New Momoko: CCS Today’s 1312

Another Momoko will be hitting the shelves soon and she is a Today's edition Momoko in a one-piece outfit.  She has a cool face, natural skin, clear/pink nail polish, and short brown hair. This Momoko comes in a plastic bag, not a box, and does not include shoes.

She is a PetWORKs stores exclusive and can be purchased online at the Japan PetWORKs site or the Global Store.  She is being offered for 16,500 yen. She will be available starting December 6th, 2013.

Want some special designs for your Momoko?  I provide lots of dolly attire and a pattern book for DIY MegannArt designs.  Support an artist!  Visit my website (MegannArt) for an Etsy shop, Twitter, Facebook (with occasional discounts), Pinterest page, and much more.
 
Picture courtesy of Petworks.

Two Daydreamers Tonner Doll exclusive: Forever Yours Ashleigh

Just in time for the holidays, Forever Yours Ashleigh would make a perfect gift for your doll-collecting friend or honey. This gorgeous Tonner Doll exclusive is limited to just 100, and is available only through Two Daydreamers. She's available to preorder now, and will ship in early December.

She comes dressed in a lovely draped white taffeta bridal gown, trimmed with an elegant gray bow at the waist. I really love the shape of the mermaid skirt, and the tulle at the bottom. The dress is trimmed with silk flowers, and she includes opera length gloves, stripy sandals, and faux diamond stud earrings.

I usually am not taken with bridal dolls, but wow. Ashleigh totally pulls it off. (She's a Two Daydreamers exclusive sculpt--and we haven't seen a holiday exclusive for a while. My prediction is that she will sell out.)

Also, I just saw the description says: she is "the 1st in the classically romantic Bridal Series." Wow. Eeek!

Photos added to Fall/Holiday Tonner collection

Two new photos have been added to Tonner's Fall/Holiday release:

• Ruffle Rose Antoinette Basic - This basic Antoinette has green eyes, copper brown hair, and includes a pink dress and panties. LE500 $134.99
• Peachtree Street Stroll, from the Gone with the Wind Collection - This dressed doll includes a rather amazing pink and black striped cotton day dress with a satin skirt, pink crinkle chiffon sleeves and collar, and black velvet details. That outfit makes me want to start collecting historical outfits again! LE300 $234.99

I think we needed the photos to appreciate the dolls. The only doll left in this latest release on which we're waiting for photos is the mink-haired Cami, Basic Resort Stripe.

As always, these dolls can be ordered from Tonner directly, or you might choose your favorite dealer to save a little bit. I highly recommend Dreamcastle Dolls, who also offers splits (in case you just want the outfit or only the doll).

Smoldering Seduction

Smoldering Seduction, a photo by alington on Flickr.

My next project is coming along very smoothly! I'm working on Daphne: Out of the Box.

With my latest purchases and trades, I found a few dolls on my list that had been proving to be a bit elusive. The one you see above is Smoldering Seduction, who has been grail of mine. I think she's lovely. She came from Just Imagine Dolls, who have just started a page on Facebook. (Their customer service is great--and they have a great selection of older Tonner and Effanbee dolls. Go check them out!)

You can check out my latest arrivals on Flickr. Just before dusk yesterday, I took a bunch of yucky (well, not very sharp) iPhone photos, and I've uploaded the set for your criticism--er, enjoyment.

The remaining dolls I'm looking to beg, borrow or steal for photo sessions are:

• 2004 Effanbee's Midnight Enchantment 
• 2004 Black & White Ball
• 2004 Creme de la Creme
• 2004 Divinely Daphne
• 2004 Platinum Panache outfit
• 2005 Crystal Celebration outfit
• 2005 Resort Daphne
• 2006 Moonlight Mystery
• 2006 Mirror Mirror
• 2007 Noel Angel 
• 2009 Madame a la Menthe
• 2010 Garden Party Iris Raven
• 2011 Wilhelmina Wonka

I have a number of dolls I can trade, or I'd be more than happy to simply "borrow" your doll. I can do that by buying it from you, and then selling it back to you at the same price after the photo session. We would arrange in advance how long the doll will be in my possession, as well--I usually only require a day or two, depending on when the doll is received. (My home is non-smoking, though I do have several cats. I would take very, very good care of your doll.)

If you can help me, let me know. Contact me via the Flickr messaging system, or at the email I've listed on my DollPage account. Thanks!

Ordering CCS 09AW "Puppy Garden/Stars and Papillon," Again

The votes have been cast for the most popular Close Clipped Sheep (CCS) Momoko released in 2009 and it is Puppy Garden.  She will be produced again and be offered with a simple one-piece outfit.  She will come in a plastic bag, not a box. 

Preorders are being taken for Puppy Garden at the PetWorks Global Store from November 20 to December 1, 2013.  She is being offered for 16,500 yen and will ship between March-April 2014.  Don't miss out on the second wave of this lovely doll!

