Glamorous Misaki

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

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

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

Barbie - How I'd restyle her.

Barbie by alison-boyd-rasmussen on polyvore.com

This is how I'd style Barbie, if I were given the chance. Scroll through the photos below, and you can see the wardrobe I've selected. And why hasn't there been a Betsey Johnson Barbie yet? Wouldn't that be perfect?

I've been staying far away from Polyvore lately, due to budget restrictions and how much I recently spent on Urban Decay products at the Ulta store recently. (Why can't I just have one hobby?) But really... when you change your hair color as often as I do, you sort of need to update your wardrobe and makeup. Right?

Anyway--let me know what you think. And try it out! Polyvore is a LOT of fun. :)

Coated in Glamour - via Polyvore

Coated in Glamour by alison-boyd-rasmussen featuring a leather jacket

Like Pinterest, I only intended to spend a couple of minutes on Polyvore before I dropped down the rabbit hole... but I just love that site! Here's a fancy version of Integrity's Coated in Glamour Tulabelle--in case you wanted to try out her look for yourself. You've gotta admire the dress--for $1,920 from Harrods.com. It's on my wish list for my own wardrobe this year! 

I realize that there are lots of ways to make this outfit less expensive, but that was not my intention for this set. I wanted to make the ideal outfit for Tulabelle--and for a RL IT doll--and I think I came pretty close!

Jovani dress
$1,920 - harrods.com

Barbara Bui leather jacket
intermixonline.com

Sergio Rossi black boots
theoutnet.com

Zagliani blue handbag
luisaviaroma.com

Hermès enamel bracelet
usa.hermes.com

Robert Lee Morris bangle bracelet
bloomingdales.com

Betsey johnson jewelry
betseyjohnson.com

Expressions stackable ring
fashion.ebay.com

Fashion Icon

Fashion Icon, a photo by alington on Flickr.

One of the 2013 Metrodolls luncheon, Style Evolution, event dolls is Fashion Icon by Tonner Doll. She is a limited edition of 125, and is a gorgeous auburn (wigged) Daphne. Her makeup is elegant, and accents her grey eyes perfectly. (I'm not usually a fan of red lips, but I adore this girl!)

In addition to a gorgeous spaghetti strap satin and chiffon cocktail dress, she comes dressed in a vintage overdress with asymmetrical snaps down the front. Accessories include rhinestone studs and black peep-toe pumps.

You can see additional photos in my Flickr photostream.

If you like this doll, you may still be able to purchase one from Metrodolls directly for $200 plus shipping. There is also a souvenir Ellowyne, Metro Girl, available. She's limited to 250. I didn't add her to my collection.

Be sure to check out all the fantastic fashions available, too.

Dr. Seuss dolls debut from Tonner Doll Company

Sam I Am by Tonner Doll Company

A fantastic blend of pop culture and fashion, this new line of dolls uses the Monica Merrill head sculpt on a cameo skin tone Tyler Wentworth body. The dolls have inset eyes, rooted lashes, and are limited to 500 dolls each. Each retails for $189.99 and are scheduled for delivery in December. Dolls are available for preorder from your favorite Tonner dealer.

Shown above is Sam I Am. She has yellow rooted hair and green brown eyes. She is dressed in an orange shantung top with blue faux fur trim, rainbow ribbon skirt, blue lace tights, and yellow boots.

Truffula has orange rooted hair, green eyes, and comes dressed in a pink shantung top with faux fur trip and orange ribbon, a purple and yellow skirt, pink lace tights and orange pumps.

The Cat's Hat has blue rooted hair and violet inset eyes, a yellow dress, red faux fur vest with corset belt, red and white tights, blue belt, and the classic red and white feathered hat.

Photos are property of Tonner Doll Company.

Shoes, shoes, shoes.

Bloody Alice, Special Red Version, Rogita, a photo by alington on Flickr.

So... would the real Alice in Wonderland please stand up?

Probably not in these shoes! But who says you can't have a little fun with your designs? These are Rogita's shoes and stockings, also by DollHeart. I just adore them.

If you're staying away from traditional BJDs because you're attached to high heeled fashion shoes, let me introduce you to Absolute Beauty, the new body by Peak's Woods. She has both flat and heel feet--and yes, they are easy to change! Plus, they fit DollHeart's SD13 high heel shoes perfectly.

