W Club registration is open now!

Fashion Explorer Vanessa Perrin

Don't forget--Integrity Toys W Club registration is open now through January 21, 2014. This is a fantastic deal if you're a fan of IT dolls--in fact, it's starting to be one of the only ways to be able to get these dolls in a timely fashion and at retail prices, since you'll be notified of newly released dolls first as a W Club member. Follow this link for the complete registration information (it's open to all countries) and to sign up.

Benefits include:

• the opportunity to purchase several W Club exclusive dolls - two Fashion Royalty dolls, one Poppy Parker, one Victoire Roux, and one Jem & the Holomgrams doll
• exclusive member-only W club forum access
• exclusive W Club newsletter subscription
• free digital subscription to DOLLS and Haute Doll Magazine
• members only coupons to various IT dealers
• on-line events, exclusive to members
• plus additional limited right-to-buy lotteries, exclusives, and more!

Three upgrade dolls are available, and you can purchase them along with your membership, if you like--one each, and in any combination. You can read all about the options for your membership on the IT website, but the deadline for signing up is firm, so don't delay!

The Girl from I.N.T.E.G.R.I.T.Y. Poppy Parker

Countess Danielle Du Voisin™ (JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™)

Photos are property of Integrity Toys.

IT Jet Set Convention Dolls on eBay

This was my first year attending an Integrity Toys convention. It won't be my last. The folks at Integrity Toys do a fantastic job of running a convention as well as providing great free swag and other things that are not so free. The latter is the reason for this post. My dear hubby caught a glimpse of my credit card statement on line. Oops! So, I'm listing dolls that while I just have to have them, I won't die if they find their way to another home. I'm also going through the other dolls that I've purchased over time doing the same. You see, in addition to the bill paying factor, I've decided that Poppy Parker is my one true love when it comes to Integrity dolls and don't you know that I did not win the right to purchase the Ready Steady Go Poppy centerpiece at the Poppy Parker luncheon. So, money to pay bills and money to buy Poppy. It never ends.

Please check out my eBay listings. I might be selling something that you just have to have!

Jet Set Convention Saturday event

The W Club Luncheon on Saturday featured a gorgeous FR2 centerpiece doll. It's Tatyana's head sculpt on the newly articulated FR2 body. She's called Exceptional. Her dress and accessories are gorgeous.

Guests were also given acrylic chairs as favors, in addition to the chance to purchase this gorgeous centerpiece doll.

After the luncheon, W Club members were introduced to two new FR2 dolls, featuring the original Vanessa and Véronique head sculpts. Evermore, the new Vanessa Perrin doll, was offered as an exclusive doll to purchase for event attendees. I wish I had been there! She is gorgeous, and is the doll that would convince me to add FR2 dolls to my collection.

Already, she is listed on eBay at around $300 starting price. Some attendees have listed her for a Buy-It-Now of $380, so I doubt she will be added to my collection anytime soon.

The good news for those of us who weren't able to attend the convention this year: The FR2 -bodied Véronique doll will be offered via lottery to all W Club members in late October! Hooray! I also hope that  this isn't the last we will see of the original Vero and Vanessa head sculpts. I'd love to see them in next year's line-up.

Additionally, news of the delayed 16" W Club doll, Spring Kissed, was presented with a sneak peek of Integrity Toys' new collection, FR:16, which takes the place of the AvantGuards brand. The dolls have a redesigned body, and Spring Kissed will feature this body. Payment notices for this doll are scheduled soon.

For those of you who have forgotten what Spring Kissed looks like, here she is:

Images property of Integrity Toys.

Doll Tour Part 3

Yes, this is the last video of the day. I'm concluding the Doll Tour of my 11-12" fashion dolls with the remaining dolls in my display cabinet, as well as the grail dolls in my glass cabinet from IKEA.

I have plans to give similar tours of my Tonner Doll collection as well as BJD collection in the near future. Thanks for looking! You can subscribe to my You Tube channel here.

Vanessa and Poppy obsessions on You Tube

Why stop with a good thing? The Doll Tour continued--and meet my other two kitties, Lily and Chanel. I was getting a little tired here, so inserted a few extra frames to self-correct.

I have to confess, podcasting without video is a lot more friendly.

Joe's List has convention items posted!

Joe's List has Jet Set Fashion Royalty convention items listed for sale today. If there are items from the convention you want to have, you should check out his site.

