Steffie of the Day: Barbie Style Midge

I found a new Steffie on Amazon the other day. She was new to me--which is unusual, but not impossible. Seeing as I wrote the book on Steffie--well, two books, and am now working on a third--I shouldn't be surprised--but I was, and quite delighted!

This is a playline doll from the Barbie Style collection, on an articulated body--like the original Life in the Dreamhouse, in fact. She differs from the original LitD Midge, though, in that her head is more to scale and her hair is a paler shade of red (more strawberry blonde, in my humble opinion).

I think the retail price on these dolls is around $20-25, but Midge was closer to $30 when I bought her, but she has since dropped in price (of course).

The selling point on the dolls is their outfits! They have really great clothes, fun to mix and match. My favorite outfit is Barbie Style Raquelle Gold-Denim Jacket Doll, who has a great jacket, shorts, gold sparkling tights, and a denim shirt. I'll add a link to both her and Midge below this post. But Midge's outfit is really cute in a country chic way, too. She includes:

• an aqua cardigan
• a lace collar shirt
• polka dot capri jeans
• red peep-toes
• a silver bracelet
• a red watch
• silver earrings
• white glasses
• a brown shoulder bag

Plus, she's got long applied eyelashes (mine are applied a little weird--I ended trimming them a little), smooth hair, and a nice articulated body for easy posing.

You can see more photos of her, and also comparison photos of her with Life in the Dreamhouse Midge, on Flickr.

New Azone outfits from DollHeart!

My latest DollHeart order is here, and I'm very pleased with the outfits! Above, you can see Ainsel (left), modeled by Secret Wonderland Mia, and Iolanthe, modeled by Blueberry Holic Nightmare Aika.

Both outfits are really cute and well made--just like other tiny outfits by DollHeart. They have tiny lace wings pinned to their backs, too. Super cute! (It appears I have them wearing arm warmers, when they are really footless socks. Ooops.) My one complaint: Iolanthe's outer skirt was very, very snug on Aika's body--however, that might just be because of her older static body type. Perhaps the newer articulated Neemos have a slightly smaller waist.

You can see additional photos on Flickr.

If you too are a Neemo fan, you may want to check out the other fashions available from DollHeart--several available for preorder, some are coming soon.

Above, it's The Moon Gabrielle, retail $44.90. This cute outfit includes a top, coat, a fur collar, pants, belt, hat, three pins, and a pair of checked socks.

The Moon Danielle is a coordinating outfit, also for $44.90. This set includes a shirt, suspender skirt, neck accessory, pin, hat, panties, and a pair of socks. You can purchase both of the above in a set, as well, with a retail of $84.90. (I'm trying not to think of which dolls I have that could wear these well...)

A second set of outfits has been previewed online, too. These lolita style outfits are really sweet and very "Sweets a la Mode," I think. Above, it's Strawberry Mint Cream Cake, price to be determined. The outfit includes a dress, apron, petticoat, panties, apron, beret, and socks. (Ack! Wouldn't the Little Witch of Flame Aika totally rock this outfit with her bright red hair?)

Chocolate Mint Cream Cake is another outfit previewed online (retail price is to be determined), and it's also adorable. It includes a dress, apron, petticoat, panties, apron, beret, and socks. I have to confess, the set of both tempts me mightily!

Finally, it's Moloko Plus, which looks like it will be debuted at the Osaka Dollism Plus--I'm hoping there will be a few leftover, which will be available online. The outfit includes a dress, panties, belt, hat, and pair of socks.

Before I finish this lengthy post, I'd like to point out that DollHeart is carrying shoes sized for Neemo, too. You can see them here, retail $19.90. They are really cute--with little bow details.

Tonner Doll new releases: Mainline Preview Tiny Kitty

Tiny Kitty Captivating Kitty is one of the latest releases, featuring the newest 10" body. She's limited to 500, with rooted raven hair, blue/grey eyes with applied lashes (new this collection!), and a pink glitter dress (hooray for glitter--I'm sure Terri Gold will be adding this one to her collection, just for the glitter, LOL) with matching gloves, white velvet coat, and rhinestone earrings and bracelets. Aside from the glitter in her dress, I think this doll is lovely. However, I'm noticing a pretty significant price increase at her $179.99 retail. She is available to order and is in stock today.

Also in size and in stock, Kitty's Lunch Date. I actually love this doll! She's $139.99 and is limited to 500--a pretty big edition size. No applied lashes here, but she has a lovely mink up-do and green eyes. She's wearing a gold stretch knit dress and short jacket and gloves. She includes hose, shoes, and rhinestone earrings and a bracelet. I'm wondering how I'll be able to pass her up!