Want some special designs for your Momoko?  I provide lots of dolly attire and a pattern book for DIY MegannArt designs.  Support an artist!  Visit my website (MegannArt) for an Etsy shop, Twitter, Facebook (with occasional discounts), Pinterest page, and much more.
 
Picture courtesy of Petworks.

Wild Inspiration

Wild Inspiration, a photo by alington on Flickr.

One doll I've had in my collection for some time, Wilde Inspiration Daphne, has just received her original outfit. I think I like her even more in the outfit, actually.

She was an exclusive to Far East, and limited to just 100, and manufactured in 2008 by Tonner Doll. You can see addition photos of her on Flickr.

Why are those convention dolls so darn expensive?

FR: Monogram Completist, from The Premiere convention

If you're like me, you might wonder why the heck those convention dolls go for sky-rocket prices, and why the [blank] collectors think they can charge so much for convention exclusive. Well, high demand aside, I thought I'd put together a simple cost analysis for those of you planning to attend convention yourselves next year, which, quite frankly, is the easiest (though not the cheapest!) way to obtain them yourselves.

Click to enlarge

As you can see, it cost me a little over $3000 to attend convention this year.  YIKES. I went with my daughter Kate, and roomed with her, but I'm not including her registration, or any of our outfits.

Convention registration is only 14% of the overall cost. It's $425 per person. I have only included the cost of my own registration, and not the cost of the W Club luncheon or workshops, which were optional. Historically, these can be good investments, if you can sign up before they sell out.

The hotel cost is steep. It's $169 per night, plus an additional 15% room tax. It was a beautiful hotel and a great location. This is typical of IT conventions, I have to say. The more you pay for a hotel, the more expensive on-site amenities. You can split your room up to four ways, if you dare--so keep this in mind, as this can cut expenses. I have to tell you that I have heard some horror stories about hotel room splits. If you are a sound sleeper, you should be fine. If you are picky about snoring, how cool or warm you like your hotel room, or if you are sensitive about gossip, this probably isn't a good option.

Travel was ideal for me this year, since the convention was in California. Parking, however--wow. But again, this is totally typical. Ride sharing helps. I sure did enjoy being able to drive this year! I really hope to see IT in California again.

Food--well, I eat on the cheap, and tend to bring some breakfast items with me. Except for coffee, which I can't seem to go without for too long. I probably over-estimated my food expenses on this chart, as I'm including any alcoholic beverages and incidentals as well.

Finally--the dolls. They were amazing. When you "win" the centerpiece, you actually win the right to purchase the centerpiece. (Unlike Barbie convention, where you are given the centerpiece.) You could also spend money on raffle tickets as well--I didn't include that in my estimate, either. And you could spend less on table gifts for your table mates, too. I didn't purchase every convention doll--about half of them. I came home with three of the bonus salesroom items (both ITBE specials and the bonus Poppy Parker doll).

All in all, it was an expensive convention. However--what did I actually get from the convention? Well--all in all--I came home with the 14 dolls I purchased, plus the 2 convention dolls, and then 3 additional dolls as well. (I'm not counting the W Club luncheon.) So if I received 19 dolls for $3000, that averages to about $158 per doll--that's not too shabby, right?

I'd say, overall, it's worth it to attend convention. I'd go again next year. You'll want to keep in mind a few other things before you go, too--the expense of costumes and outfits (yes, you'll want them), for example. Also, if you tend to be a little introverted, it can be taxing to go to an event like this for an extended period of time. But all in all, totally worth it--even if I were just keeping the dolls, which I really, really wish I could do!

Chiika

Chiika, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Oh my. I'm in deep, deep trouble. I traded one of my Fashion Royalty dolls from convention for this adorable Pure Neemo ExCute Chiika. I believe she is a Secret Wonderland who has been redressed--but she came just like this from Azone.

I think she is amazing, cute and adorable! My daughter has a complete hand pose set, too, which is interchangeable, so we have all the hands already. I am so excited! Eeek!

Fan Vote 2013 Wake Up Momoko

After getting home from the 2013 Integrity convention, I noticed there is a new Momoko in the Sekiguchi line.  She comes in a familiar wake up Momoko outfit with milky pink pigtails!  She also has a great full eyeliner found on some other Momoko like Smart Tweed.

What do you think?  I am excited to see a wild opaque hair color like the Alice's Sweets Momoko, Mint Jelly.

Want some special designs for your Momoko?  I provide lots of dolly attire and a pattern book for DIY MegannArt designs.  Support an artist!  Visit my website (MegannArt) for an Etsy shop, Twitter, Facebook (with occasional discounts), Pinterest page, and much more.
 
Pictures courtesy of Sekiguchi. 

Midnight Star

Midnight Star, a photo by alington on Flickr.

The official convention doll is Midnight Star Elise Jolie. She is another stunning Jason Wu fashion--in a midnight blue sparkling gown with intricate straps, amazing heels, rose stud earrings, and a ring.

