Glamorous Misaki

Along the same lines as the OOAK Beatnik Blues, I could hardly pass up this lovely rerooted Misaki. She is a limited edition of 4, I believe, created by the talented Rob Thompson for this past year's Wave from Japan seminar at IFDC.

Here, Misaki is modeling the fashion from Glamorous Darling Poppy Parker, the souvenir doll from IFDC. It's quite a lovely gown, I think, and it matches the purple in her hair.

It has the effect of lifting Misaki's dour mood, much to her chagrin. I just love this doll--she is so delightfully grumpy--with her long bangs obscuring her face, and her purple and black hair. I think she's wonderful!

Struggling with vintage Barbie or Japanese exclusive fashions on a budget? Consider repros!

I have to confess that when it comes to vintage Barbie and Francie, the fashion I love most seem to be the ones that are hardest to find. Whether it's the delicate tulle or metallic fabrics that don't last through children's play over the past 50+ years, or if it's the elusive Japanese exclusive that people just talk about, perhaps you find yourself with the same budgetary issues.

I've recently discovered that my small bust Integrity models (FR:Nippon's Amelie and Misaki--above--as well as Poppy Parker and friends) can often share outfits with Francie. While this won't save you anything as far as budget goes, let me direct you again to Silvia Campell of Snowdance Originals and Reproductions.

Some time ago, I have the absolute privilege to pick up this lovely Japanese Wedding Gown (original is on page 95 of Barbie in Japan), shown above as modeled by Misaki, as well as Silvia's version of Fall in the Air for Francie (page 99 of Barbie in Japan), modeled by Ask Any Girl Poppy Parker.

Please check out Silvia's website. The outfits do run around $125 and up, but you will indeed get amazing sets with serious attention to detail that I haven't seen elsewhere. While Fall in the Air is no longer in my collection, I really do miss it. I'm pining for a new fashion right this moment!

My top contenders:

1. Irresistible 
2. Glimmer Glamour - for Mod Barbie - but where can you find this outfit for $125?
3. Fancy That Formal - I just know I have a Poppy who needs this gown!
4. Prom Pinks - oh, that gold netting!
5. Black Magic in White - for Barbie, and simply stunning, for $85!

Royal Amelie

Royal Amelie, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Oooh--wow! I took a photo! Yay!

It's Royal Amelie from the 2009 FR Nippon collection by Integrity Toys. This version has strawberry pink hair and is a special edition by LEONIDAS. She, like the rest of the FR Nippon collection, was available exclusive from Japan. With her pink hair, she's perfect for my collection.

I ordered her from Doll-Collectible, who has just fantastic service. I believe they had an older address for me on file. I don't know if it was my mistake or theirs--but the doll was reshipped at no cost, immediately, with no hassle at all. I'm really impressed, and I recommend them highly!

The prices are fantastic as well. So please check them out for all your FR Nippon needs. I have one additional photo of Amelie on Flickr, if you'd like to check her out!

FR: Nippon Promenade

FR: Nippon Promenade, a photo by alington on Flickr.

I can't believe how adorable FR: Nippon Promenade Amelie is in person! Misaki is also adorable, by the way.

It's been a while since we've seen new dolls in this line, and they were just beautiful in person.

If you'd like to see the rest of the dolls in Integrity Toys 2013 collection, visit my Flickr photo album here.

FR:Nippon has returned: Promenade collection 2013

After a two-year break, I'm thrilled to see the return of Integrity's gorgeous line of FR:Nippon girls, exclusively sold in Japan.

These dolls will be available for preorder shortly, and you can see a list of dealers on their website. Dealers should be updating their websites soon, as the dolls have a scheduled delivery date of mid to late May 2013.

Both dolls retail for 13,000 Yen (a little over $132 US) and are limited to 300 each. They have beautiful long hair, golden eyeshadow, pink lips, and applied lashes. Both dolls are simply sweet!

First up, it's Promenade Misaki with lovely warm chestnut hair and emerald eyes. She's dressed in a graphic print tee shirt, black slim fit leggings, and bronze high heeled sandals. She's carrying a wonderful FR:Nippon logo canvas tote with zipper closure. 

Our blue-eyed blonde is Promenade Amelie. She's also wearing a screen-print tee with coordinating eggplant leggings and gunmetal heeled sandals. The sandals are wonderfully detailed with buckle closures. She is carrying the same tote as Misaki.

According to the update from Integrity Toys, the packaging has been updated to "new collector friendly window packaging," which is now shoebox-style with circular window cutouts for doll storage that is both convenient and classy. Dolls still include wrist tags and stands.

Note: If you're looking for a dealer, I can recommend Midori at Doll-Collectible.com. She charges retail prices, offers both EMS and non-insured first class (deboxed) shipping services as well, and does not charge credit card or additional Paypal fees. Plus, for novice users like me, her website is in English. She also is a dealer for Momoko (PetWORKs and Sekiguchi), Azone, Obitsu, Groove (that's Pullip), and more.

Photos are property of Integrity Toys.