Stripes Suit Me! is also in stock. She's a gorgeous blonde, blue-eyed girl in a red and purple striped stretch knit dress with a jacket with white cotton cuffs, short gloves, and purple pumps. She is wearing gold earrings. She's also limited to 500 and retails for $139.99. That outfit is adorable--I wonder if it would fit my Azone girls?

Just a few items have been released for this preview--the full product release will show up in March!

New Wizard of Oz dolls from Tonner Doll Company

Check out the latest releases from Tonner Doll - surprise! - They use a new body type for Tonner (it's a 19" Evangeline Ghastly body with new face sculpts, which is made from hard plastic with a vinyl head, including larger hands and even more curves and articulation!). I love the outfits.

Two new dressed dolls are available. Glinda the Good Witch™ has rooted red curls, painted blue eyes with applied lashes, and check out that dress! She includes pink glitter shoes, a resin crown and wand, gauntlets, and lots, and lots, of pink tulle. Limited to 500, she retails for $249.99. She will ship on 1/17/14.

The Wicked Witch of the West also uses the new body, is limited to 500, and ships today, 1/6/14. She retails for $249.99. She uses the light green "wicked" skin tone, has brown painted eyes with applied lashes, and rooted raven hair. Her dress is black taffeta, sequin tulle, and cotton net--it's pretty cool!--and her hat is awesome, too, with chiffon draping.

I'm just noticing that stands are sold separately for $15. This might be because the dolls may be able to stand alone, but I wouldn't count on it.

If you can call them basic, two basic dolls are also available. Absolutely Wicked Witch of the West is available, limited 500, $149.99, no stand included, shipping today. She is a rather fabulous "wicked" skin tone doll with painted blue eyes, applied lashes, and raven hair. Her outfit includes a black taffeta bodysuit with a cotton net overlay, skirt, and black ribbon trim, plus tights, and black sandals. I think she is adorable.

Only a sketch is posted so far of basic Glinda, who is called Absolutely Glinda the Good Witch.  She uses the same cameo skin tone, red curls, and blue eyes as the dressed doll, and is limited to 500 for $149.99. She also appears to be in stock. She wears a pink shantung bodysuit with sheer sleeves, a butterfly decoration on the bodice, and a glitter tulle overlay, and skirt. She also includes pink tights, and pink faux leather shoes.

Castle Stroll outfit is available today for $139.99 and is limited to 200. It's actually a green satin dress with black crinkle chiffon overlay, with a matching bolero. It includes faux leather shoes as well.

Keep in mind that these new girls can wear outfits from Wilde Imagination's Evangeline Ghastly fashions--oh me, oh my!

Photos are property of Tonner Doll Company.

Tiny Kitty returns...

Pink Champagne, a photo by alington on Flickr.

I am thrilled to see Miss Tiny Kitty Collier return to Tonner's fall/holiday 2013 collection. She has the bendy-wrist articulated body we last saw in 2008, and she's a great poser.

This lovely lady is a split from Dreamcastle Dolls. I bought Garden Club Luncheon nude, since I have to have a raven in my collection. Her outfit is from Pink Champagne.

I normally don't care for gloves, but I slipped them on the first try. I was even able to fasten the bracelet easily. I have always adored this little lady's 1950s vibe and style, and I will admit, I was excited when she (and her cohort, Dinner Dance) arrived. They literally took my breath away!

The only two improvements I can suggest are:

• A better stand. Even a saddle stand would be better than the original--though Kaiser stands work fine, I suppose.
• A knee redesign. (I know, I know. I'm picky.)

See more photos on Flickr!

Summer Launch Party from Tonner Doll

Tonner Doll has announced a special Summer Launch Party, taking place on August 16 and 17, 2013, at the Tonner Company Store in Kingston, NY.

There will be a Meet & Greet Reception on Friday night from 6:30 - 8:30 PM, including special sales for attendees only, and including Robert Tonner--a special chance for you to get your dolls signed.

Saturday, at the Hudson Valley's Wiltwyck Country Club, from 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM, there will be a special Launch Party and luncheon. Not only will you get to see the latest Tonner releases and sneak peeks, you'll get to preview two brand new doll lines--they have both new sculpts and brand new body types.

You'll be leaving with one of the brand new debut dolls as your souvenir, as well.

It's limited to just 200 attendees, and you can sign up to attend now. Information on where to stay for this event is upcoming. Registration is $199 per person, and includes admission to Friday night's Meet & Greet, Saturday's Launch Party and luncheon, and the souvenir doll.

You can register at this link.

Be sure to read the fine print over there, though. No absentee packages are available for this event, and payment is due in full at the time of registration. Cancellations received before July 17, 2013 be charged a $50 fee, and after July 17, will not be refunded. Also, the admission of this event is not transferable to any third party.

New items from Wilde Imagination and promo code

Save $20 off your $100 order from Wilde Imagination with the promo code SMILE22 entered at checkout. The offer expires on February 23 at midnight EST, so don't delay!