Some photo eye candy of my newest Ellowyne

Okay, a quick post on three new things I have to share with you:


#1: My newest Ellowyne Wilde, "Nothing Springs to Mind" from the Spring 2010 line. I acquired her in a trade, nude, from my friend and fellow FDR writer, Carolyn and she's so pretty! (I meant Ellowyne, but Carolyn's pretty, too.) She's only my second Ellowyne (the first being Essential Ellowyne, Too Wigged Out, from Fall 2009), and my first with painted eyes. Carolyn, our resident hair expert, trimmed the long chunk of hair the hangs down in the front and I think it looks much better short.

Tropicalia? What is it?

Image from FlyGirlBlog.com

Based on the Integrity Toys upcoming convention, I found the following article on Tropicália from Wikipedia:

Tropicália, also known as Tropicalism, is a Brazilian music movement that arose in the late 1960s and encompassed theatre, poetry, and music, among other forms. It came under the influence of avant-garde artistic trends and pop culture and foreign (such as pop rock and concreteness); mixed traditional manifestations of Brazilian culture to radical aesthetic innovations. Tropicália was influenced by poesia concreta(concrete poetry), a genre of Brazilian avant-garde poetry embodied in the works of Augusto de Campos, Haroldo de Campos, and Décio Pignatari, among a few others.^[1] However, Tropicália is associated almost exclusively with the musical expression movement, both in Brazil and internationally, which arose from the fusion of several musical genres, like Brazilian and African rhythms and rock and roll. 

Additionally, I found more information on The Barbican's website. Apparently, this movement was formed in response to the military dictatorship in Brazil at the time. While it only lasted from 1967-1972, its influence can still be seen today in musicians such as David Bowie, David Byrne, Beck and The Bees.

In doing an image search for "tropicalia," I came up with quite a range of images, which I'm including with links to their original sources here as well. Psychedelic colors, flowing fabric, large prints, fruit hats, beads and feathers seem to be recurring themes--just from my short searches.

Image from www.barbican.com

An example of Tropicalia inspired shoes - for kids today - just adorable and cute:

Italian Doll Convention charity items on Ebay.it

Queen of the Forest - by Magia 2000 and George Gonzales (JAMIEshow)

Check out the fabulous auction items on Ebay.it from the Italian Doll Convention! The proceeds of these auctions will benefit Foundazione Blu and its Project Monitan, which sponsors children's participation in educational and recreation activities in improverished areas within Monobitan Park, Calcutta. Many designers have donated items, including:

• Matt Sutton
• Artist Creations
• Paul Pham
• Matt Trujillo
• Magia 2000
• Ninimomo
• Patrick Kon
• Two wigs by Ilaria Mazzoni
• Magia 2000 and George Gonzales (JAMIEshow)
• Maurizio Andreuccetti & Artist Creations
• Superfrock (it's a Chalk White!)
• Robert Best

Go bid! There are some really incredible one-of-a-kind dolls available. The auctions end in a week, and will ship after the event and before June 1.

New Antoinette releases from Tonner Doll

New basic and dressed Antoinette dolls and outfits have been released by Tonner Doll today. Shipping dates are still to be established.

The new basic dolls retail for $89.99 and are limited to 500 each. They are made in the Cameo skin tone and have the same jersey lingerie and a stand, and have side-parted straight hair. Antoinette Blonde Basic has brown eyes, Raven Basic has blue eyes, and the Redhead Basic has grey eyes.

Flourish is a brand new dressed doll, limited to 300 and retails for $199.99. She is dressed in a fun pink-on-pink striped gown with a beaded belt, oversized silk flower hat, and rectangular gem earrings. She has painted brown eyes and golden hair in an updo. I love her eye makeup, with bright blue liner on her waterline.

Desire is an outfit that looks like a miniature version of Belladonna. It's a black bustier with attached sleeves and a layered skirt. It includes a ribbon choker, lace gauntlets, cocktail hat, and short boots. Limited to 150, $109.99.

Sparkling, limited to 300 and retailing at $99.99, is a lovely strapless dress, and shining swing coat. Accessories include silver gloves, strappy sandals, beaded necklaces and silver earrings.

Winterberry is a classic monochromatic red outfit which includes a red wool jersey suit jacket, slim skirt, faux leather belt, tights, satin boots, purse, knit hat, and gold earrings. The outfit is limited to 300 and retails at $99.99.