Plus, there are photos of Style Counsel Adele and Vero (include Adele's gorgeous new face and her fabulous leopard print dress), Vivid Impact Agnes, Most Wanted Elise Jolie, Mission Control Imogen, High Toned Rayna, Brightness called Isha, Beyond the Still Monogram, Air Apparent Vero, and the convention set Jet Set Convention Eugenia.

I'll be waiting to post photo here when I have them from someone who wants to share photos or Integrity's stock photos.

Cruise Control Vanessa

Cruise Control, a photo by alington on Flickr.

As a last little tribute to summer (I'm in southern CA), here is fashion maven Cruise Control Vanessa.

I hear as a club doll, there were complaints about her rather thin hair, but I kind of like the style. I think it's a lovely color, too. I have to admit, while her outfit is a bit unexciting, it has some great pieces and fantastic accessories.

Plus, her facial screening is wonderful. I'll have to do a real photo shoot (wow--those are building up) later.

Vanessa, Vanessa, Vanessa

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

While I'm on the topic of displays, I thought I'd give you an update on my Vanessa obsession. It's going... obsessively, I'd say. I need some better photos, but this one gives you a general idea.

Top row:

• Pale Fire Vanessa
• Photo Realism Veronique* 
• Color Therapy
• Shirred Not Shaken
• Dress Code Vanessa in Most Desired Eugenia's fashion
• In Bloom Vanessa
• Aerodynamic
• Obsidian Society

Front row:

• Temptation
• High Tide
• Metal Maven (you don't know what happened to the other girl in this gown!)
• Monaco Royale
• Intoxicating Mix
• True Royalty
• Cruise Control

*She didn't want to sit with Poppy!

Mixing vintage & contemporary

Youthquake in Gold Rush, a photo by alington on Flickr.

I'm trying out some various fashions and realizing that getting to know vintage Francie may not be the cheapest alternative for Poppy Parker clothing. The fashions are really adorable, however--very mod and colorful.

This is Youthquake Poppy Parker (Integrity Toys) redressed in Gold Rush (#1222), a vintage Francie fashion. Poppy is a little wider in the hips than Francie, but with some styles, like this empire waist dress, she can carry it off.

Her accessories include glasses and a purse by Barbie, and jewelry from Paparazzi Bait Adele.

You can see more photos on Flickr.

One day left for auctions on my eBay store!

Don't forget to check out the auctions (some are closing Sunday!) to pick up some great deals for Tonner Dolls, Barbie and Integrity Toys. My home is non-smoking but cat friendly. I have my items displayed behind glass, but cat hair has a tendency to travel.

For Tonner collectors:

• Lady Emerald, from the 2009 Wizard of Oz line, complete and near mint, bid at $53.63, with free shipping!
• Lot #1 of Tyler Boutique Clothing, bid at $28.89, free shipping!
• Lot #2 of Tyler Boutique Clothing, bid at $36.79, free shipping!
• 2011 Theatre de l Mode Noir #99 outfit only, just $90!

For other 16" dolls:

• Miniature resin Alexander McQueen angelwing shoes, designed for JAMIEshow dolls, just $19.99.

For the Barbie Collector:

• Lot of two hard to find Steffies (nude) - Style Magic and Jewel Secrets. Need some TLC, but great for the OOAK artist. Starts at just $.99
• 1991 near mint, near complete HTF My First Ballerina, hispanic version, Steffie face, $9.99!
• 1989 deboxed, near complete hispanic Flight Time Barbie, Steffie, $12.05
• 2007 Birthstone Beauty, AA Miss Emerald (May) $15! NRFB!
• 1980s era Barbie Fashion, pink, blue and paisley, $1.54
• Bargain lot of pink Barbie clothing $9.50
• 1986 Peruvian Barbie (Steffie) NRFB, $30 OBO
• Barbie Basic accessory pack 1.0, look #01, NRFB, $20 OBO
• For Silkstone dolls: 2007 The Interview suit, blouse and necklace, $7.50
• Also for Silkstone, 2011 pieces from Ekatarina, suit, hat and boots, $8.51

For the vintage collector:

• Crisp white apron from Barbie-Q/What's Cookie/Utensils Pak, $2.46
• Peignoir Robe only from #965 Night Negliee, $.99
• Blue Belle Dress, very good condition, $7.50
• OOAK 1973 Miss America wigged doll, excellent condition with dress and shoes (was a Quick Curl), a lovely Steffie! $30.00
• 1968 Brownette Talking Barbie, who has been stored to talking, nude, excellent+, a little facial fading, otherwise perfect--see item for details. $200 OBO
• NRFP What's Cookin? from 1964-5, vintage Barbie Fashion, $125 OBO
• 1962 Brunette Ponytail #6 in excellent condition, $140 OBO

For Integrity Fans:

• 2009 Mint Mod Misaki, complete, near mint, display FR Nippon doll. Includes original outfit. $101.99

For BJD collectors:

• Mandarava slim MSD, by Angell Studios. She is gorgeous, and includes face-up, eyes, outfit, wig, and boots. See description for details. $375 OBO.
• Peak's Woods Yeru, includes face-up, eyes, your choice of wig, and dress. She is a full size SD (Fairy of Color) and stands alone at 58cm tall. She is gorgeous. $525 OBO.

Thanks for looking!

Vanessa, Vanessa, Vanessa

Vanessa progression, a photo by alington on Flickr.

I thought I'd post a little photo of Shirred Not Shaken Vanessa today. She was a convention centerpiece doll from The Heist convention in 2008. She was a limited edition of 160 dolls.

Her hair reminds me a lot of the new Close-Up doll, Dress Code. Her facial screening is quite bright--very blue. Her black gown is lovely--shirred sides, beaded straps and an open back. The skirt even has pockets. She includes silver jewelry.

I know, I know. I need to take the dolls out of my cabinet to do a full photo shoot. ;)

Queen V for trade?

Queen V for trade?, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Hello, dear readers--

I thought I'd post a little feeler out there. I've got this gorgeous Queen V Véronique doll--deboxed but complete--and I'd like to trade her for one of your Vanessa dolls:

• Poesie Sans Couleur
• Luxe Life
• Glow 
• Flame Bleue

Your doll can be removed from box and displayed. I'll probably ask for photos.

I'll consider trading the nude dolls, the doll and her outfit, or the entire set, which includes her lingerie and another pair of shoes.

My home is in the US (but I'll consider international, too), and it's non-smoking and cat-friendly.

See photos taken today on Flickr.

My endeavor with Vanessa...

Indulgences continued, a photo by alington on Flickr.

They are going quite well, as you might imagine from this quite lame cell phone photo. I rearranged by displays on Wednesday, so I could make a shelf just for them. From the left:

• Pale Fire
• Color Therapy
• True Royalty
• Shirred Not Shaken
• Metal Maven
• In Bloom
• Temptation

Eeek! I'm having a lot of fun with them so far. I'd forgotten how much fun Fashion Royalty dolls can be. Who do you think I am missing--any must-have Vanessa Perrin that would make my collection more complete?

Indulgence...

Temptation Vanessa, a photo by alington on Flickr.

This is Temptation Vanessa, a long-time (well, a year--I guess that's a long time in doll collecting) wish list doll of mine when I missed out on the Dazzle collection in 2010. I just adore her.

I received her in trade from a doll-friend of mine--and I am thrilled. She was never-removed-from-box, and she's just perfect.

I love her Bump-It hair style. It seems I have a tendency to love this type of doll. I have a wig for Barbie in a similar style. I love 60s era beehives. If I had longer hair, I'd try to do it myself.

Just kidding!

Tatyana in Randall Craig

The Red Queen, a photo by alington on Flickr.

The Red Queen was getting a little bored in her outfit, and the Queen Bee does not like to wait.

This is the IFDC convention doll from 2010. I've taken down her hair and straightened it slightly. The hair is pretty thick, and wow--what a red! Like Red Rabbit Misaki! I love it.

She's dressed in Randall Craig's "I Know A Place" (still in stock at Windy City) with a replacement belt from a Barbie Basics accessory pack. Her over-the-top earrings are by Tonner Doll Company. Even with the jewels, she still isn't pleased.

See more photos of this dramatic lady on Flickr.

New Holly Golightly from Integrity Toys

A new Integrity Toys line has been released, in conjunction with the re-release of the film Breakfast at Tiffany's by Paramount. The new stylized Holly Golightly doll is presented in a six different dressed dolls, all with slight variations of hair and eye color, in addition to facial screening. Extreme attention to detail and exact reproductions of the outfits (including lined clothing to prevent doll staining) went into this new line, which is available to pre-order from your favorite Integrity Toys dealer.

