see the Oz community come together to share a singular joy like this.  

Merry Christm'Oz!!!  

I'd like to thank Coach for releasing their Wizard of Oz line through the outlet channels so the collection is more accessible to the average Oz fan.  

Bioworld Wizard of Oz Socks

How cute are these!!!!  As a longtime admirer of Bioworld's merchandise,  I'm very excited to see more Wizard of Oz from them.  These socks are just darling and wonderful representations of the characters.  They've been very popular with Oz fans.  Available at Barnes and Noble.com and other online retailers.  Google Wizard of Oz socks.   These would be great stocking stuffers for Christmas!

If you haven't seen them yet you can scroll through the blog or go to Fun.com to see the Dorothy/Wicked Witch pair.  More is expected from Bioworld so stay tuned!!

Mego Cowardly LIon

Mego's next release is indeed the Cowardly Lion as rumored.   He's been hit and miss and released very sporadically at Target stores and online for weeks but now he's showing up steadily.   I don't have mine yet but those that do are giving him rave reviews.  It's so wonderful to see Mego back.  Can't wait to see what the next Oz character will be.  Dorothy and the Wicked Witch are still readily available. 

https://www.target.com/p/mego-the-wizard-of-oz-cowardly-lion-action-figure-8/-/A-53475784

Ruby Slippers Of Oz: Thirty Years Later

A follow up to the fantastic Ruby Slippers of Oz book originally published in 1989 has been highly anticipated for years and here it finally is!!!  And at such an absolutely perfect time!  The Ruby Slippers are back on display at the Smithsonian after conservation efforts, the Ruby Slippers stolen 13 years ago have been recovered, and the 80th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz is almost upon us.  

The original book was such a fascinating intrigue and the new one will surely be no less.  All the adventures the ruby slippers have had the past 80 years!!!!  This book is a most for film buffs, movie memorabilia collectors and Oz fans who still believe the ruby slippers have the power to bring you home.  

Big thanks to Philip Bambarger for keep Oz fans abreast of the latest ruby slipper happenings. Be sure to check out the story of Glinda's wand too. Nothing short of amazing.  It is also on display with the ruby slippers right now.  

Order Ruby Slippers of Oz: Thirty Years Later by Rhys Thomas here. 

Ruby Slippers Return to the Smithsonian!

Photo for the Smithsonian by Richard Strauss

Lots of attention on the ruby slippers lately!!!   First up, the ruby slippers stolen from the Judy Garland Museum HAVE BEEN RECOVERED!!!!   That was amazing news to read at 5 o'clock in the morning.  I'd given up ever seeing this again in my lifetime.  The full story is yet to be told as there is still an ongoing investigation but the important news is they have been found, they are safe and they were kept well.  You can read more about it at the following links:

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/how-smithsonian-helped-sleuth-out-true-identity-pair-dorothy-ruby-slippers-180970203/

http://americanhistory.si.edu/blog/recovered-ruby-slippers?fbclid=IwAR1gQFH47SukNaLJ92hAhkXNm6gYtJpHU_VNqV0kkpRHKChHW6UhyxFUmKw

http://time.com/5386800/stolen-ruby-slippers-wizard-of-oz/?fbclid=IwAR0dgN1ssrHFM7Y8K0wVp4S-U1OKgAqcrm2mw4WD8mpHc7z6hmOK8X05In0

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ruby-slippers-found-owner-says-wizard-of-oz-shoes-as-pristine-as-when-stolen/?ftag=CNM-00-10aab5i&linkId=56462063

In 2016, the Smithsonian started a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds to conserve the ruby slippers.  The campaign was very successful and the shoes were removed shortly after to begin the process.  

https://curiozitycorner.blogspot.com/2016/10/smithsonian-kickstarter-campaign-for.html

Now the process has completed and the ruby slippers will be back on display beginning October 19th.  Please see these links for more info.  Big thanks to Philip Bambarger for keep us abreast on Facebook.

 https://www.facebook.com/events/2580015352224781/

http://americanhistory.si.edu/press/releases/ruby-slippers-return

https://www.facebook.com/events/270317486930008/

For more information and a bit of history on the ruby slippers at the Smithsonian please see these previous blog enties:

https://curiozitycorner.blogspot.com/2009/06/10950-nights-at-museum.html

https://curiozitycorner.blogspot.com/2009/06/museum-pt-2-collecting-ruby-slippers.html

https://curiozitycorner.blogspot.com/2009/06/museum-pt3-links-sources.html

Jim Shore Back to Celebrate 80th Anniversary!!!!

During an online signing event this week Jim Shore himself shared concept art for forthcoming Wizard of Oz pieces!!!   The finished works are sure to be absolutely stunning!  They will officially debut in Dec. or January and will be available for purchase in June or July.  Big thanks to Jim Shore for sharing this very welcome news and thank you to Julie Bristow for cluing me in!

Don't forget Enesco already debuted their 80th anniversary mice figurines due out in December and there's more to come. Stay tuned!!! 

Mego Release

https://www.target.com/p/mego-the-wizard-of-oz-dorothy-wicked-witch-action-figure/-/A-53492551

Target Shirts

Wicked Witch tank top by Bioworld for Juniors and Plus size

https://www.target.com/p/women-s-wizard-of-oz-witch-graphic-tank-top-juniors-black/-/A-53744985?preselect=53678847#lnk=sametab

https://www.target.com/p/women-s-wizard-of-oz-plus-size-witch-graphic-tank-top-juniors-black/-/A-53744986?preselect=53678867#lnk=sametab

Mens Wizard of Oz Selfie

https://www.target.com/p/men-s-short-sleeve-the-wizard-of-oz-crew-t-shirt-white/-/A-53925730?preselect=53868236#lnk=sametab

Magazine Reprint

SRP: $13.99

Reprint of magazine released last year. 

Mego Wizard of Oz

Target announced July 11th they would be exclusive distributors of Mego's invigorated and much beloved line of action figures.  

The figures made their debut at San Diego Comic Con with select styles available in limited quantities.  Pop Culture enthusiasts and Mego collectors weren't the only ones ready to welcome Mego's return with open arms.  The excitement in the Oz community was palpable. Would Mego revisit Oz????

After two months of finger crossing, breath holding, some leaked news and rumors, it was confirmed, YES!!  Mego is taking another journey down the yellow brick road!!!!!!!  

A Dorothy/Wicked Witch of the West set will be available on Target.com and in Target stores on Sept. 29th.  Though that is the official release date some Targets have jumped the gun and began selling figures early so check with your local stores.  

Dorothy and the Wicked Witch will soon be followed by the Cowardly Lion.  So keep a sharp eye out!!!

SRP: $29.99

Photo Courtesy Kevin Fiore

Insight Editions Journal

Journals seem to be simple things really.  Pretty little bound books of paper waiting for ink to release inner thoughts.  But tended lovingly they can be family heirlooms, precious mementos of the most special time of our lives. Journals are so much more than pretty little books of bound blank paper.

Insight Editions picked a perfect time to release their beautiful Wizard of Oz journal.  The 80th anniversary is fast approaching and the journal is perfect for recording all of your ozzy adventures and collecting during this momentous event.  

There's been a lot of attention lately on the Land of Oz theme park in North Carolina.  Parents that take little ones should document the whole event for their little ones.  The children will thank them later.  

192 lined acid free pages

Beautiful green hardcover embossed with glittery Emerald City

Ribbon placeholder and elastic closure

7 1/2" by 4 1/2" back pocket for momentos

Insight Editions will have more Oz releases next year. Stay tuned!!

A big thank you to Insight Editions for the lovely journal!! Pictures do not do it justice