W Club exclusive Poppy Parker Doll has been announced

Integrity Toys has announced the second official W Club doll of 2014: Joyous Anniversary Poppy Parker. She is subtitled, Poppy Parker™ Fifth Anniversary Souvenir Doll, and retails for $120. She is available for preorder for W Club members only (one per member), and per club policy, pre-sales are not allowed. Her edition size is therefore not yet known.

She's estimated to ship in the fall of this year.

Her lovely gold brocade gown with pink petticoat is truly a nod to the 1960s fashion Poppy has come to represent. Her fashion is apparently inspired by a vintage Japanese Francie fashion, DS-2240, Ball Gown, from 1967, which was sold only on the Japanese market. (Thanks to Micheal Jarvis, for passing this info along, and saving me a lot of searching!)

Interestingly, I just did a post on dressing Poppy in vintage Francie fashions, and I think this doll is gorgeous! I'm thrilled to see this variation on a lovely fashion, made especially for Poppy.

Vintage Francie fashion, Japanese exclusive, DS-2240, Ball Gown 1967 from Dollreference.com

Differences between Francie's fashion and Poppy's are:

• Francie's has an orange taffeta under layer, versus Poppy's pink tulle petticoat.
• The bodice of Francie's dress has a halter top snap closure. Poppy's is a sophisticated, off-the-shoulder design, which gives hers a more sophisticated feel.
• Francie's fashion includes a string of pearls, and Poppy doesn't wear neck jewelry.
• Francie's fashion doesn't include earrings; Poppy wears significant rhinestone earrings, plus a matching bracelet.
• Francie's gloves are short white tricot versus Poppy's opera-length gloves.
• Francie's shoes and clutch are white versus Poppy's choice of pink.

This lovely doll uses the FR White skin town with applied lashes and beautiful grey eyes. She has a brunette braided updo, which I happen to like very much. (IT really can pull off these kind of braided updos without a hitch, and I am sure it will look neat and clean.) While not officially stated, I believe her facial screening is reminiscent of the ever-popular Bergdorf Poppy, and it's gorgeous and sophisticated.

Accessories are cute--matching pink kitten heels with bows, a pink clutch, rhinestone drop earrings and matching bracelet, and long white gloves. I'm sure she's going to be a hit with collectors!

Photos are property of Integrity Toys, aside from the vintage Francie fashion photo, which is borrowed from DollReference.

Struggling with vintage Barbie or Japanese exclusive fashions on a budget? Consider repros!

I have to confess that when it comes to vintage Barbie and Francie, the fashion I love most seem to be the ones that are hardest to find. Whether it's the delicate tulle or metallic fabrics that don't last through children's play over the past 50+ years, or if it's the elusive Japanese exclusive that people just talk about, perhaps you find yourself with the same budgetary issues.

I've recently discovered that my small bust Integrity models (FR:Nippon's Amelie and Misaki--above--as well as Poppy Parker and friends) can often share outfits with Francie. While this won't save you anything as far as budget goes, let me direct you again to Silvia Campell of Snowdance Originals and Reproductions.

Some time ago, I have the absolute privilege to pick up this lovely Japanese Wedding Gown (original is on page 95 of Barbie in Japan), shown above as modeled by Misaki, as well as Silvia's version of Fall in the Air for Francie (page 99 of Barbie in Japan), modeled by Ask Any Girl Poppy Parker.

Please check out Silvia's website. The outfits do run around $125 and up, but you will indeed get amazing sets with serious attention to detail that I haven't seen elsewhere. While Fall in the Air is no longer in my collection, I really do miss it. I'm pining for a new fashion right this moment!

My top contenders:

1. Irresistible 
2. Glimmer Glamour - for Mod Barbie - but where can you find this outfit for $125?
3. Fancy That Formal - I just know I have a Poppy who needs this gown!
4. Prom Pinks - oh, that gold netting!
5. Black Magic in White - for Barbie, and simply stunning, for $85!

Mari

Mari, a photo by alington on Flickr.

This is a new addition to my BJD collection. It's Mari, a tiny 10.5" Asian BJD by Limhwa in the For You size. I found her from Junkyspot, who often has these dolls in stock.

She's wearing vintage Francie #1222 Gold Rush and a petticoat from one of the Perfect Beginnings fashion Paks.

I think she's quite lovely with her tan skin tone--she's just a little shorter and thinner than Barbie, and curvier than Francie, but she can wear her clothing. I do need to find her some shoes, however.

You can see additional photos on Flickr. She wears a size 3-4 wig and 6mm eyes--so tiny!

Kitty Korner - Francie repro has arrived!

Kitty Korner, the newest reproduction Francie Silkstone giftset, created by Mattel, has arrived. I think she's quite adorable.

She has platinum hair, applied eyelashes, and blue eyes. She comes wearing a sleeveless shift trapeze dress in brown, sky blue and white, knee-high lace stockings, and grey t-straps. She also includes gold hoop earrings and a pet kitty. Her second outfits includes a printed chiffon shortie night set, long yellow robe, pink "Francie" hanger, brush, "Francie" diary, blue closed-toe shoes, and a blue stuffed kitty.

You can see a few more photos of the kitties on Flickr.

New for-sale items posted on the Doll Page

Fuchsia "N Fur Francie

Please check out my latest listings on the Doll Page Show & Sell site - I've just added some additional items today.

Thanks for looking!

Fuchsia 'n Fur Francie from Barbie Fan Club

Coming for Barbie Fan Club members beginning August 15, 2012 at 9 AM, you can order Fuchsia 'n Fur Francie only through Barbie Collector.com.

No more than 4000 dolls will be produced of this Gold Label Silkstone doll. Her retail price is $74.95, and she was designed by Robert Best.

She comes to you dressed in faux fur pink coat with black vinyl trim, over a sleeveless drop waist mini dress. Her accessories include patterned tights, black boots, a chain handle tote, and gold daisy charm bracelet.

This doll will only be available to BFC Members. It's not too late to join the club!

For the official news on this doll, check out Barbie Collector.

Photo is property of Mattel.

Happy Valentine's Day - Part 5

Ask Any Girl, a photo by alington on Flickr.

I think this is my last share for now - Ask Any Girl Poppy Poppy in a Sylvia Campbell fashion. She's just an adorable model.

Check out more photos on Flickr, and be sure to check out Sylvia's wonderful fashions on her website, as well.

Poppy Parker in vintage Francie

Poppy Parker in vintage Francie, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Here's another just-for-fun shot of Poppy Parker (Tears Go By), lounging by the pool in her vintage Francie fashion.

I know, the poor girl needs some anti-static. I'm getting there. I was just wandering around my home yesterday when it occurred to me, "This place looks like it belongs to a crazy person!" So my dolly priorities have been put on a temporary hold. (Like that's going to happen, ha, ha!)

More photos of Poppy on Flickr.