A few new items are available:

Grand Despair Ellowyne (above) has inset blue eyes, rooted platinum hair, and comes in a dramatic black top and skirt. $175 to ship tomorrow

Ruffled Up outfit is a gorgeous peachy pink ruffled gown with gold brocade top, shoulder wrap, lace tights and matching gauntlets, gold sandals and brooch. $99 in stock

Tweed, Seriously? outfit includes a tweed suit with lace trim, chiffon bodysuit with front bow and long sleeves, jeweled belt, tights and strappy shoes. $99 in stock

Romance outfit is a cute little black and white dress with gauntlet, tights, hair bow and shoes. $84 to ship tomorrow

Two new dressed dolls from Evangeline Ghastly have also been announced:

Midnight Dance is a resin Evangeline with changeable green eyes and dark red wig. She is dressed in a lovely burgundy dress with a black train, black gauntlets, stockings, shoes and a brooch. $450 LE 200 shipping tomorrow

Gothic Rose Parnilla has a blonde wig and lavender inset eyes, and comes dressed in a lovely lavender lace dress over gold lining, fur wrap, gauntlets, stockings and designer shoes. $185 LE350 in stock

Whispers from Below outfit is the latest outfit addition: one-piece dress with separate corset top, short boots and matching hat. LE350 $128 in stock 

Photos are property of Wilde Imagination.

Tonner Toys is shipping City Girls!

Tonner Toys has announced the following dolls as in stock and available for shipping. You can find them from Tonner Direct. Can I just say--look at their knees!

Basic Houston doll - $39.99 - she's my favorite.

Color Block Astor dressed doll - $49.99 - I love the bracelets!

Taxi! Billy dressed doll - $49.99

Deluxe Golden Swirl Astor - dressed doll - $59.99 - She reminds me a bit of Romantic Gold Precarious--and she's got earrings!

Cape Town fashion pack - $24.99 - Love this outfit!

Gray Haze fashion pack - $24.99 - This is something Cami would wear.

Networking fashion pack - $24.99 - Those polkadot hose are just killing me.

I might be mistaken, but I think I remember reading these girls would be able to share clothing with Ellowyne. Their waists look very small, however, and their knees and hands at least are very different. I'm excited to see them in person!

Photos are property of Tonner Toys.

Flourish Antoinette

Flourish Antoinette, a photo by alington on Flickr.

I can't believe I haven't posted photos of Flourish Antoinette by Tonner Doll Company on the blog yet, but she slipped by!

So here she is, in all her glory. For those of you curious about her hair--she has a perfect updo in golden blonde. Her dress--simply fabulous. Her belt is separate as well.

I love her delicate makeup, golden eyeshadow with blue liner just in her lower waterline of her eye. I just love this doll.

You can see more photos on Flickr.

Sunshine Games Poppy Parker

Sunshine Games Poppy Parker, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Another new arrival from the 2012 Integrity Toys collection, Sunshine Games. She's the basic doll from this line, and she's adorable.

She has rooted brunette hair in ponytails, brown eyes with applied lashes, pale lips, and lovely neutral 1960s era facial screening.

Her outfit--a pink and lime swimsuit--has incredibly detailed white piping and a belt. She also includes a pink and white hat and tote bag, sunglasses, white hoop earrings and matching sandals.

You can see more photos on Flickr.

Dream Teen Poppy Parker

Dream Teen Poppy Parker, a photo by alington on Flickr.

A few clearer shots of W Club upgrade doll Dream Teen Poppy Parker, she's just as gorgeous out of the box.

Her dress is a shiny floral satin with cotton trim. She includes pink kitten heels, and a matching purse and bracelet. She has pearl stud earrings and white short gloves (not shown here).

I think her applied eyelashes give her a little more dimension--she's just lovely!

See more photos on Flickr.

Love Letters Fashion Teen

Love Letters Fashion Teen, a photo by alington on Flickr.

I'd be so much better off if I would "narrow down" my collection, LOL!

Love Letters is a Poppy Parker Fashion Teen with dark blonde hair and brown eyes. She has lovely long hair, applied eyelashes, and 1960s-inspired facial screening. She's a little taller than Tonner girls, and slimmer, but she looks great displayed with them.

Her dress is a lovely lilac cocktail dress with gold lace overlay. She has a wonderful removable "fur" cape, with an opening for her hair at the neck. Her silver clutch purse and pumps match. (The shoes fit really well, too--and I got her to stand on her own.) She includes has pearl stud earrings, white gloves and a double-strand pearl necklace.

You can see more photos on Flickr.

Shop Around Fashion Teen Poppy Parker

Shop Around Fashion Teen, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Another new arrival while I was away at IFDC, this is Shop Around Poppy Parker by Integrity Toys. She's on the new Fashion Teen body, about 16" tall, and she's a little slimmer and shorter than the FR:16 line (also slimmer than Antoinette and Tyler Wentworth by Tonner Doll), but she displays beautifully next to them.