The dolls have a Poppy Parker-like body, which allows them to share clothes with Poppy, Misaki and the Dynamite Girls, only with a new "kitten heel" foot, without the articulated heel for better posing. All dolls stand 12" tall, with fully rooted hair and applied eyelashes, and include a stand and certificate of authenticity.

The doll sculpt is not supposed to be Audrey Hepburn, for you die-hard celebrity doll collectors out there. It is a Paramount-approved facial sculpt of Integrity's stylized version of Holly Golightly.

All photos are property of Integrity Toys, and I should state that they are promotional photos of the prototype dolls and subject to change. The dolls are scheduled to ship in the fourth quarter of this year, save one, which is yet to be announced--which should ship in September, the same month that the remastered Breakfast at Tiffany's film will be released. The dolls will be available for viewing at the Jet Set convention in October, as well.

First up is Fifth Avenue at 6 AM. Limited to 400, retail $125, the one thing that struck me most about this iconic look are the accessories. I'm a sucker for those. Check out the coffee cup and pearls! Because side seams are difficult to do in a small scale and lie flat, the dress has a back closure, but still maintains the original's  profile.

Crazy About Tiffany's is limited to 500 pieces, and retails at $125. This doll's hair is slightly lighter (with more rooted blonde). I'm most impressed by the embroidered miniature tassel fabric of her cocktail dress here. I can't wait to see it in person.

The next dressed doll is Holly as The Five and Ten, which follows the shoplifting scene in the movie. Her brown tweed dress is done in two pieces, and includes an orange overcoat, and cat mask. I love the purse included with this doll, limited to 350, retail $125.

How Do I Look? is the first of two gift sets presented in this collection. Retailing at $175, limited to 500, this set includes the white terrycloth wrap and the fringed black day dress. Additionally, two pairs of shoes, two amazing hats, two cigarette holders, and lots of jewelry is included in this gift set.

The next dressed doll is called A Girl I Know Named Holly. She retails for $89 and is limited to 500. She is shown in her sleep shirt and robe, plus her sleeping mask and tasseled ear plugs.

Finally, People Do Fall in Love is the last gift set, and it's limited to 300 pieces and retails $175. This adorable ponytailed doll (the hair does not have rooted ponytails, which will make it easier to remove them, if you are a restyler) shows Holly having to choose between money and true love. A tweed skirt, trench, headscarf, black blouse, sweater and black capris make up the fun pieces in this set. Very fun accessories as well: what impresses me most is the embroidered needlepoint luggage included in the set.

Fifth Avenue at 6 A.M.

Fifth Ave at 6 A.M.

Crazy About Tiffany's

Five and Dime

How Do I Look?

How Do I Look?

How Do I Look?

A Girl I Know Named Holly

People Do Fall in Love

People Do Fall in Love

Poppy Parker and Darla Daley @ the IFDC

Foto Fab, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Last, but definitely not least, is the 2011 Poppy Parker collection. I was delighted to see these girls, along with Poppy's new companion, Darla Daley, in person. Click here for the full photo album.

I'm using Foto Fab Poppy as my main photo, but I have one other as well. I'd heard about some concerns about her facial screening--it looks too pale in the promo shots or whatever. I had my concerns, too. After seeing her in person, I can confidently say I won't be selling mine. She has a little aqua liner on her lower lashes, and it's just enough. Her hair is a golden blonde, which is a great match for the make-up and outfit.

Perfectly Purple (below) is gorgeous brunette with similar facial screening to the 2010 line--dark eye liner and detailed eye lashes. In any case, whether you like her eccentric lavender plaid or think it's over the top, she's going to be fun to redress.

Youthquake Poppy is surprisingly minimalist. She's also delightful. Her facial screening is different in that she's missing her eye lashes. I thought that would bother me, but it definitely fits with her basic outfit, dark liner, and neutral eye shadow. Her hair is bright red and styled in a gorgeous Marlo flip.

Twist 'n Shout Darla is plain cute. Her hair is tighter than her promo photos as well, but it suits. I think her face is much softer, too--even her prominent nose. Both she and Youthquake have perfectly scaled fishnet tights, too, and their jumpers are fun.

