Tonner Shipping Schedule Update!

Tonner has uploaded a new shipping schedule for the release of its 2012 doll collection. Shipping dates have been added for several new dolls, and the current arrivals have been listed as well.

Interestingly, the following dolls and outfits are listed as sold out from Tonner:

• Radical Red (Cami outfit)
• Madame de l'Amour (Carol Barrie outfit): Not yet in stock, and I haven't been able to find her available for preorder--just wait listed.
• Nu Mood Tyler
• Nu Mood Jess
• Nu Mood Bettie

Wow--I hadn't heard Bettie was sold out. That's great! Keep in mind: some Tonner dealers might still have these dolls in stock.

Shipping notice for Integrity dolls

Inspiration from the 2012 FR:Monogram collection by Integrity Toys

I received a shipping notice today from my Integrity Toys dealer that Inspiration is on her way. For those who are interested, these dolls are currently available:

• Inspiration FR:Monogram
• Echelon FR:Monogram
• Moonlight & Kisses Darla Daley

If you're interested, drop Evelyn at Treasure Dolls a line at treasuredolls@yahoo.com, or pay her a visit if you're visiting Austin, Texas:

Treasure Dolls
2401 Bluebonnet Lane
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 326-9516

Let's Play Barbie outfits and dolls, available separately from Joe's List!

Do you love the new reproduction line of Let's Play Barbie dolls, but rather not have the entire set? Do you need a couple of extra dolls to display the outfits? If you'd rather not deal with reselling your extras, Joe's List has the solution for you.

Currently, the blonde, brunette and redhead ponytail dolls are all in stock at $99 per doll. The first fashion,  a reproduction of Garden Party, is also available separately for $69. You'll be able to buy the other fashions separately as well, also for $69 per fashion, and they are currently available for preorder.

While the combined price of $175 from BarbieCollector.com might be a better deal for the entire set, this is a simple way to pick up some extras at a reasonable price. Joe will always give you great service, too!

I should mention--I saw the Garden Party fashion at our doll meet last weekend, and wow! It's really well put together. I have to confess I was sorely tempted, even though I "don't collect reproduction." (Sure, just keep telling yourself that, Alison.)

Additionally, if you have any of the new FR:16 or Poppy Parker Teen Models on order, check out the extensive collection of $29.99 sale Gene fashions. From my experience, Spring Kissed (FR:16) fits Gene fashions just about perfectly, except that Spring Kissed is just a little taller. Poppy is supposed to be a little shorter, so these might be perfect!

More mixing of vintage and contemporary

Naomi in Let's Dance, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Here is Naomi (Peak's Woods/Dollmore BJD hybrid), modeling a wonderful (and minty!) vintage Barbie fashion, Let's Dance #978.

Naomi is also wearing eyes by Mint on Card, a wig by Glib (from Junkyspot), and shoes by Tonner Doll from a Tiny Kitty wedding ensemble. I believe I've also added a petticoat to the outfit.

More photos on Flickr!

Mixing vintage and contemporary

Naomi hybrid, a photo by alington on Flickr.

The lovely Naomi hybrid (Peak's Woods normal skin head on a Dollmore 12" Fashion Model Doll (FMD) body) is modeling #1658 Garden Wedding, a vintage Barbie fashion.

She's also wearing a wig by Leeke, eyes by Mint on Card, and Tiny Kitty shoes from Tonner Doll Company.

Flights of Fancy - 2012 Tonner convention events

Madame et le Citron (Sydney), a photo by alington on Flickr. 
Convention centerpiece doll from 2011.

The events from Tonner's 2012 convention in May have been announced as follows (pay special attention to the sneak announcement of the brand new Marilyn Monroe sculpt at the Gentlemen Prefer Blondes event!):

Thursday, May 17, 2012 7:30 pm: Welcome Aboard! 

Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of Captain Robert Tonner, Tonner Air and the entire flight crew, welcome aboard! Prepare to take to the skies with Tonner as we take flight for the opening dessert event on Thursday evening! Meet old friends and make new ones as we take off, gliding through the Tonner skies! You’ll soar into the heavens with glee, as you discover your very special souvenir! So, ladies and gentlemen, Captain Tonner has turned on the Fasten Seat Belt sign, so put on your aviator sunglasses, leather bomber jackets, Captain’s hats and stewardess ensembles, and make sure your seat is in the upright position for take off!

Friday, May 18, 2012 11 am: A Wilde Flight

Ladies and gentlemen, Captain Tonner has turned on the fasten seat belt sign again. We are now crossing a zone of turbulence. Please return to your seats, and be prepared for audience participation! Looks like things could get a little Wilde on this flight… Join us for a little fun as we maneuver through the heavens, where brunch will be served and where Special Guests Evangeline Ghastly, Ellowyne Wilde and Lizette Dionne will be making an appearance, too!

Please note: The special dolls for this event will be sold separately.

Friday, May 18, 2012 6 pm: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes Breakout Event - $199

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and what you’ll find at this amazing dinner event is truly a diamond in the rough! Take a walk down memory lane with us, past peroxide bottles and beauty marks as we celebrate one of the most iconic Blondes in the history of the world! Join us for the introduction of Tonner’s very first NEVER BEFORE SEEN Marilyn Monroe sculpt. And even more special will be the stunning centerpiece, which is guaranteed to take your breath away...not to mention your gold-digging souvenir…wink, wink! *Blows kisses seductively*

Saturday, May 19, 2012 8am: Let it sew, Let it sew, Let it sew… – $175

Get into the Christmas spirit with 4 inches of Yule Tide joy: Amelia Thimble! Wilde Imagination’s tiniest ball-jointed stitch is celebrating Christmas in a BIG way, and she requests your presence at her breakfast event! Come decked out in your finest Christmas attire (a hideously-festive sweater, a fun Christmas hat, etc), and prepare to be judged! And because you’ve all been good little boys and girls, she wants to make sure you leave this event with a very special souvenir, tailored just for you: An Amelia Thimble Gift Set! Sew, (!) it seams (ha! - oh someone stop us!) that this is not an event you would want to miss!

Saturday, May 19, 2012 12noon: Amazonia – Breakout Event – $199

Experience the one-shot Wonder at this highly-anticipated Wonder Woman luncheon event! Don your finest red, white and blue and enter into an alternate reality in another time and place! Come and explore a non-canon story of this DC Comics legendary heroine, and you’ll leave with an impressive souvenir of one of Wonder Woman’s many incarnations! You’ll also get a chance to catch an incredible presentation of the fascinating, fashionable history of costumes of Super Heroines that you won’t want to miss. Join us in celebration of one of the greatest champions for women’s liberation of all time!

Saturday, May 19, 2012 6pm: Flights of Fancy

As they say, birds of a feather flock together, so come and flock with us at this lark of a banquet dinner! Put all your eggs in one basket and join us for a fowl of a good time! Rare and exotic birds are the name of this game (Get it? Game??), so find a crest of your finest feather, or panache of plume, or even a tuft of tail (faux, of course!) with which to adorn yourself for an evening full of cock-a-doodle-doo! You know what they say: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, so come on down and shake your tail feather, where we will have a glorious night of dinner and dancing! Get a bird’s eye view of the delicate but sophisticated souvenir and the intricate centerpiece, and your heart will be as free as a bird! If you miss this fabulous occasion, we can assure you, your goose will be cooked, and you’ll be as mad as a wet hen!

Saturday, May 19 9pm: Angry Birds Pajama Party!!

Come and party down with Team Tonner, but do it in the utmost of comforts: Your pajamas! And the more festive your pajamas, the better, since there will be our famous PJ Contest, judged by the man of the hour: Mr. Robert Tonner! Here are the categories: Birds, Aviation (anything that flies will fly!), and Superhero! And don’t forget about the remarkable Raffle drawing, put together by the phenomenal Raffle Committee! Be there or be [ ]!

