What makes it so easy for doll collectors to be nasty online?

Whether it's because your favorite doll company has just released a collection you like, discontinued or neglected your favorite line, or updated your favorite sculpt, or another collector doesn't have a collection exactly like yours, posted an off-color message on a message board--what is it about these small pieces of plastic that makes normally well-mannered humans act like crazy people?

Perhaps because of the anonymity the internet supplies the instigator, the poster of a nasty message may be lulled into thinking that the virtual flaming paper bag filled with dog poop she has laid at the collective door of the doll community won't come flying back to her own front step. If she posts as "anonymous," there's no way we readers will find out she is, right?

I try to bear in mind that the doll community is very small. And while we may dress dolls till our fingers bleed, breathing resin dust is only bad for your lungs--as far as I'm aware--not your brain. We can still maintain the power of deduction. We might be able to figure out who that nasty poster is!

What if your message is particularly witty, even if it is harsh or biting? Suppose you aren't a fan of a particular doll company's latest release. You hope by posting clever and biting remarks that you're going to make somebody laugh, or make you popular. But have you put yourself in the designer's position? Have you ever wondered why so many of our artists--musicians, authors, artists, and designers--commit suicide? Might it be because they can't stand so much harsh criticism, including yours? You may think you are adding to the conversation. And I'll be the first to admit: you're certainly adding to something!

Please understand that I'm not talking about reviews--reviews that consider the pros and cons of dolls and outfits are always a good thing. These help collectors decide whether to make a purchase. They help us consider aspects we may not have noticed before. But I don't think there's room for slamming collectors of a particular brand, designer, or doll.

I've noticed an increase of posts on various social media lately that are just flat-out negative. I realize it is a lot easier to be negative than it is to be positive. However, there's the age old saying, If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all. To me, nothing is easier than not doing anything. You don't have to type or respond.

And opinions, well, they are aplenty. Isn't there another saying about opinions?

Dolly Bureau, Volume I - A new pattern book by Megann Zabel

Poppy Parker/Misaki Pattern, a photo by theartofmegann on Flickr.

Doll patterns in a book, all to scale, with clear instructions in English, designed for beginners to intermediate dolly couture fans? Sounds too good to be true--but it isn't! Check out Megann Zabel's newly released book, Dolly Bureau Volume 1, available now!

The retail price of the book is $27.95, and you can currently find it for sale from DollyBureau.com, Amazon, Denver Doll Emporium, The Doll Peddlar, The Swell Shop, and also at Azone's booth in doll shows in Japan. This price gets you a 100-page full color book, in 8.5x11 size. Inside, you'll find 14 full outfits (lots of mix-and-match pieces) for various dolls.

Volume I includes outfits for Momoko, Poppy Parker/Misaki, Chip (FR:Homme), and 1:4 (MSD) and 1:12 (Lati Yellow and Pukifee) sized BJDs. Additionally, lots of full-color photographs display other dolls, such as Pullip, Odeco, J-doll, Tiny Betsy McCall, Model Muse Barbie, Ken, Limhwa To You, and Liv. The patterns are to scale, and require only tissue paper to transfer.

Megann Zabel, the owner of MegannArt, has a background in fine arts and design, which really shows in this publication. The attention to detail in her patterns, illustrations, and overall design of the book is amazing. The book is beautiful--it is a must-have for any fashion doll fan, in addition to the budding designer.

In addition to her gorgeous layout and photography, I must add that the instructions are really wonderful. Megann includes a step-by-step photo tutorial of the first pattern, which--for me--is particularly helpful. Even if you have no (or limited) prior knowledge of sewing in smaller sizes, the supply lists, techniques, and clear instructions (such as what exactly "easing" means), all make me want to try again.

Additionally, the author invites her readers to share the results of their endeavors online. While the patterns are designed for personal use, you can join the group on Flickr here--plus sneak a peek at the terrific patterns inside the book. Personally, I am in love with Megann's photography!