Wow--new line from Tonner Doll: Precarious!

Nice and edgy, couture and fabulous, this doll shares the Antoinette/Cami body and has a brand new fashion sense. She was just released (today) as part of the new Tonner mainline release. One new basic doll is available, plus three dressed dolls and three outfits are available from pre-order from your favorite Tonner dealer. Shipping dates for the dolls and outfits are to be announced.

Precarious, the basic doll, is anything but basic. Her retail price is $124.99, and she is limited to 500. She has applied eyelashes, painted blue eyes, and two wigs: a black and white long wig with a partial updo, and a red wig with bangs.

My favorite of the three dressed dolls is Intriguing. She has rooted blue hair, styled in a bejeweled updo, painted blue eyes with applied lashes, and she is limited to 300. She retails for $199.99. She comes dressed in a sleeveless lace catsuit, tied with a satin belt. She's draped in a blue rose embroidered cape, reminiscent of Idyllic Antoinette. Notice her jewelry--earrings, necklace, bracelet and a ring! I adore her blue suede heel-less pumps, too. Wow!

Next up, Scandal - limited to 300, also $199.99. Reminiscent of Alexander McQueen, this sharply tailored winged jacket sparkles in black and is trimmed with beaded cuffs and collar. The raven-haired doll sports a sheer embroidered skirt with sequins, black hose, and sparkling black heel-less shoes. Her clustered earrings and silver brooches finish her look.

Party Girl is the final dressed doll of the Precarious collection. She is also limited to 300 dolls and retails for $199.99. She has painted blue eyes, and a rooted platinum and black ponytail. Her silhouette also reminds me of an Alexander McQueen design. She is wearing a brocade gown with a chiffon and eyelash skirt, with beading at the neck. Her accessories include silver tights and shoes and a crystal bracelet. I think this look could have used some earrings.

Swing Time is the first of three outfits, and I adore it. It will fit Antoinette, as well as Precarious, Cami and Jon. It's limited to 300 and retails for $79.99. It includes a red jersey dressed trimmed with sea stars, black tights, platform sandals, and a tiny red sculpted hat.

Decadence is limited to 300 and retails for $89.99. This painted cotton canvas dress also includes a belt with rhinestone buckle, scarf, sparkling tights, strappy shoes, gauntlets and earrings.

Last but not least, Anything Goes. This outfit is limited to 300 and retails for $99.99. It includes a black jersey tank bodysuit, faux leather jeans, cape with detachable yarn hood, tie-on rhinestone necklace, beaded belt and black brocade zip boots.

More mixing of vintage and contemporary

Naomi in Let's Dance, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Here is Naomi (Peak's Woods/Dollmore BJD hybrid), modeling a wonderful (and minty!) vintage Barbie fashion, Let's Dance #978.

Naomi is also wearing eyes by Mint on Card, a wig by Glib (from Junkyspot), and shoes by Tonner Doll from a Tiny Kitty wedding ensemble. I believe I've also added a petticoat to the outfit.

More photos on Flickr!

Mixing vintage and contemporary

Naomi hybrid, a photo by alington on Flickr.

The lovely Naomi hybrid (Peak's Woods normal skin head on a Dollmore 12" Fashion Model Doll (FMD) body) is modeling #1658 Garden Wedding, a vintage Barbie fashion.

She's also wearing a wig by Leeke, eyes by Mint on Card, and Tiny Kitty shoes from Tonner Doll Company.

New line of OOAK dresses inspired by Peak's Woods' Shaia

A few months ago, Peak's Woods released a new Fairy of Color BJD by the name of Shaia, with a radiant suntan skintone. In her promo pics, Shaia wore this gorgeous strapless, red chiffon gown that we all fell in love with, but couldn't buy because the outfit wasn't being produced or sold. Such a teaser!

After a couple requests from doll collectors who also fell in love with the dress, I created a line of  one-of-a-kind SD-sized dresses inspired by the first, but with several variations on color, print, fabric, shape & trim. My own Peak's Woods Yulli was gracious enough to model for me.

A new dress for Isha's accessories

My good friend (and fellow FDR contributor) Kathie is always coming up with interesting projects for me. The latest was taking the accessories from the Hello Bolly! luxury wear accessory set, released in 2005 by Integrity Toys, and creating a new outfit to go with them.