Sunday, May 20, 2012 9am: Bon Voyage

Think famous goodbyes, departures and takeoffs for this Sunday morning breakfast buffet! We’ll all dine together one last time, and then of course, we’ll begin our infamous Charity Auction! You’ll get to oooohhh and aaaahhhhh over the many wonderful OOAKs, and some of you will be lucky enough to even leave with one! Worry not, dear Collect-Os, you won’t be leaving empty-handed, there will be one more parting gift from Tonner! And then we’ll say our farewells….so long, and Bon Voyage!

Lady Bee in Carol Peters

Lady Bee, a photo by alington on Flickr.

A nod to mod--This is Peak's Woods Lady Bee, a mini ball-jointed doll (42 cm or about 17 inches), dressed in a one-of-a-kind outfit by Carol Peters, a member of my doll group. She made this lovely outfit, including panties and stockings, for our Christmas gift exchange.

I think the fabric is just perfect--color and and scale. The outfit also fits Ellowyne and Tyler, but I wanted to model it on lovely Lady Bee today. (My BJDs have sort of migrated over to the BJDs for Beginners website of late.)

Lady Bee has a face-up by Beesou of Overnight Flight, and is wearing a wig by Monique Gold and glass eyes by Mint on Card.

New line of OOAK dresses inspired by Peak's Woods' Shaia

A few months ago, Peak's Woods released a new Fairy of Color BJD by the name of Shaia, with a radiant suntan skintone. In her promo pics, Shaia wore this gorgeous strapless, red chiffon gown that we all fell in love with, but couldn't buy because the outfit wasn't being produced or sold. Such a teaser!

After a couple requests from doll collectors who also fell in love with the dress, I created a line of  one-of-a-kind SD-sized dresses inspired by the first, but with several variations on color, print, fabric, shape & trim. My own Peak's Woods Yulli was gracious enough to model for me.

A new dress for Isha's accessories

My good friend (and fellow FDR contributor) Kathie is always coming up with interesting projects for me. The latest was taking the accessories from the Hello Bolly! luxury wear accessory set, released in 2005 by Integrity Toys, and creating a new outfit to go with them.

At first, I thought I'd go with a dark chocolate brown dress to match the color of the leather in the accessories, but decided it would be much to dark to dress her all in brown. So, I decided to go completely the opposite and created her a dress out of some vintage, ivory lace that I pieced together to create the "fabric" of her dress. I did give her just a little brown satin bow at the neckline to tie the accessories to the dress.

Pan Am Stewardess from Madame Alexander

Alex as a Pan Am Stewardess

In my regularly scheduled doll promotional email this morning, I received some interesting new releases from Madame Alexander, courtesy of Dollsville. These two lovely dolls are due in July of this year, and have a lovely retro vibe about them--enough so I couldn't let the day pass without sharing.

From the 16" fashion doll collection is Pan Am 16" Stewardess. From her impeccably groomed blonde curls and elegantly screened make-up, down to her white gloved hands and black pumps, you're sure to get the best service available. She wears the tweed blue suit of Pan Am including logo pin, matching cap, and even includes a fabulous travel bag. Alex is limited to only 150 dolls and retails for $169.95, though Dollsville has her listed as a preorder special for $149.99.

Additionally, check out the 10" Pan Am Stewardess. She is a limited edition of 200 dolls, and retails for $139.95. Dollsville has her listed as a pre-order special for $124.99.

Photos property of Alexander Doll Company, courtesy of Dollsville.com.

Pan Am Stewardess, 10".

Vogue Collectible specials

Be sure to check out the end of edition specials at Vogue Collectibles. You'll be able to find a lot of Specials from Integrity Toys, including from the Holly Go Lightly collection, Monograms, and more. Additionally, you'll be able to pick up some retired and hard-to-find Tonner Dolls and Barbie, as well.

While you're there, check out the secondary market specials as well. If you've been looking for a Most Beautiful Boy Auden, they have one in stock for just $199.

Vogue Collectibles is located in Canada.

An invitation...

