Steffie: Out of the Box Volume II - it's on the shelf!

Check out my post over at Out of the Box Publishing for the latest and greatest on the publishing world here at the Fashion Doll Review, including a coupon code for $5 off my latest book, Steffie; Out of the Box Volume II.

I'll be expecting my first shipment on May 20, but Amazon seems to already have them in stock!

Heard of Storylane?

Follow us on Storylane!

And the winner is...

The prize: One of my latest publications, Steffie: Out of the Box. This is an unauthorized soft cover visual reference book on Mattel's Steffie sculpt. I use all my own photography, and it could be considered to be a little, well, artsy.

The back of the book - actually, one of my favorite dolls. This is a Miss America, Quick Curl Brunette, who has been restyled by Roberta Marino.

We had nine participants in our drawing last week. Thanks so much for reading The Fashion Doll Review and participating!

According to the theme, I thought I use a Barbie cup for the container. I seem so organized, don't I? Just don't look at the rest of my house, or notice how closely cropped my photos are.

Oh--the anticipation. I have to include one of these photos, of course.

And our winner is... Ada in Romania! I believe one of our wonderful contributors had the pleasure of meeting Ada in person at the Italian Doll Festival this past year. Ada, if you would contact me at alison at fashiondollreview dot com (well, with the @ symbol and . of course) with your mailing address, that would be great! I'll get your book out ASAP!

To the rest of you, thanks ever so much for participating. I realized today that drawings are one of my favorite things about doing this blog and I don't do enough of them, so keep your eyes peeled.

Also, if you would like to purchase a copy of my book, you can contact me at the above address. The retail price is $20 plus shipping. It's also available on Amazon.com, and also on Amazon Europe, so that might be a cheaper option for some of you as well.

Incidentally... in the last week, we've had about 10,000 page views (and no, I don't count my own). That's fantastic!

Our most popular post is on Monster High dolls. Would you all like to see more posts about these dolls? Any other requests?

Also, are you aware of our sister blog, BJDs for Beginners? I've moved all the BJD-related posts over to that blog, since I was clogging up the fashion doll section a little heavily with BJD items.

Waaa! Our view counter! It's time a for a PRIZE!

Scroll down to the bottom to the page -- and check out our page count!

1,003,234 pageviews!

Woo hoo! (And no, I actually do not track my own pageviews.)

It's time for a prize!

This week, I'll be giving away a free copy of my new book, Steffie: Out of the Box, signed.

All you have to do is a leave a comment on this blog post, if you're interested in receiving one. Make sure you leave a piece of identifying information on there--like your first name, and maybe your location. Something like this:

I'd like to enter! Alison in San Diego.

You have till Sunday, September 9, at midnight PST to leave a comment. Monday, I will put all the names in a pot and announce the winner, and have you contact me with your shipping information, and I'll send you a book.

International readers are, of course, welcomed. (Authors of this blog, you don't qualify for this drawing, but I'd love for you to have a copy of this book. So if I've flaked and not sent you one yet--please email me.) And let me know if you have any questions!

Thanks so much for reading The Fashion Doll Review!

Page views since May 2010...

So, we've been publishing this blog since February 11, 2008. However, the stats and analytics have only been working since May 2010. And that page views link has been working pretty steadily. As of this morning, I've noticed an exciting number approaching. Here's what it reads  as of this morning:

976,984
(It's at the bottom of the page.)

We're approaching the one million page views mark! I think it's getting close for some more drawings. What would you all like to see? Books? Dolls? Outfits? What kind?

Also, now might be the time for some more housekeeping. Do you wish we'd cover different dolls? Show more real life photos? Which dolls?

Keep me posted--let me hear your thoughts!

I'm on my way!

Alison, editor of the Fashion Doll Review

I'm off to Barbie convention today--just in case you need to see me there, I should be easy to spot! I'm the one with the pink and blonde hair.

I'd love it if you said hello! Come find me, and buy my new Steffie book (and Alice book) in room 1074 from Kathie. Also, I will have the Steffie book in the salesroom.

Notice our counter?

I think I see a prize coming up!

The Fashion Doll Review's total page views--well, since we started counting in May 2010--is 929,058 as of this morning's post. That is getting very close to one million! I think it's nearly time for another prize drawing...

I'll come up with something good, I promise!

My books are listed on Amazon...

As previews only, so far.

If you are in Europe, this will probably be your best bet! Thanks so much for looking!

Alice: Out of the Box has also arrived!

As if working on one project at a time weren't enough:

Alice: Out of the Box is an eclectic scrapbook of Alice in Wonderland-themed dolls that have graced the author’s collection over the years. Alice fans and doll collectors alike will enjoy this friendly showcase, including both traditional and contemporary dolls.

From vinyl to resin, the editor of the Fashion Doll Review introduces both restyled, one-of-a-kind, and manufactured eye candy, from girlish befuddlement to Lolita-style ball-jointed beauties. While the author herself does not profess to be a photographer, she hopes to bring her passion for Lewis Carroll’s timeless heroine to the page--in a tiny, redressable, posable art form.