Hit Single is the Darla I pre-ordered, and I wish I had better photos of her. Her hair really does it for me. Oh, I admit it. I love her outfit, too. The A-line minidress has a tiny printed stripe pattern that's just perfect.

Perfectly Purple Poppy Parker by Integrity Toys

Photography notes:
For some reason, Flickr has ignored all my color correction, and I'll have to fix my photos in Picnik. Everything looks too yellow and a bit green. Hopefully I can get these corrected, so you can have a better idea of what the colors really looked like. 
For those of you who are photography experts, please come to IFDC and use a flash next year! My photos always tend to look like crap with a flash. (I'm working on it.) And I admit it. I'm a bokeh addict. 

The Dynamite Girls (and Boys) @ IFDC

Summer Daze, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Fantastically detailed this year, the Dynamite Girls (and boys!) did not disappoint. Click here for the Flickr photo album.

Korean pop singer Kyu was a personal favorite (he's pictured above), and is part of the Checkmates collection. I can see another Auden mark-up in the making. Remi is pretty cute, too, though I'm not overly fond of the paint splotches on his jacket. (I'm probably just not couture enough.)

Both Aria and Jett appear twice in this year's collection--once each in Plastic Inevitable and Checkmates. Heart of Glass is a nice change for Aria with a darker hair color, and Heat Wave is a sweet blonde version. Jett as brunette Aqua Bella makes me sad I didn't pre-order this doll--she is super cute!--and the blonde 1980s inspired Downtown Darling is nicely done.

I shouldn't forget Rufus Blue--we've already heard how fantastic she is. Beach Bunny Sooki is cute with her raven braids.

Overall, even if you don't lean towards the DG girl line, this year may make you look twice. The quality is really good--the facial screenings are excellent and even less cartoony than last year's. I can't wait to see how this line progresses. I'd personally love to see larger edition sizes, just to limit the craziness.

Color Infusion @ the IFDC

Rebel Spirit, a photo by alington on Flickr.

The real reason I didn't get photos of every single doll at Integrity's booth was because I was so distracted by the Color Infusion line. Click here to see the Flickr album.

I just ended up adding Cosmic Love to my pre-orders (I'm already waiting for Rebel Spirit). I mean, with my obsession for color--my hair, every room in my house being another color--and Amelie (I mean $125 for an Amelie sculpt?)--wow! It's like IT is out to get me. (Just kidding!)

I'm sure many collectors saw these dolls and thought, "Eeew. Too many colors, not enough black. Too much clashing. Not for me." But if you'd seen them in person...

Let me convince you.

1. The line is affordable. Amelie has got to be the cutest face sculpt around. You can't find her new for less than $200 (unless you go to Denise's Wave from Japan seminar at IFDC).
2. The outfits. Rebel Spirit: black shoes and white shorts. Brown corset belt. Red purse. I consider those neutral. OK, maybe Cosmic Love isn't that neutral. Her socks are black, her stole white, and her purse is gold. 
3. Color! Rebel Spirit: mustard coat, turquoise shirt, navy socks. Cosmic Love: pink dress, purple shoes!
4. Can you say accessories? Sunglasses, bangles, purse, ring, earrings, socks, belt, necklace, stole...
5. Hair. I love their colored hair and Rebel Spirit's funky up-do. I think Cosmic Love might be channeling Rihanna just a little.

This line is for me. I can't wait to see what's next. I'd love to see Misaki in this line, too.

Nu.Face @ the IFDC

London Mist, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Next up, the 2011 NuFace collection. Two new characters (well, three, counting Rayna) are gracing this line. Click here for the photo album on Flickr.

I can't start without mentioning Imogen,and how sorry I am I didn't pre-order this girl. Her short hair is adorable, and I love her face.

Annik is a wonderful doll as well--Quiet Storm is an interesting name for her. Her hair is wild, and her outfit is terrific. I might be mistaken, but I think a restyled version of her is modeling the True Blue fashion as well. Check out this photo, and tell me who you think it is.

Additional, In the Trenches is another fabulous fashion, modeled by a darker skin Rayna. As you've no doubt already heard, she surprised us by showing up as the sculpt for Go Home, the souvenir doll.

Finally, there is Nightscape Gisele. She was limited to 600 dolls as a W Club exclusive. Her hair is lovely--I just find the zipper pull out of scale.

Any comments? Impressions?