While browsing the web earlier this week, and taking care of tax-related documents of my own, it occurred to me that in today's society, we expect our artists and creative people to not only create, but to also market, package and display their creative items in such a way that pleases us and is ready for us to consume and enjoy. I wonder how often that a) contributes to artist burn out and b) ignores smaller artists who aren't ever able to get that organized.

Maybe there is be a better way to display smaller, hand-crafted (or even not hand-crafted) items as they are related to the doll market. I'd like to do whatever small part I can to help promote these artists. That being said, I'd like to start a regular feature on the blog that spotlights a particular doll artist, and we can do our part.

If you have a doll-related business, and you'd like us to link to your site, please leave a comment below! We'd love to hear more from you.

New Monster High dolls can be wait listed at Angelic Dreamz!

Have you seen the new Monster High photos from Toy Fair and you just can't wait to get your hot little hands on them? Well, for the impatient doll collector, you don't have to.

You can wait list them at Angelic Dreamz. Here's the scoop: Visit Angelic Dreamz or the links below and click on the "Put me on the Waiting List" button. Angelic Dreamz will email you as soon as the item is available to purchase. It doesn't guarantee you will receive the doll--the dolls are limited (and to one per household)--but it's a good chance, and probably your best one.

Prices, shipping dates and availability are to be determined. The characters' full backstories are available to read at the links below, too.

Rochelle Goyle - A Parisian girl with pink and blue hair, and a gorgeous black and white outfit. Her pet is a gargoyle griffin names Roux.

Jackson Jekyl - An adorable guy in a yellow buttoned down shirt, sweater vest, bow tie, gray slacks, and blue high tops. He includes a pet chameleon Crossfade.

Robecca Steam - A mad scientist with a mechanical penguin, Captain Penny. She has fabulous black and blue hair, brown boots, and a steampunk vibe.

Venus McFlytrap - A lovely green-skinned girl with green and pink hair, vining pink boots, a casual chic denim cropped jacket, and a flytrap pet named Chewlian.

All photos are property of Mattel/Angelic Dreamz.

News from Barbie Collector

Some interesting news from Barbie Collector:

First, be sure to check out the Mermaid Barbie, a Gold Label doll designed by Linda Kyaw. She was released on February 8, and she's currently on backorder through March 8 (but available for purchase). Retail is $100. She wears an outfit with a sheer bodice applied rhinestones and beading, and sequined tail skirt with pleated organza tail. She includes the rock wave display stand. [I'm not positive, but she looks like the Diva facial sculpt.]

Second, released yesterday and due to ship on March 22, the William and Catherine Royal Wedding Giftset has been released. This set is also a Gold Label and retails for $100, it includes both dressed William and Catherine dolls, in full wedding regalia. I have to say, I adore Catherine's Alexander McQueen's wedding gown and her gorgeous ring.

Third: Let's Play Barbie. This is a brand new series of of reproduction Barbie in an addictive form. I hear these will cost $175. Here's how it works:

1. You choose a reproduction swimsuit doll, blonde, brunette or redhead. The doll includes a reproduction box, earrings, sunglasses and shoes.
2. In the spring, you'll receive your doll and the first seasonal fashion, Spring Garden Party. (The fashion looks pretty fabulous!)
3. Every season, a new fashion will arrive: June is Resort Set, then Dinner at Eight in August, then October's Winter Holiday.

I think it's a great idea. The fashions look well made from the promotional photos. I can't wait to see!

Fourth, Barbie's Dream Closet. You can read about here. I played around with it, and it's pretty neat. You can try on Barbie's wardrobe, share photos with your friends, and it's... interesting. I think it would work better with a solid or neutral background behind your computer. (Notice, I'm not sharing any photos here.) It's worth checking out, though, for the novelty factor.

Happy Valentine's Day - Part 5

Ask Any Girl, a photo by alington on Flickr.

I think this is my last share for now - Ask Any Girl Poppy Poppy in a Sylvia Campbell fashion. She's just an adorable model.

