Display

I've been doing a little reorganization in my display cabinets lately. This was one my former Steffie shelves. Now, as you can see, I have a few other dolls in there along with Steffie as well. Notice my collection of Arnaldo Restorations is growing?

I've been going through a like-it-versus-love-it phase again, trying to rearrange my collection, redress dolls, and make things less crowded overall. I'm having lots of fun, actually. You can see a few additional photos on Flickr, showing my work in progress.

What's in a name?

With Tonner's latest release, it was hard for some of us more obsessive collectors not to notice a couple of the names of the latest released outfits.

Radical Red is the name of one of the Cami & Jon outfits, which is shipping now, and is shoe above. (It also includes a red polka-dot cardigan, not shown in the promotional photo.)  Simply lovely.

The name was very familiar to me--so I happened to find another doll, Radical Red Tyler Wentworth, original released in 2005. (Samantha's Dolls still has this doll in stock, according to their website.) This ever-classic Tyler is also wearing a red delightful cocktail dress with cardigan.

The American Model outfit released this year, Belladonna, (and shipping soon) features a dramatic combination of cascading skirt and puffed sleeve corset. The lace, lamé, chiffon and netting add to the drama of this gothic outfit.

Belladonna Sydney Chase is a dressed doll from 2008. She has similar long auburn hair. While Sydney's outfit is a different color and style than the American Model outfit, you can see an homage to the silhouette. She's still available on eBay and also listed in stock at Pat and Billy's Dolls and Bears. 

Big and Small - more fashion inspiration

Witches Who Lunch outfit only from Wizard of Oz collection of 2007

Another wonderful way to enlighten and brighten your collection is to collect similarly styled or colored outfits in different scales. It's a wonderful way to use color in your collection or bring different types of dolls together--especially in this example.

Above, it's the Witches Who Lunch outfit, made from a gorgeous embroidered fabric with high color and contrast, long bell sleeves, a circle skirt and simple beaded belt. Her over-the-top coiled hat gives the outfit both a couture and an Oz feel.

Verdigris outfit only, American Model collection from 2007

Here, we have Verdigris, a green satin jacket with pink facing, a ruffled high color and bell sleeves, gathered lace over tulle skirt, and large sash belt. This look feels more elegant, and nearly Rococo inspired.

Displaying the two outfits together--Witches who lunch in 16" and Verdigris in 22"--would emphasize the similar silhouettes and bring two styles--Oz and fashion model--together in a way you might not have previously imagined.

All photos property of Tonner Doll Company.

Steffies of the day: My grail shelf!

Steffie, Steffie, Steffie, a photo by alington on Flickr.

My grail Steffie shelf, work in progress. I've just finally found Fashion Photo PJ and Talking Busy Steffie (who needs repair), as well. They will probably move some of these ladies down to the next shelf.

Top row:

• 1971 Walk Lively Steffie
• 1973 Yellowstone Kelley 
• 1975 Quick Curl Deluxe PJ
• 1972 Busy Steffie
• 1974 Free Moving PJ
• ca 1980 Canadian Standard Barbie
• 1980 Golden Dreams Christie
• 1979 Partytime Barbie (European exclusive)
• 1981 Pretty in Pink Christie

Front row:

• 1972 Walk Lively Miss America
• 1973 Quick Curl Kelley
• 1971 Walk Lively Steffie
• 1974 Ballerina Cara
• 1974 Free Moving PJ #2
• 1980 original Black Barbie
• 1987 Jewel Secrets Whitney
• 1982 Magic Curl Barbie AA
• 1979 Parisian Barbie (first edition)