This is Megann's first publication, and I happen to know Volume II is in the works now. I'm thrilled to see more from her, and am so excited to see this new line of easy-to-use patterns.

This book would make the perfect gift for a young doll collector, in addition to those of us who have been collecting for a while. My nine year-old Lauren is really inspired, and I hope to be sharing some of her creations shortly!

Star Sapphire review

First of all, I must start off with some deeply appreciative kudos to Carol of Dreamcastle Dolls, for a package that was the single bright spot in an otherwise really bad day. I got my Star Sapphire Character Figure, in spite of the best efforts of one of my infamous communications glitches.

So, Kudos to Carol of Dreamcastle Dolls!

Now, as most of you reading this blog know, I am a HOPELESS Tonner-holic, so naturally, there is going to be some gushing. I am a longtime comic book enthusiast (let's be honest - GEEK!) and though I have not collected comics for several years, I do try to keep up with the characters, since I seem to be the Encyclopedia Geektanica for my brothers when we go see superhero movies.

The modern Star Sapphire costume, which this Character Figure wears, is quite a bit more... erm... SAUCY than the one I remember from back in the day when I still collected comics. Here is a shot of a Green Lantern cover from sometime in the early to mid 1960s - a bit before my time, because I remember comics going for around fifty cents when I was a kid.


Image and characters property of DC Comics

Here is Star Sapphire now:


Image and character  property of DC Comics

YIKES! It must be tough to be either a superheroine or a supervillainess these days, because a costume like this does NOT forgive even modest cellulite. Another problem is that one sneeze, deep breath, or wrong move, and you have a "wardrobe malfunction" that makes Janet Jackson's notorious Superbowl oopsie look like nothing.

Now, a full shot of Tonner's Star Sapphire:

One of the first things you'll notice is that Tonner spared the purchasers of the Star Sapphire Character Figure some very awkward "peekaboob" moments by adding netting at the front. It would seem the choice was either this netting, or just painting the costume on the Character Figure itself, which probably would have ruined the charm of the Character Figure. Apologies for the blurred picture, I still need to work out my lighting situation here at my new place.

Full shot, back of costume, hair pushed aside:

As you can see, there is a nice zipper in the back, with a pull that to me, looks like Seattle's Space Needle. I am making it a point to be very careful, because I am the not so proud owner of ten magical thumbs. The boots zip up in the back (yay!) since I just cannot face lace up boots or corsets at this scale.

Closeup of the boots from the front:

Boots from the side:

Face with the mask, and upper costume detail:

The mask is made of the same pleather as the outfit, and does not seem to want to "sit" properly on her face. While I know the mask had to match the costume, I wish there had been another way to make this mask work better. Another problem I have with it is that it is sewn to the Character Figure's head at the temples, and removing it without destroying it was really tricky, especially given my ten thumbs. The collar is either satin or taffeta, and has a wire trim, to help it keep its upright posture and shape. Another disadvantage to someone wearing the costume, because it seems that it would limit her peripheral vision.

Face without the mask:

I really like the HG (Hawkgirl) sculpt, and I am sorry I missed Hawkgirl when she came out, but that particular Character Figure sold out lightning fast. Now that I have Star Sapphire, I can see why, she is quite lovely!
Hand in glove:

When the first DC Stars Character Figures came out, there were complaints from doll collectors, asking for flesh toned hands for redressing the Character Figures as fashion dolls. Not all of the outfits doll collectors had matched with the gloves, which were meant to match their superheroine costumes. Tonner listened, and delivered by sending along flesh toned hands for switching out the costume "gloves." Thank you Mr. Tonner!

The mask:

Luckily, I was able to remove it in one piece, but I wish there was an alternative, so accessories such as masks could be added and removed more easily, and without collector anxiety of ruining an important piece of a Character Figure's outfit. This must have been an extra tricky accessory to make.

Belt Detail:

Star Sapphire's famous logo is printed around about the area of her belt, and there is a clear bead substituting for the jewel seen on her costume in the comics.