She has dramatic smokey eyes, pink lips, and her hair pulled back in retro waves and an up-do. She's truly a beauty!

More Vanessa!

More Vanessa!, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Vanessa made an appearance in a miniature Jason Wu fashion. She's called Black Orchid, and is wearing a faux leather harness dress, right from his latest Fifty Shades inspired collection. She was the final centerpiece doll offering.

Additionally, guests were given the rest of the Monogram outfit--a cream tiered lace skirt (ball gown style), jewels and a bouquet--to complete our registration gift.

Story of my Life Victoire Roux

Story of my life, a photo by alington on Flickr.

The W Club luncheon centerpiece doll, Story of My Life, was a brunette Victoire Roux in a plum and lavender fashion. She's quite lovely, and was available for all attendees to purchase.

We were each given a fashion, a cream lace and olive gown, called Night at Ciro's, as a gift for attending.

Luanne was called on stage fir a fond farewell. She is retiring as W Club liaison. In thanks, she was presented with a lifetime membership in the club and a Raven Natalia Fatale in a black gown variation, similar to Bellissima, last night's centerpiece.

2014 will see Victoire in 1957-8 silhouettes, with a couture fashion show, featuring a complete wardrobe, including looks for different parts of the day, from what I understood. She will be visiting Montreal, and the nightclub Chez Paree. We will see a W Club exclusive next year, also.

Story of my life

Story of my life, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Victoire Roux centerpiece, Story of my Life

All attendees of the W Club luncheon have the chance to purchase her.

Dangerous to Know Kyori Sato

Kyori, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Another free doll, a character who is on hiatus from the core collection (if I understood correctly), Kyori is on the new body. Her hair is in a braided up-do with chin-length pieces gelled in the front.

Her gown is floor-length (black and emerald) with a high slit, and she also includes earrings and a ring. She is called Dangerous To Know.

Bellissima Natalia Fatale

Bellissima, a photo by alington on Flickr.

The centerpiece from tonight's dinner is Natalia Fatale. Her red satin gown fits very well and is nicely draped. Mine is the actual centerpiece doll.

Her jewels are slightly oversized and have roses in the center. Her shoes are strappy sandals with zip-back closures.

Especially for You Poppy Parker

Especially for You, a photo by alington on Flickr.

One last shot of the free bonus doll for attendees. Isn't she cute?

Especially for You

Especially for You, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Especially for You Poppy Parker is another free doll, given to all attendees! Wow! She is side glancing, raven hair, with the Japan skin tone. I think she is just adorable.

Elegant Evening centerpiece

Elegant Evening centerpiece, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Here is another view of the Poppy Parker centerpiece. She has pink lips.

Next year is Poppy's five year anniversary. We can look forward to a spy theme (think James Bond) in addition to other surprises. We saw a sneak peek of The Girl Lotta Danger, the girl from I.N.T.E.G.R.I.T.Y., who will be working with a twin brother and sister, yet to be introduced.

Additionally, there will be an upgrade Poppy for W Club members, perhaps a high feel foot coming, more 16" Poppy and Tulabelle, and Loni Lawrence may be making another appearance.

Elegant Evening centerpiece

Elegant Evening centerpiece, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Today we went to the Poppy Parker luncheon. The centerpiece doll is Elegant Evening. She is a redhead, dressed in a Givenchy-inspired cocktail dress with gold accents, a faux-fur cape, gold pumps and gloves.

She also has a larger edition size, as the table hosts were given one for free, and an additional five attendees were given the opportunity to purchase the doll. Her retail was $120.

Nightfall Agnes

Agnes, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Here is a better shot of Agnes. I'm not 100% sure she uses the new FR body. It's just that her arms don't seem t bend at a greater than 90 degrees, but it could just be her dress.

The dress is a metallic black sheath with a draped neck, and she's wearing patterned tights, and includes red shoes, delicate chain earrings, and a stand.

It's Agnes!

It's Agnes!, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Guests were each given a free Nightfall Agnes as well at the end of last night's banquet. She is just lovely!

After Tonight Eugenia Frost

After Tonight Eugenia Frost, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Here, you can see Eugenia's dress a little better. It's black patterned tulle. She includes red shoes, and she has the new FR body. Her hair is blonde and is in braided up do.

Centerpiece After Tonight Eugenia Frost

Centerpiece After Tonight Eugenia Frost, a photo by alington on Flickr.

The centerpiece doll is Eugenia Frost, After. Tonight. I believe five out of ten attendees at each table were given the opportunity to purchase this gorgeous girl, making her edition size pretty big for a centerpiece--my guess is 500.

Ready for dinner!

Kate and me, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Kate and I are ready for the first banquet. (Sorry for the lateness of this post! I have been posting via instant messaging, and I just realized several of my posts didn't go through last night. I'll be playing catch up now!)

Elegant Evening Poppy Parker centerpiece
We are at the Luncheon this morning. I'll keep you posted!