Check out more photos on Flickr, and be sure to check out Sylvia's wonderful fashions on her website, as well.

Happy Valentine's Day - Part 4

Exclusive OOAK Pretty Poodle Momoko, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Pretty Poodle Momoko OOAK - She was a raffle win at IFDC from 2010, and my very first Momoko. She's a one-of-a-kind Pretty Poodle with straight hair and a little softer facial screening, donated by Petworks.

I think she's like a pink red riding hood, and I think she's just adorable.

Happy Valentine's Day - Part 3

Madame a la Framboise, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Madame a la Framboise by Tonner Doll Company is a doll I really do miss having in my collection. She was a table centerpiece from the 2010 convention, and uses the Kit sculpt.

She's a reimagined Rococo style doll with a gorgeous red updo and a rather outrageous outfit. You don't see her very often!

You can see more photo of her on Flickr.

Happy Valentine's Day - Part 2

Glinda, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Next up, we have Goodreau Doll's Glinda, from the Upside Down Oz collection. She is a vinyl BJD, who comes fully dressed, with a face-up, wig and outfit.

Ideal for the beginning BJD collector, this vinyl ball-jointed doll is perfectly pink, and perfectly sturdy. She has blue interchangeable eyes, which are already set perfectly, which give you the power to change them if you like, but you don't have to.

Her outfit is really fun--she includes a ruffled tee, knit cardigan, fun tiered skirt, sparkling boots, tights and necklace. She's a modern Glinda.

Though originally released in 2009, you can still find her for sale at some retailers, such as Sweetheart Dolls, and Katherine's Cottage.

Happy Valentine's - a celebration of pink

Pink Splendor, a photo by alington on Flickr.

In celebration of Valentine's, I thought I'd do a series of posts on pink dolls. These dolls are either currently in my collection, have been in my collection, or I wish they had been in my doll collection (meaning, they might be in my doll collection in the future). Perhaps this is the "Timeline" version of the Fashion Doll Review.

First up, the quintessential splurge contemporary collector Barbie. If you love Barbie, have money to burn, or happen to get a good deal, Pink Splendor is a must for pink lovers. She was the first collector Barbie to retail for $1000. Now, you can find her for much less, of course, especially when she isn't in her box.

She features a silk satin dress, trimmed with gold and rhinestones, a white pink bow trimmed with roses, crystal jewelry, gold plated shoes, silk panties with iridescent stockings and garters, and a huge dramatic braided up-do.

She's from 1996 and a limited edition of 10,000, which, at the time, was considered a limited edition.

Toy Fair updates...

For the latest on Toy Fair releases and photos, check out and subscribe to Idlehands1.blogspot.com by PaulNomad.

You can find lots of great information and photos on Mattel's new releases, including both Barbie and Monster High dolls (new dolls, plus the Monster High High School), plus Jakks Pacific dolls, Tonner's Avatar dolls and Tron: Legacy, and Living Dead Dolls by Mezco.

Some items of interest from Tonner Toys:

City Girls is a new 15-16" line that will share clothing with LittleMissMatched dolls with a modern, sophisticated edge. Price point will range from $20-50, and Tonner Toys is hoping for a Toys R Us distribution, similar to LMM.

Maudlynne Macabre, also from Tonner Toys, also shares a LMM body type. WI is estimating fourth quarter for shipping, and a retail of about $30.

Save 40% off select items from Tonner

Use the code SWEETDLS40 at checkout and save 40% off these select items from Tonner Doll Company.

Promo code expires Friday, February 17, 2012, may not combined with any other offer, and good while supplies last.

Jess

Jess, a photo by alington on Flickr.

My very first Nu Mood doll, Jess, has arrived, and I couldn't be more pleased. Jess is the Cinderella sculpt, created by Tonner Doll Company. She's a new basic doll on the Dance body with brown eyes, rooted blonde hair, and interchangeable ballet feet and hands.

She retails for $59.99 (but my cost ended up closer to $45), and for a 16" collector doll, that's pretty good. She is a basic doll, doesn't include a stand or shoes. The feet and hand packs are still on their way.