Posing limitations:

The main problem I have with the pleather of the costume is that it is not very flexible, meaning that posing is not very easy to do. Again, my fear is that my ten thumbs might damage the costume, and though I am not keeping her as Star Sapphire, I do consider the costume an important part of my investment in the Character Figure.

Overall - well, I am a Tonner-holic, so I buy my dolls and Character Figures from Tonner like a little kid who has saved up her allowance for the privilege. I love the sculpts and the attention to detail Robert Tonner is justly famous for. In this case, I am refraining from too much comment on the costume's authenticity, because I don't follow the comics, and to be honest, I don't much for the costume design of the modern Star Sapphire, which is a problem on the part of DC Comics, and not Tonner Doll.

The Star Sapphire Character Figure is a real beauty, with long, curly rooted raven saran hair - raven haired dolls are a weakness of mine - and she has the Bloom skin tone. Her eyes are a vibrant lavender, with mauve lips. She has a determined expression, which of course is in keeping with her position as a super powered being. What is really nice is that her body is the new superheroine sculpt, with a larger bosom, curvier hips and muscular upper arms, which really completes the look of a superheroine. I will post pictures later, showing Star Sapphire next to a regular Tonner doll, to illustrate the differences.

All in all, I was very satisfied with my purchase, though I wish there were an alternative to the pleather for the costume. It limits the posing, and there are a couple of tiny spots where the coloring of the pleather seems to be rubbing off. I also wish there were an alternative to the styling products for the hair, because while it does keep the curls in order, it has the "crunchy" feel to it which I really don't care for.

Green Lantern seems to like her look.

Suggested Reading: The Toy Box Philosopher

The Toy Box Philosopher blog

If you're interested in the latest reviews of dolls, subscribing to The Toy Box Philosopher is an absolute must! Emily's blog is an honest, down-to-earth and extremely detailed account of reviews of all sorts of dolls and collector items--ranging from Monster High dolls to Tonner Dolls to Sybarite--with a lot of detailed photos and humor thrown in as well.

I love her photography--it's really fun to look at, and she considers all sorts of things collectors consider (and things I often wouldn't even think to consider) when purchasing dolls. She purchases the items and reviews them, but I bet if we can get her some additional readers, and doll companies start discovering her site, manufacturers would be wise to start sending her free goodies to review!

You can follow Em's blog directly and also on Facebook.

Seriously, people, I know I get a lot of readers here looking for photos and reviews of Monster High dolls--you must go check out some of her reviews of these products. Here's another courtesy screen shot and a link to one of my favorite reviews--Howleen and Clawdeen Sister set:

Also--did you know she did a giveaway in May? Of Cupid?

Stop wasting your time reading my drivel and go start reading the Toy Box Philosopher. And as always--don't forget to support your local bloggers by leaving thoughtful comments, clicking on their ads and buying their previously loved items.

Plus, I have to say--if you ever do business with Em on Prego--she is just totally 100% awesome, too.

Impressions from a first timer

Parnilla Ghastly, a photo by alington on Flickr.

This was my first time at a Tonner Doll convention, and I really had a blast. I'll start my post-convention coverage with a list of things that really impressed me about Flights of Fancy:

• The staff. Oh my goodness! In my years of collecting Tonner Dolls, I've always had a wonderful experience dealing with the Tonner Doll store, so I was expecting to meet some great people at convention. But I had no idea! These people--there were employees from the IT department, even--who were helping out, working crazy long hours--with crazy doll people (in which I of course include myself, less you, dear reader, take offense) no less--from oh-dark-thirty to past midnight, I'm sure. That salesroom--I've never seen anything like it. I only saw smiles and enthusiasm. Really--I can't believe how nice everyone I met was. Michelle--just amazing. Eric (aka Daddy) was such a great sport. Nancy--I had no idea her favorite color was purple. And wow--just terrific. All of them! I have to just say--I really hope they get a huge bonus or something--and they all deserve dolls and big bucks for all the work they did!
• Robert Tonner. I had the honor of meeting him--thanks to my fellow conventioneer and friend, Carolyn, who stalks the booth at San Diego's Comic Con every year, and Michelle. He really loves his collectors, really listens to them, and he's truly an artist. He has a great sense of humor, and the presentation of the history of the fashion doll was amazing and informative. I love that he was willing to take questions from the audience--even some that I found a little... well, rude. I was taken aback by his humility, his pleasure at audience participation and his honest eagerness to please the attendees. Did you know: His current favorite doll (that he worked on) is Chairman of the Bored Ellowyne Wilde?
• The fans. Carolyn and I didn't really know a lot of people attending convention--my first time and her second. Nancy sat us at Kathy Moreau's (Paris Fashion Doll Festival) table, and it was really a perfect fit. I even got to sit with Charlie Riley (Dolls Behaving Badly) and Martie! Also, it was great to meet a lot of different people, put names to faces, and see so many enthusiasts--so many who had come from so far. I love enthusiastic people! And there were so many wonderful collectors to meet!
• The hotel. It was nice, quiet and clean--and apparently, we were fortunate to have had a room on the fifth floor where there was no wedding party! I believe it was also non-smoking, which may be unusual for Chicago (but coming from California, I suppose we are spoiled out here).
• The guest presenters. I have to confess, I was wary about both the Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and the Wonder Woman event. I'm not much a comic book or celebrity doll collector, so I wasn't sure if I should sign up for these breakout events, but I figured--when in Rome.... I was more than delighted! Scott Fortner, who runs the website The Marilyn Monroe Collection, gave a wonderful, informative, and touching presentation on this often misunderstood icon. For the life of me--I cannot remember or find the name of the woman who presented at the Wonder Woman event, but she was terrific!
• The raffle and door prizes. I didn't win any, but Carolyn did. I loved it, and the enthusiasm (for the most part) that the other collectors showed when people won prizes!
• The charity auction. I didn't know about the auction event before I left--and I think I should budget for it next time. There were not only gorgeous dolls, but the money goes for a fantastic cause!

Things I am glad I did before convention:

• Budget! Enough said.
• Color my hair. I think it made me look much more extroverted than I am, which helped me talk to people. (I'm really a shy person, and large crowds tend to be a little out of my element.)
• Bring business cards.
• Bring a few dress-up outfits.
• Bring a camera.

Things that were slightly disappointing:

• The shuttle service. I'll just spring for a cab next time. The shuttle was late and dirty, and packed to the gills on the way home.
• Chicken, chicken, chicken. I know, most people eat chicken. I eat chicken. That's why it's always served. But wouldn't it be great to have sushi? (It's just me, isn't it?) Seriously, though--the food was great! I was just tired of chicken by the end of the weekend. I'm glad there were other choices, too.
• Lines. Oh my goodness. I'm always surprised at how well people are (or are not) able to stand in line at conventions. Maybe it would be better to raffle off numbers at the events, and then stand in line according to number.
• Crowds. See above. Thank goodness I'm not claustrophobic.

Things I should have been aware of before I left for convention:

• Tonner Doll boxes are bigger than they seem. There's no way all those dolls I brought home would fit in my extra suitcase, and I can't even fit leftovers in extra containers!
• Don't clean out your wallet too well before you leave for the airport. (It's a long drive back home for your driver's license at 4:45 am. Ugh!)
• Your traveling companion might be more extraverted than you. Meaning: she might tell everybody about your driver's license experience and make you dance, even when you don't know the Electric Slide!
• Bring a keyboard. IPads are awesome for travel--I don't have a laptop--but my fingers are too tired at the end of the day for typing.
• You really miss your kids. Oh my. I really missed them.
• I really missed my husband. (Did you know he didn't even gripe about me leaving my license at home? He's the best!)
• I even missed my cats! (I am a crazy cat lady and a crazy doll lady.)
• Exhaustion. You don't know how busy you're going to be until you get there. I'll use my phone's calendar next time.
• You can't bring too much spending money.