The Out of the Box series is a casual visual reference for doll collectors and fans of the Fashion Doll Review blog. An affordable paperback collection, this series examines specific doll styles, sculpts, and collections in pages filled with color photographs with descriptions. Fashion dolls are styled, dressed, and fashioned according to the book’s theme. Resources and references are included.

Currently for sale on CreateSpace directly, this print-on-demand title is also for sale on Amazon--I'll keep you posted as soon as a preview is available. If you live in Europe, check out this post. I will have copies of this book with me at the Barbie convention and also at IFDC.


List Price: $16.00
8.5" x 8.5" (21.59 x 21.59 cm)
Full Color Bleed on White paper
76 pages
The Fashion Doll Review
ISBN-13: 978-0983681625
ISBN-10: 0983681627
BISAC: Antiques & Collectibles / Dolls


I am so excited to share the Out of the Box series of books with you. I can't wait to share what else we have in store!

Attention, Steffie fans!

It's here, it's here!

My new book, Steffie: Out of the Box, is now available for ordering.

What is it? Here's my description:

Fashion doll, Barbie fan, and Steffie collector Alison Rasmussen shares her eclectic collection with untraditional color photographs in this fun reference book. While not a professional photographer, the author includes many candid photos of various dolls created between 1971 and 2011, as well as a reference list of Steffie-faced dolls manufactured by Mattel and its licensed affiliates.

Publication Date: Jul 02 2012
ISBN/EAN13: 0983681635 / 9780983681632
Page Count: 90
Binding Type: US Trade Paper
Trim Size: 8.5" x 8.5"
Language: English
Color: Full Color with Bleed
Related Categories: Antiques & Collectibles / Dolls


About the Out of the Box series of books:

The Out of the Box series is a casual visual reference for doll collectors and fans of the Fashion Doll Review blog. An affordable paperback collection, this series examines specific doll styles, sculpts, and collections in 90 pages of color photographs and descriptions. Fashion dolls are styled and dressed according to the book's theme. Resources and references are included.

Why should you care? Well, first I just about killed myself to finish the book before Barbie Convention. I should have a few copies for sale, if I can get them in time--look for Kathie's Fashion Dolls and the girl with short pink hair if you're interested in an autographed copy. (I just don't know what I was thinking with planning to finish the book after school was out for summer, LOL!)

Second, the retail price of the book is $20. From now through July 31, you can buy the book for just $15. Use coupon code PTUB5SGH when you check out, and you will save $5 off the cover price. That's less than the cost of a basic doll! (The coupon only works through CreateSpace.)

This book is now also available from Amazon. If you have prime shipping or if you are in Europe, this might be a better deal for you, so just hold tight. Plus, I'm hoping to provide a Look Inside preview of this book on there as well.

These books are printed and shipped on demand from CreateSpace--this allows me to print just the copies I need and not have a garage full of them. It's a really affordable way to go in the printing business. In fact, if you have a book you'd like to write, I can highly recommend their services!

Third, you'll know you're supporting this doll blog when you buy a copy of this book. I think you'll like it. In fact--I think you'll like it so much you might want to recommend it to a friend!

How do you feel about multi-tasking?

Generally speaking, are you a multi-tasker? As it turns out, I'm not so much. However, I do go in productive creative spurts that border on mania. Well, perhaps these spurts could be described that way. Possibly another way to describe this phenomenon is inspiration and procrastination--combined with artificially and unrealistically set goals.

Or maybe I just really don't want to do the laundry.

I uploaded the proof for my next project, the next in the Out of the Box series, all about Mattel's Steffie sculpt late last night, after I received the proof via UPS for Alice: Out of the Box.

My goals are:

• Finish Steffie: Out of the Box by Barbie convention. 
• Finish Alice: Out of the Box in time for IFDC. 
• Stay off the news.

We shall see.

Really, though. It makes me wonder why I'm doing this. Wanting to throw all PDF-related products out the window, never to be seen again? Terrible reviews on Amazon? $2 per book?

No! Because I love dolls, I love photography, and I love writing, darn it! Tears and all.

MTW Award

I'm pleased to announce that the Fashion Doll Review has received one of the MTW (Mini Treasures Wiki) Awards for 2012 this year. For details of the award, and to see and visit the other award winners, check out this link.

Mini Treasures is now on Pinterest as well. This is a great venue for browsing miniatures, I think--even if you collect fashion dolls for the fashions and not diorama accessories, you will want to start miniatures after a few minutes on Pinterest.

You can find my boards on there as well.

Market research...

Got a minute or two? Would you be willing to fill out a survey for me? I'd really appreciate it! This is regarding a new product we have in the works.

Click here to take survey.

Thanks for your time!

New Year's Resolutions for the Fashion Doll Review

Shirred Not Shaken Vanessa, a photo by alington on Flickr.

I know, it's already nine days into 2012, and I haven't posted any New Year's resolutions for either the blog or myself. My first one is to be more timely and to give you fewer excuses.