I have to apologize for my iPhone photos--but I was just so thrilled to take her out of the box and have a doll for play. I think she's a great price, and I'm thrilled to have a doll just for fun. (I feel like it's Christmas.) I have to confess, I was so excited that I emailed my doll dealer this morning and ordered Sydney, too.

I've heard that for true ballet posing it would be nice if the doll's hips would turn out; however, I think I might be able to fake it with a longer skirt and turning just her feet out a bit. Plus, I don't really intend to use her as a dancer. I think she looks like she is stretching--and I love the shape of the toes. As a California girl, it's a great excuse to have a doll in bare feet!

You can see a few more photos on Flickr.

Ellowyne Wilde FAO Schwarz exclusive:

Ellowyne Wilde Woeful Romance, FAO Schwarz exclusive, mink rooted hair with green/grey inset eyes
Photo property of Wilde Imagination

Get 3% cash back and free shipping when you order FAO Schwarz exclusive Ellowyne Wilde Woeful Romance through Ebates cash back program link.

Here's how it works:

1. Sign up through Ebates. (We get a referral fee if you sign up through the Fashion Doll Review's link, so you'll be supporting our site, too.)
2. Enter "FAO" in the Search stores or coupons or products box in the upper right hand corner, and a list of FAO specials will come up on the screen.
3. Click on "FAO Schwarz Coupons & Cash Back."
4. A list of all the current specials will come up. The one at the bottom of the screen is an automatic 3% cash back, plus free shipping on all orders of $99 or more, which expires 12/31/2050. 
5. Click on "Shop Now" to take advantage.

That's it!

A dangerous question

"What would you like for Christmas/Your Birthday?"

This simple question can make the strongest friends/family members of doll collectors cringe.

Once upon a time, after figuring out how to get online, I stumbled across a picture of some Tonner dolls by accident. I remember being bowled over by how beautiful they were. I was a longtime Barbie collector, so I had a definite idea already of what I found attractive in a doll. The Tonners definitely fulfilled that. Except for one tiny problem.

At the time, I was still dealing with an inner miser that was unbelievably tightfisted. I remember the days when I thought paying $15 for a playline Barbie was outrageous. I argued with the inner miser, that $40, while outrageous, might be worth it, because the basic dolls were just as pretty as the dressed dolls, and if worse came to worse, I could always fall back on my old standard of finding fabric scraps to make my own "designer originals."

A Blue "designer original" - Jason Wu, eat your heart out!

But, I could not bring myself - or more accurately, my inner miser - to loosen the purse strings just a little, and buy one of those dolls.

Fast forward to mid 2007. I was checking the dolls and bears section on eBay at random, and stumbled across a seller who was offering a Kingstate dress for Tonner sized dolls. It was a simple black sheath with silver tinsel threads, a beaded neckline, and it was being modeled by a raven Angelina doll.

My inner miser has since been beaten into submission. Well, mostly.

The first brand new Tonner doll I purchased was the FAO Schwartz exclusive, Super Stripes Angelina, which people see all the time on my personal blog, Random Doll Blathering.

My little brother Chet, however, thought the price was outrageous, and, compared to what I was used to paying for playline Barbies, my inner miser agreed. At least until I opened the box, and held that beautiful girl for the first time.

Angelina can still knock the average inner miser senseless

In the time since, I have taken to buying my Tonner dolls nude. Not because I dislike their outfits, though to be honest, I am not really into high fashion, but because it is cheaper to do so. I will never forget the first time I bought a doll from Dreamcastle Dolls. Carol, the owner, has a page on her website for splits - this means she takes a doll from its box, removes its outfit, then sells the doll and outfit separately.

I asked about the en Chocolat Angelina doll, which had just been released, and Carol sent back she found my inquiry amusing, because I was the first person in about three days who asked after a doll, rather than an outfit.

en Chocolat now looks like a sorority sister.