Tonner Doll Company's website overhaul

On January 3, Tonner Doll Company's new and revived website went live. Their new look is clean, modern, and user-friendly. The company has successfully integrated its new social media component with the original website in a way that's easy to use and fun to visit. I just can't wait till the archive is complete!

On the front page of the site welcomes you with a revolving slide show of gorgeous photos--their newest photographer, Ernesto Padró-Campos, adds real life and depth to the already beautiful dolls. The cool blue background offers a relaxing atmosphere, which I find a little too easy for shopping. I also appreciate the use of a sans serif modern font for a cleaner look for the headlines. Additionally, the navigation bar at the top makes the site much easier to get around.

The Community page is the most powerful new addition to the site. It successfully links Tonner's Facebook fan page, their Twitter feed, blog, videos, and even fan photo submissions all in one page. It isn't cluttered, and it's fun to read. Plus, I love that you can get to all the social media from this page (well--except for Doll Duels, but that's really a separate space for artists).

You'll also notice that the contact page has been updated with a Google map to the company store and doll hospital, in addition to the corporate office. The contact form looks updated and clean. Plus there is new button for customer support--though I haven't had the need to try it yet.

The one thing I notice is missing (besides the Sistine Chapel ceiling) is a direct link to TonnerDirect exclusives, sales, warehouse finds, and convention specials in the Shop Collections section--not that that's my favorite section to shop, or anything! On the same page, I've noticed there are a two outdated photos: as Idyllic Antoinette, and Artemis, in the DC Stars photo. I'm sure these items will be updated soon, however, and they don't detract from the overall beauty of the site.

I'm thrilled with how the new site looks and feels, and hope the Tonner staff is proud and relieved at its release. I also hope Tonner fans are pleased with it. Change can be hard sometimes--especially technological change for doll people--though I admit I'm one of the first to embrace it. Now all we have to do is fix Blogger's comment system!

Integrity Toys Spring Kissed FR:16 - a review

Spring Kissed FR16, a photo by alington on Flickr.

A recent addition to my Integrity Toys collection is the W Club exclusive, Spring Kissed, the first of the brand new line of FR:16 dolls, which replaces the AvantGuards brand. Spring Kissed was one of the W Club exclusive doll choices for joining this year, 2011, and she has just shipped. Extras were made available to Club members for a price of $160, and that is how mine arrived to me.

The reason I purchased this doll primarily is because of her face. She has a new face mold, which to me, in real life, has some similarity to Poppy Parker. Her facial screening is elegant and simple--reminding me a little of a Monogram doll--with applied lashes, soft metallic peach lips, brown eyes, and neutral shimmery eyeshadow and ultra soft blushing.

Her hair is lovely--long, blonde and mostly straight with a tiny bit of bend. It is styled in a side part, pulled off her face with a miniature braid. The light color of the hair, just behind the front style, appears to be rooted just a tad bit thinly, so I think I will leave the hair styled as is--just in case you think of taking your doll's hair down.

The doll is on a newly redesigned FR:16 body. I wasn't able to attend the Jet Set convention, but I thought I'd heard that the FR:16 bodies would be something like the new FR.Squared bodies. Spring Kissed is jointed at the hips below the torso, but her belly and torso are a single piece and beautiful. She is also jointed under the bust to allow for slouching and natural posing. Her hands are removable, and her elbows and knees, while surprisingly single-jointed, provide for over 90 degrees of movement. And the joints look really good, too. The doll included only one pair of hands--her left with open, separated fingers (she wants a ring, I think), and the right with the ability to hold something (such as a cocktail).