I do have a few plans for this upcoming year. I'm a fan of National Public Radio--I know, I know--and one of my favorite shows is On The Media. In the December 30 episode, there are two interesting articles, in which Bob Garfield interviewed Rebecca Rosen (The Atlantic) and Ta-Nehisi Coates (senior editor) about the world of on-line comments. Inspired by these two interviews, I've decided to upgrade FDR's comments section, and change them to moderated comments. I welcome your comments, but I'll expected them to be courteous to our author and relevant to the post at hand.

Second, I've got a new project in the works for you, dear readers, which should be completed soon. I'm aiming for a mid February release date, and I'm also hoping for a multi-platform release at some point in the near future, if I can swing it. More details to come shortly!

Third, I promise to leave the way the website looks alone for a while. I think we've got the background set the way we like it, and I'm pretty happy with it so far. While I adore the more interactive style, I simply cannot work with a site that doesn't let me use my own site on my iPad. [Insert geek alert here]

Finally, I'd again like to thank you for your loyal readership. The Fashion Doll Review has been publishing since February 11, 2008. Since I've been tracking readership in May 2009, this blog has received 683,012 views. We've had 1,720 posts within that amount of time--here's to many more!

And the winner is...

Congratulations to Elisa E. in California! You've won a free copy of my book, Ball-Jointed Dolls for Beginners, just for posting a comment on the blog.

If you could contact me--perhaps through Facebook or leaving a comment on this post, I will send your book out right away. Thanks so much for playing!

Drawing #2 - One more chance to win: Facebook followers

Get a second chance to win a copy of my book, Ball-Jointed Dolls for Beginners, for free!

For this drawing, I'm waiting till the number of Facebook fans on our webpage has reached 400. At the time of this post, our followers are 392.

To enter, leave a comment below this post, including your first name and last initial, and state or country you are located. International players are welcome, too.

Again, get a chance for more entries if you have links posted to either of our blogs on your website. Post a separate entry for each link. Use the graphics provided, or a text link to The Fashion Doll Review or the BJDs for Beginners blog. (Contact me if you need assistance.)

Only one link per drawing is needed, so if you're already linking to our websites, just post them here as a separate entry!

WIN at the Fashion Doll Review - through Google

It's time for another prize drawing.

I've noticed our Google followers have reached 296. When the total number of followers reach 300, I will raffle off a free copy of my book, Ball-Jointed Dolls for Beginners. This is a free drawing, no purchase necessary!

Receive an extra entry for the drawing for linking to The Fashion Doll Review from your blog or website.

Receive one more entry for posting a link to my BJD-related website, BJDs for Beginners, on your blog or website. Feel free to download the graphics provided, or use a text link. If you need help posting a link, let me know.

To enter, leave a comment below this post, including your first name and last initial, and state or country you are located. International players are welcome, too.

If you've posted link(s) on your blogs, post a separate entry for each link, including the website where my link is posted.

A little holiday shopping with a point?

Have you gotten all your holiday shopping finished already? Not me!

In fact, if you want to take a quick breath for your dolly friends, check out my latest auction additions, including this lovely Midge and vintage Enchanted Evening outfit. They are in excellent and very good condition, and you can qualify for free expedited US shipping from all the items in the Fashion Doll Review's store!

Also, 25% of all sales will be donated to the Toys for Tots foundation.

Thanks for your support!

Sweet 16 - a new Dolls to the Wall podcast!

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A brand new episode of Dolls to the Wall is available, just for 16" fashion doll collectors. I know it's been a while since I posted an episode--mostly due to a lack of quiet in the house, which is necessary for recording--and I have a slightly new format.

I've decided to split the podcast into three categories: BJDs, Sweet 16 (this episode), and one for 11-12" fashion dolls, which is still in the works. I'll post the new one as soon as it's available.

As always, I'd love your feedback, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Yes, even you, Milady Blue. 

Dolls to the Wall, Episode 2

Dolls to the Wall, Episode 2

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Check out our second podcast and get your dolly news on the go. I've listed a ton of news and sales about Barbie, Integrity Toys, Tonner Dolls, and ball-jointed dolls in under 15 minutes this week. I've included some events as well as a much-loved update on my Steffie obsession (I'm sure you just can't wait).

Thanks for listening--if you like it, feel free to leave me a comment or a rating! I love to hear from you!

Here are some links I reference in this week's podcast:

Barbie Dream Sale
Cherished Friends sale page
Fashion Doll Review eBay Store
IMPLdoll Event
JaksJewels new BJDs
Cheryl's Dolls Check, Please Francie dealer exclusive Silkstone
Francie BFC exclusive gift set, Nighty Brights™-- they've just added photos of the outfit, too!
Toki Doki Barbie from Susan's Dolls
Dreamcastle Splits and Consignment Corner

Events:
Teddy Bear Jubilee
Wisconsin Fired Arts Event
Ellowyne's Wilde about Paris - Pat Dutchman pdutchman@roadrunner.com