As I have become more familiar with fellow collectors and their dolls, I have also become familiar with the prices of various dolls. I still felt uneasy, as I beat my inner miser to a pulp, over the prices I was paying for my lovely dolls. Then I saw the prices of the ball jointed dolls other folks were collecting, and didn't feel so bad after all.

Chet was razzing me, which is, after all, in his Little Brother union contract, about what I was spending on my dolls. He thought they were pretty, but rather outrageously priced. However, I had a little something for shock therapy.

I had found, thanks to one of the folks on Prego, my favorite doll board, a link to a ball jointed doll manufacturer. I found a particularly beautiful, top of the line doll, and showed it to Chet. Then I scrolled over to the price, and said, "Check THIS out."

It's been a while since he has razzed me about what I spend on a single doll, but he still cringes whenever he asks what I want for Christmas or my birthday.

IFDC Registration!

Susie, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Are you registered?

2012 International Fashion Doll Convention
July 25-28 2012
The Orleans Resort & Casino
Las Vegas, NV

Shock, Rattle 'n Roll
10th Anniversary

This fun, laid back convention is really a blast, and is a celebration of all fashion dolls. The $295 registration fee includes:

• 1950's Rock Around the Clock registration
• 1960's Aquarius opening reception on Wednesday
• 1970s I Will Survive Thursday luncheon
• 1980s It's Raining Men Karaoke American Bandstand dance and dance contest Thursday night
• 1990s Believe dinner on Friday
• 2000s Nickelback's Rock Star dinner with Integrity Toys convention doll

Plus, you'll have access to the salesroom, competitions, raffles, exhibits, steam punk rock bowling tournament, slot tournament, workshops and seminars, gallery, treasure hunt and more. More information and registration information can be found IFDC's website.

My favorite pieces from the Jason Wu for Target collection

My fellow bloggers Valerie and Carolyn and I were lucky enough to hit Target yesterday when the doors opened for the sale of Jason Wu's Target collection. Valerie secured a place for us in line at 7 AM. We were 5th in a line of about 50 people. 5 minutes before the doors opened a Target Security employee let us know where the Wu merchandise was located and encouraged everyone to play nice. It was a very fun experience. For the most part shoppers were kind and respectful. I saw several people trading and/or giving away fashions that they had secured but did not want. There didn't seem to be anyone grabbing cartfuls of merchandise for resale. I was very impressed with the collection. The pieces are classic with feminine detailing. All except one of the clothing items I purchased are machine washable. Of course, the prices were very reasonable, too.

On to my favorites:

This floral print handbag can be worn cross-body with the removeable strap or carried by the blue faux-leather handle. There are several interior pockets and a back zippered compartment. I love the detail in the metal clasp. It's just darling....

Next is this black flared dress which is quite similar to Poppy Parker's Holiday in the Hamptons dress. It is fully lined and has a pretty tulle underskirt peeking out from the hemline.

Next up is blue short-sleeve blouse with white dots. This will go great with white pants, skinny jeans, or a short white skirt. 

I'm sure Target is sold-out of just about everything at this point but don't worry there are plenty available on the secondary market. If you'd like to see more photos from this collection check out my flickr.

Inspiration

Today, I received a purple helium balloon for an early birthday present. This, combined with the Pacific Northwest's unusually mild, sunny weather, combined to give me an idea for a cute little doll photo shoot.

It all started with the original designation of this particular doll - Pessimist in Purple Agnes Dreary, who has been renamed Winona in my collection. I belong to the Yahoo! group, Cheery About Agnes Dreary, and I have written up many adventures for Winona, so it just comes second nature to me to run with an idea when it comes to this particular doll.

The most important tip here is, if you get an idea for something for a good photo shoot with your dolls, run with it. You never know when an idea is going to strike, or the right lighting conditions, either.

Anyway, here are the pictures - I let my imagination run away with me, and I was pleasantly surprised when they turned out.

Captain Winona to tower, requesting clearance

Winona's dress is by my friend Nikki in Wales.

You don't have your pilot's license yet, kid.