Additionally, she feels really sturdy without being too heavy, and her joints move smoothly and hold poses well without being swingy. She can kneels securely, too. She's got a fantastic body. I love it! Also, it's a model body, and slim, but it isn't too skinny. Her thighs and calves have shape, and she has a lovely curve to her body as well. Her feet and hands are well-proportioned to her face.

My least favorite thing about this doll is probably one of the most practical things about her: her feet. She has articulate ankle joints, separated toes, and also a joint at the toe as well. It allows for her to wear almost any size or shape or slope of shoe--open or closed toe--even those thong sandals. But bare-foot, she's not my favorite. And honestly, while her bare feet give me the willies just a little, I think the ability to be able to wear some many shoes (look at the stilettos she's wearing!) probably overrules any qualms I have about her feet.

Her shoes--WOW. They are actually woven. With zippers up the back and faux tan leather on the sides. And the tallest heel I've seen for a while. Just gorgeous. Additionally, she included subtle rhinestone earrings.

The outfit includes short tweed shorts, woven from cream, orange, yellow and gold yarns, which match the elegant overcoat perfectly. I can see these pieces worn with a fluffy silk blouse in gold or tan, or the coat paired with a taupe or shimmering sequined skirt. But the best basic piece of the outfit is the simple tee she wears underneath. At first, I thought it was just a sheet cream colored tee. But no--underneath lurks a lace lining. It's such a subtle detail, and such a delight to discover: it brings this doll up to such a real-life experience. I'm really thrilled.

Finally, you may have noticed some Christmas decorations in my house lately. It's because Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year! For the cats. And they do love climbing the tree and eating the birds. That, and the tree gives you some amazing Bokeh shots. :)

For additional photos and larger sizes, visit my Flickr album.

UPDATE: Dreamcastle Dolls currently has this doll on consignment. She's never been removed from her box at a bargain price of $185. Great deal!

Full-length shot of Spring Kissed

Spring Kissed posing

Spring Kissed's boots

Color Infusion Rebel Spirit - short review

Rebel Spirit, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Rebel Spirit has made her arrival and been deboxed. She is from Integrity's Color Infusion collection. She is the Amelie sculpt on the Poppy Parker/Misaki torso with Vampire legs. Overall, I think she is a lovely, well-made and versatile doll, with the one exception of her hair needing a slight restyle upon arrival.

Her facial screening is really well executed. It uses a lot of metallic gold--in her eye shadow and lips--it gives her face a lively and dimensional look.

Her clothing has excellent tailoring, and the accessories have great details. The belt is a single piece and closes in the back with a hook and eye. She's wearing a jacket and a sheer silk chiffon blouse. Both the jacket and shorts have functional pockets.

The rest of her accessories are to die for: oversized sunglasses, a star shaped gold ring, earrings, purse with magnetic closure, sheer navy socks, gorgeous shoes (which are gorgeous but have no closures, so they were difficult to put on--a tiny shoe horn would help), and lots of colorful bracelets.

Plus, she uses the new style of stand: a waist gripper/saddle combo--and the waist gripper is perfect for dolls with shorts.

Now... to her hair. Well, I was a little disappointed after seeing her promo photos and the doll from IFDC. In the box--I should have taken before photos--she had a swirl/bun in the front which was just not executed well. I was able to rinse it, and if you wanted, you could straighten it into a cute asymmetric bob. The color is really nice.

I restyled mine--with gel, and not enough, apparently, after I see the photos up close and all the loose strands through the macro lens, LOL. Probably it would have worked better to sew the bun in place. I imagine most collectors would end up restyling anyway.

All and all, she's adorable. I love her. She's still pretty widely available for $125, and is a limited edition of 300.

More photos can be seen on Flickr.

Color Infusion crazy - Cosmic Love makes her debut

Cosmic Love from the Color Infusion collection of Integrity Toys made her arrival this week from Happily Ever After. She's a limited edition of 300 dolls, and retails for $125. After seeing this doll in person at IFDC in July, I decided to pre-order her, and I'm not disappointed.

These are photos taken of the doll right out of the box. She's gorgeous.