I wasn't sure about adding a new size to my already eclectic collection, but here she is--and to stay. She is wonderful. I think her face is really unique. A larger version of Poppy's face, she is delightfully retro, pouty, and slightly anime--giving her face a feminine look with classic clean lines.

This doll has platinum hair in an elaborate bumped-up twisted ponytail with side-swept bangs, sultry side-glancing blue eyes with dramatic face paint, applied lashes, and red lips.

Her outfit is really cute: she wears blue gingham capri pants, a sequined lace top with puffed sleeve details, and adorable wedge sandals. Jewelry includes a classic heart charm necklace, gold bangle bracelets, and hoop earrings. She also includes a printed tote bag (it even says "Poppy" on it).

You can see lots more photos on my Flickr photostream.

She is sold out from most dealers, but our fellow blogger Kathie has one for sale on the Dollpage--so pick one up while you can! She's adorable!

Soho Sheer Cami - better photos

Soho Sheer Cami, a photo by alington on Flickr.

A few "real" photos of Soho Sheer Cami from Tonner Doll Company - and you can see a few more photos on my Flickr photostream.

She is really a gorgeous girl. I just can't express how thrilled I am with her hair! I adore her soft curls in the perfect shade of blonde. She reminds me so much of the Gold Label Cami I didn't get when I had the chance a couple of years ago.

Her facial screening is neutral and smokey, with eyelashes only at the sides. I really like how it's been done. I might add a little Liquitex to her eyes and lips, but she has a really nice shimmer to her lips already.

Her jewelry - just fabulous.

And again - she's sold out from Tonner Direct, so if you are hoping to add her to your collection, pick her up from your favorite dealer soon. Here are a few who still have her in stock:

Dreamcastle Dolls
Angelic Dreamz
Cherished Friends
Two Daydreamers
Toni's Collectibles

Soho Sheer Cami IRL

Even more lovely in person, Soho Sheer Cami by Tonner Doll is in stock and shipping. She is apparently sold out at Tonner Doll, but she is still available from many dealers, including Dreamcastle Dolls, Angelic Dreamz, Toni's Collectibles, Two Daydreamers, and Cherished Friends.

She retails for $169.99 and is a limited edition of 300. She has blue grey eyes, rooted golden blonde hair with gorgeous soft curls with not too much gel (my iPhone photos are of the doll just out of the box), and she uses the Cami/Cinderella sculpt an a Cameo skin tone Antoinette body. 

She is wearing a two-layered dress: a silver lamé tank dress beneath golden chiffon. Her jewelry is gorgeous--a multi-strand necklace with beads, beaded earrings and a bracelet. And her fantastic buckled boots zip up in the back (so no tears or broken buckles when putting them on!).

You can see a few more candid shots on Flickr, but I'll try to do a for-real photo shoot soon, too. I just love her wonderful summer look!

Tonner Doll updates

Deluxe Goth Basic 22" American Model

Three photos have been added for several of newly released items by Tonner Doll, including a photo of the two new wigs for DeeAnna Denton and Deluxe Goth Basic American Model. I really love the American Model's outfit--it's really cute!

Additionally, several arrival dates have been added to the latest release:

• Belladonna - this week
• The Glamour Set - beginning of May
• Bettie wig - beginning of May
• Susan wig - middle of May
• 2012 Peggy Harcourt Wigged - end of April
• Scarlett's Wedding Day - end of April
• Heartbroken - this week
• Nu Mood hands and In Step feet - end of April
• Finishing Touch Ballet Champagne - end of April
• Nu Mood Bag Champagne - end of April
• Nu Mood wigs - mid May
• Nu Mood Pant red - this week
• 13" Suzette - mid May

The following items are listed as sold out at Tonner:

• Madame de l'Amour
• Finishing Touch Ballet Champagne
• Nu Mood Tyler - Fashion
• Nu Mood Jess - Dance
• Nu Mood Bettie - Curvy
• Radical Red

The following items are listed as "limited" stock, so pick them up while you can:

• Nu Mood Ankle Boot #1
• Nu Mood Jagged Cut/Bright Red wig
• Nu Mood Carrie - Dance
• Nu Mood Ballet Skirt - Black

DeeAnna Denton Susan wig

DeeAnna Denton Bettie wig

Photo property of Tonner Doll Company.

Baby It's You...

Photo property of Integrity Toys

Baby It's You Poppy Parker and Chip Farnsworth III gift sets are arriving from Integrity this week. If you've pre-ordered one, yours should be shipping soon. These sets were limited to 650 and retail for $150. I've seen several on eBay already--some for close to twice the original price.