At first, I thought I'd go with a dark chocolate brown dress to match the color of the leather in the accessories, but decided it would be much to dark to dress her all in brown. So, I decided to go completely the opposite and created her a dress out of some vintage, ivory lace that I pieced together to create the "fabric" of her dress. I did give her just a little brown satin bow at the neckline to tie the accessories to the dress.

Big and Small - more fashion inspiration

Witches Who Lunch outfit only from Wizard of Oz collection of 2007

Another wonderful way to enlighten and brighten your collection is to collect similarly styled or colored outfits in different scales. It's a wonderful way to use color in your collection or bring different types of dolls together--especially in this example.

Above, it's the Witches Who Lunch outfit, made from a gorgeous embroidered fabric with high color and contrast, long bell sleeves, a circle skirt and simple beaded belt. Her over-the-top coiled hat gives the outfit both a couture and an Oz feel.

Verdigris outfit only, American Model collection from 2007

Here, we have Verdigris, a green satin jacket with pink facing, a ruffled high color and bell sleeves, gathered lace over tulle skirt, and large sash belt. This look feels more elegant, and nearly Rococo inspired.

Displaying the two outfits together--Witches who lunch in 16" and Verdigris in 22"--would emphasize the similar silhouettes and bring two styles--Oz and fashion model--together in a way you might not have previously imagined.

All photos property of Tonner Doll Company.

Bigs and Smalls - more inspirational ideas for your collection

Autumn Gold Tyler from the 2007 Collection by Tonner Doll Company

 More ways to spruce up your collection and wish list this holiday season follow this post!

If you have the coveted Autumn Gold Tyler from 2007, you might consider adding an additional larger doll to your collection as a one-of-a-kin creation.

2006 Basic Redhead from Tonner's American Model collection

This gorgeous 22" Basic Redhead American model retailed originally for $99. Some dealers may still have her in stock. Then, what you'd want to do is hire a designer like Jennygrey Designs and ask if she might be able to make a dress inspired by Autumn Gold Tyler's dress for your new girl, in American Model size. It's really lovely.

If you do this, let me know! I'd love to post photos!

All photos property of Tonner Doll Company.

Tonner twins - in different colors

More dolls that you simply must have in your collection.

If your grail doll is:

Elegance Antoinette, limited to just 25 dolls, was a 2010 Paris Fashion Doll Festival. She's a gorgeous raven doll, and very hard to find. If she is out of your budget, you might consider...

Tranquil. Produced the following year, this lovely auburn Antoinette is a limited edition of 500, and will be much more reasonably priced. She includes a suit very similarly styled, only in hues of blues.

Both dolls are simple wonderful, and I'd want them both in my collection, ha ha!

All photos property of Tonner Doll Company.

Another fashion inspiration by Tonner Doll

Ever wonder why you adore some dolls, and why they might end up in your collection? Check out these two:

From the 2006 American Model collection, this lovely dressed doll is Confection. She is dressed in a gorgeous shantung ball gown with a corsage at the waist. The bodice is shirred and sculpted. She includes a gorgeous necklace, earrings and bracelet.

If you like this doll, consider this one, too!

My favorite of all the Cinderella dolls, the Cinderella Rose gift set. She was an FAO exclusive, and she includes the convertible feet auburn-haired Cinderella doll, glass slippers and this gorgeous gown--with a similar silhouette to the American Model's gown. Wouldn't they be great in your collection, displayed together?

(Seriously, Dreamcastle's Tonner reference is simply dangerous. Don't just go browsing through there for no reason. Your wallet will start crying. Loudly. All these dolls that were on my list are coming up again!)

All photos property of Tonner Doll Company.

More biggies and smallies by Tonner Doll

On the topic of Biggies and Smallies - here are two more of my favorite "twins" from Tonner:

Winter Solstice American Model from 2008, a platinum blonde babe with a fur-trimmed embroidered peplum jacket, mermaid skirt, gloves, parasol and oversized hat - she's a winter dream.

In contrast, a similar outfit in black, the jacket embroidered in silver, on Tyler 2.0 - this lady is so classy and elegant, and is one of the most dramatic dolls Tonner has produced. I adore them both.

All photos property of Tonner Doll Company.