A few things make this doll special. First, she uses the Amelie sculpt. This sculpt is hard to find in the US--well, at least at a reasonable price. I'm thrilled to see her not only in use for dolls intended for sale here, but also in a darker skin tone.

Second--I have to say this--she has pink hair. I was a little worried about her bangs, but I shouldn't have been. I haven't even rinsed her hair, and they look just fine. Integrity Toys is amazing when it comes to dolls with bangs. And pink. I love dolls with funky colored hair. (It might be because my own changes every four weeks from pink to green to blue to purple.)

Third, her facial screening and eye lashes are to die for. She has applied eyelashes, and her eyeshadow has a metallic flavor (read: gold), perfectly executed. She has bubblegum pink lips, which you might think is too much, but it suits her overall look.

Next--let me go in to the quality of her outfit. Her dress feels like silk chiffon. It falls perfectly, without any pulls or gaps. The fur gives it just enough class. The only black on her outfit is one of her many tiny bracelets, her belt and her socks (which she wears with purple shoes). I know black is an easy color for mixing and matching, but for me, I like a little color in my life--or at least in my dolls' lives.

Finally, Cosmic Love's accessories are wonderful and numerous. She includes a bunch of slim bracelets and one wide one, a belt, earrings, oversized glasses, a necklace, socks, a fur wrap, and a purse. It's a fun set! The purse is a warm metallic gold with a magnetic closure. I love the details.

If you've been on the fence about these dolls, let me convince you--buy one. Cosmic Love is ready to go, right out of the box. She's fun and gorgeous. Plus, she includes the new style of stand--both saddle and waist gripper. You can see more photos of her on Flickr.

Sweeping Antoinette - a review

Sweeping Antoinette - by Tonner Doll Company

Sweeping Antoinette is Tonner's most frothy, glimmering, shimmering masterpiece released to date. She arrived last week, and I am thrilled to do a review of this gorgeous doll.

From the Antoinette collection of 2011, it's been a long wait since her Toy Fair announcement. The doll features the rather bland Antoinette sculpt. However, in the bloom skin tone with softer cheek blushing and peach lips, her lavender eye shadow make her blue eyes pop. She's got long painted lashes--both top and bottom. My one wish would be to see applied or rooted lashes on this doll, and on the Antoinette line in particular.

She has soft blonde hair in an elaborate up-do, reminiscent of an earlier era's pin curls. Peach tulle has cleverly been sewn in to the hair as a decoration and support. Even with the elaborate hair do, the hair is soft to the touch and isn't overly gelled.

The dress--wow. It's a flowing cascade of ruffles, layered in shimmering peach silky fabric and tulle, with just a touch of glitter. The unfinished edges of the ruffles give the asymmetric lines of the gown's skirt a fairy-like feel. The bodice is shirred and one shouldered, but fits perfectly. Its shape is undefined, and shows movement and flow--unexpected and wonderful for a Tonner creation.

The doll's shoes are a pair of zip-back cage boots in gold. She includes a multi-stranded necklace and bracelet. The one thing missing from the doll's accessories are earrings. For her $249.99 price tag, I expected earrings of some sort. (If you go through a dealer and are able to find this doll in stock, you probably won't pay the full retail price.)

For a doll collector who started collecting in the 1980s, this doll has a reminiscent feel of Peaches n' Cream Barbie of 1985, only with a more grown-up feel. If you like to mix couture and fantasy, this doll is for you. She was my most expensive Tonner this year, but I sure think she is worth it.

Back closure detail, plus necklace and updo closer looks

Metallic gold zip-up cage boot make for the perfect accessory/

A gorgeous flowing design or chiffon, tulle and silky fabric lead to a gorgeous
silhouette for this wonderful doll. I think she is just perfect.

See more photos of her on Flickr. What do you think? Did you order this doll? Have your ordered any of the 2011 Antoinette dolls this year? Which is your favorite?