Winona's daddy James (Captain Jack Sparrow) manages to catch his girl, and keep her anchored to the ground. I had to cheat a little to get the shot I wanted - the adult Tonner males aren't really strong enough to hold on as I wanted, so I have them sitting, and did a little cropping to try to maintain the illusion. One fine day, I WILL "get it."

Yep, that's my girl all right!

I love the naughty little twinkle Tonner caught so well with the Captain Jack Sparrow Character Figure - it works with such hyper kids as Winona and her "evil twin" Alex (Viktor Dreary).

Here's your GOTCHA kid!

Taken during the "Snowpocalypse!" of last month. Alex surprised his dad with a snowball. Dad is about to surprise Alex with an even bigger snowball.

Steffie of the Day: Fashion Photo PJ

Fashion Photo PJ, a photo by alington on Flickr.

From 1978, one of my grail Steffies, Fashion Photo PJ. She's a lovely highlighted brunette, who needs a little hair help.

It turns out mine isn't exactly mint, but she's still very pretty. I love this doll. Some things that make her special to me:

• Her gorgeous brown eyes and soft golden eye screening
• Her ultra natural lips
• Her naturally styled hair
• Her turquoise Superstar jewelry
• Her "posing" body, which reminds me just a little of the Walk Lively bodies

Did you think I was "over" Steffie? Um, yeah. I'm over Steffie like I'm over Alice. I don't see it happening. You can see more photos of her on Flickr.

My first doll from Wilde Imagination: Lizette!

Lizette, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Essential Lizette, Wigged Out, has arrived, and I just love her. Of course, she can't come live here without me messing with her a little, so here is a list of her beauty treatments so far:

• manicure
• liquitex on her eyes and lips for vavoom shine
• applied lashes
• a Peak's Woods wig
• outfit by Jennygrey Designs
• bling by Tonner and Gene

I think her spice skin tone is simply lovely. Her original lingerie is really fun and detailed--a lovely cotton camisole and bloomers--plus she includes white tights and lace boots.

The two wigs included with this doll are fun--a long raven mohair-like wig and a short and sassy brown style--but I have a hard time with the hard cap. I think because of my experience with BJD stretchy wig caps, I prefer those. Here, she is wearing a wig usually worn by my MSD-sized girls.

You can see more photos of her on Flickr.

Lizette, a photo by alington on Flickr

New items from Wilde Imagination

Serendipity outfit

There are two new outfits available from Wilde Imagination for Ellowyne, Lizette and friends:

Serendipity - a gorgeous fringed bouclé jacket in warm brown tones with faux leather belt and matching hat, brown knee high boots, and eggplant stockings. LE1000 $84.00

Easy Does It outfit

Easy Does It - a 1940s inspired floral print dress with front buttons and lace collar, striped stockings, black boots, lace gauntlets, and gorgeous hat. This outfit ships for free through midnight, February 10 to continental US customers. (Other customers, just follow the instructions on the listing to get a $9.95 shipping credit.)

Additionally, be sure to check out the End of Edition Specials for some fabulous deals, including five coordinating separates of the Ennui Too collection for just $50, an additional matching blouse for $12, as well as two other outfits for $59.

Finally, the last promotional email from Wilde Imagination has a few photos from IDEX, including:

On The Bright Side Ellowyne - from the Tea event, who is now sold out. Look at that necklace!

A sneak peek at Eternally Yours Evangeline - the newly designed resin Evangeline, coming in March.

And OMG - Ellowyn, Totally Refined - a sneak peek at the new resin BJD Ellowyne, available later this spring! I wonder if she will be available at the Tonner convention? (Oh, for my budget's sake, I sure hope not!) 

Still looking for Integrity Toys pre-orders?

Try Treasure Dolls. A website is still in the works but you can email treasure dolls [at] yahoo (and then) dot com. Here what this shop still has available:

• Hansel & Gretel
• FR Monograms
• FR:16
• Darla and
• Chaffeur's Daughter Sabrina

Good luck!