Sideshow Collectible's Mr. White: Trying Out Action Figures, Part II

Meet Mr. White, urm...Harv

I've really been enjoying taking Mr. White, also known as the actor Mr. Keitel or Harv as I like to call him, out for a spin. Since I've never owned an action figure, I really didn't know what to expect. Oh, I've read about the figures and I've seen promo photos of them before, but would real life mimic the articles and photos? Yes and no.

In case you missed my first post, I've provided a close up of Harv's face.  There is definitely a lot more detail that goes into sculpting an action figure's face. At first I thought the detail was due to the fact that Harve is a licensed likeness; but that can't be it because fashion doll companies have also gained licenses to create likenesses of celebrities. Maybe in the fashion doll world it's more about the essence of the person as opposed to an actual representation. Suffice it to say, Harv definitely looks like Harvey Keitel.

Sideshow Collectible's Mr. White: Trying Out Action Figures, Part I

This post is part one of a multi-part post. While writing this I realized that it was just going to be too long for one post. Exactly how many posts, though, I don't know.

One of the members of our local doll club has some GI Joe type action figures and she uses them in displays with her fashion dolls. From a viewer's standpoint, the action figures seemed to have more poseablity than many fashion dolls and the possibility of striking more realistic poses was greater. Also, from pictures I've seen on the internet and elsewhere, action figures can come with some pretty awesome accessories. Both of these points could make for some really fun dioramas.

Action figures can be fairly inexpensive generic figures that represent some career or activity or they can be more expensive representations of characters from well known television shows or movies. Some of these representations will actually have the face done in the likeness of the actor or actress portraying the part. You want Sean Connery to attend your fashion doll's holiday party?  Just buy a James Bond from Dr. No action figure. So, how would I choose?

Since the world of action figures is new territory for me, I didn't want to make an expensive purchase that I might later regret. At the same time, I wanted a figure with a face sculpted in the likeness of an actor.  The rationale for this was two-fold.  I wanted the fun of having a recognizable face from the entertainment industry and I wanted to be able to judge, up close and in person, the quality of the likeness of the sculpt.

I had a $20 gift card from Sideshow Collectibles so I scoured their website for just the right purchase. I decided to purchase Sideshow's own Mr. White from the movie Reservoir Dogs. After using the gift card and adding in tax and shipping, my total came out to just under $60, which is on the lower end price-wise since some action figures can retail for close to $200. As for the facial recognition, Mr White's face is sculpted in the likeness of actor Harvey Keitel. So with this purchase I met my two criteria.

What were my impressions regarding the sculpt?  Does he pose well?  What are his accessories? Please check back for part two.

Review of Galadriel, Lady of Light (Tonner Doll) by guest blogger Milady Blue

Galadriel, Lady of Light.

We're glad to have Milady Blue posting again on our blog. Here is her helpful review of Tonner's Galadriel, Lady of Light, from the Lord of the Rings collection.

Galdriel Review

by Milady Blue

Special Guest Writer

Originally written on November 1, 2010
Oh, boy! An article written on one of the binary days! Okay, now that I have my Inner Geek appeased, on to the article.

This article is being written under the influence of quite a bit of positive prejudice. I love Robert Tonner’s dolls, I love the Lord of the Rings movies, and I love Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, Lady of
Light.

So, bearing that in mind, let’s combine all three of those elements into the subject of today’s review, Tonner’s recent movie license for the Lord of the Rings movie characters, featuring Cate Blanchett as
Galadriel.

Sculpted ear detail. Click to enlarge.

Galadriel, Lady of Light by Tonner is a limited edition of 1500. She is 16" tall, using the fashion model body made famous by Tyler Wentworth, including bending wrists. She has 13 points of articulation (head, shoulders, elbows, wrists, breast plate, waist, hips and knees). She has rooted saran hair, with the Cameo skintone, the lightest natural Caucasian skintone used by Tonner, and features a face sculpt based on the likeness of Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, including the pointed Elfish ears.