Runway Right Away Vanessa Perrin

Another grail doll from my collection, and a new addition from last year: Runway Right Away Vanessa Perrin. She uses the original Vanessa sculpt, and she's been given a new updated body, which unfortunately needs to be replaced. (As you can see, her hands have faded a little.)

Her hair has been rinsed, I think, from its original style, but I think it still looks pretty good. I'd love to restyle it somehow. This is a great color for Vanessa, in my opinion. I always see her as a redhead!

Smoldering Seduction

Smoldering Seduction, a photo by alington on Flickr.

She's always been a grail of mine. Smoldering Seduction Daphne is from the 2006 Effanbee collection and was limited to 250 dolls. Her original retail was $229.99, which was fairly expensive. I believe her higher price point is probably due to her outfit. It's made of silk chiffon fabric, plus an embroidered gold and purple embroidered micro-sequined overlay. She also has a rhinestone trim at the bust, rhinestone jewelry, and gold bow-trimmed sandals.

She uses the a pale bending wrist body body (instead of her usual tan skin tone) and has platinum curls. She has blue forward-glancing eyes, not her usual green. I think she is even prettier than her promotional photos.

You can see additional photos of her on Flickr.

Surprisingly, I was able to find this doll NRFB from Just Imagine Dolls, a Tonner/Effanbee dealer.

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!

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!

Steffie of the Day: Goddess of Asia

Goddess of Asia, a photo by alington on Flickr.

You know something big is up when my collection is rotating through the Steffie shelf.

Goddess of Asia has come up for a recent photoshoot and may soon be appearing for sale. I adore this girl, but she takes up too much display space in the cabinet.

She's the only Steffie sculpt Bob Mackie has used so far, and her costume is amazing. It's not designed to be removable, as far as I can tell. The beading is throughout the skirt phenomenal. The bodice features illusion style beaded detailing.

Her facial screening is really pretty, too: unusual lime green and yellow with lots of blush, plus bright red lips. Her hair is styled in a high braided ponytail and heavy bangs.

You can see additional photos on Flickr.

More items for sale

The Parakeet

I've posted four more listings on the DollPage Show & Sell this morning in preparation for my new book. These listings will be great for my Tonner Doll fans out there. My goal is to rotate the dolls in my collection to get the ones I need for my newest projects. I'll keep you posted on how it's going, but so far, it's going well!

Above, you can see FAO Schwarz exclusive The Parakeet. She uses the Cami sculpt with raven hair in a braided updo. She is gorgeous! If you loved the Flights of Fancy dolls from the 2012 convention, this limited edition 100 girl would fit right in. 

Chantilly Charmant

Chantilly Charmant is an Effanbee doll from the 2006 Paris Fashion Doll, limited to 150. She was only available in Paris. She is a lovely Daphne Dimples doll from the Brenda Starr collection with gorgeous green eyes and platinum curls. She has a pink satin trumpet style gown with antique lace overlay. Simply gorgeous!

Celebration in Paris

Tyler Wentworth makes a red carpet appearance in Celebration in Paris. This doll was a grail of mine for years, but isn't fitting in my collection anymore. Another Paris Fashion Doll LE100 from 2009, this platinum Tyler 2.0 wears a dramatic black gown with lots of tulle.

Morning Mist

Last but not least, it's Morning Mist. Daphne made a long-awaited appearance to Tonner's main line this year with this Tonner Ballet dressed doll, and she includes an additional pair of heel feet. She includes a gorgeous purple and lavender sequined costume and ballet shoes.

I have a lengthy trade list on my DollPage, and here are some of the items I'm looking to add to my collection:

• 2004 Effanbee's Midnight Enchantment Daphne
• 2004 Platinum Panache outfit
• 2004 Weekend in St. Moritz Daphne
• 2005 Brazilian Bombshell Daphne
• 2005 Crystal Celebration outfit
• 2005 Resort Daphne
• 2005 Star of the Red Carpet Daphne
• 2006 Moonlight Mystery Daphne
• 2006 Smoldering Seduction Daphne
• 2007 Diversion at Dinner Daphne
• 2007 High Seas Basic Daphne
• 2007 Noel Angel Tonner Doll
• 2007 Touch of Teal Daphne
• 2008 Wild Inspiration outfit
• 2009 Evening With Simon Daphne
• 2010 Garden Party Iris Raven (Daphne)
• 2010 Ultra Basic Daphne
• 2011 Wilhelmina Wonka

You can contact me by leaving me a comment, on Flickr messages, or on the email I have listed on the DollPage.

Steffie of the Day: Vidal Sassoon Barbie 1970s

Vidal Sassoon, a photo by alington on Flickr.

I can't post about the 1960s version Vidal Sassoon Barbie and not also post about the 1970s version as well. Also styled after J-Pop start Namie Amuro, this doll's styling is inspired by an outfit worn in the music video to Rock Steady:



You can see sort of a crappy full-length shot of both dolls, which Leslie of The Vintage Goddess had for sale for $2400 at this year's Barbie Convention, here:



The 1970s version is actually for sale in her online store (I believe the set sold at convention). I think the 1960s version comes up less often and is slightly more popular.

Her arm is actually on the same side as one of the original Barbie Basic Model 03, though this doll wasn't released as a Target exclusive till two years later. Her hair style is also similar, though her facial screening is quite different.

Her outfit is really cute--check out the beaded details and the boots in the full-length photo.

Again, I'd love to add both to my collection. I can't decide which doll I like most!

Steffie of the Day: Vidal Sassoon 1960s Barbie exclusive

Vidal Sassoon, a photo by alington on Flickr.

This special and hard-to-find Barbie was exclusive to the Japanese market (in 2008) and was not available to purchase. She was raffled off as a prize, limited to a small edition of 300 dolls. Japanese pop star Namie Amuro promoted these dolls in conjunction with Vidal Sassoon, who gave this doll (along with the 1970s-styled version) away as prizes to people who participated in a contest.

Check out the pop star (and see how the doll's styling was inspired) in her music video here on YouTube:



As you might notice, this doll may have started off as a Barbie Basic Model No. 03. However, the dolls that have this face mold don't have brown eyes, their facial screening is different, and their arm poses (there are several versions of this doll) are slightly different (this doll's arm is on the opposite hip, for example, compared to one of the dolls).

The outfit is pretty much identical to the one Namie Amuro wears in the New Look video, and it's really well done.

I would love to have this doll in my collection, but the dolls rarely come up for sale. Leslie, the lovely and wonderful The Vintage Goddess on eBay, had both versions for sale at this year's Barbie convention. She was gracious enough to allow me to take photos of both.

The asking price for the dolls varies, depending on what the original owners ask--in this case, the set included both dolls (they are rarely found as a set), and was $2400. From what I can tell, the set is sold, but she still has the 1970s version available and in stock.

Leslie is your go-to person for anything hard-to-find when it comes to Barbie, by the way, and especially Japanese exclusives!

When a grail isn't all you'd hoped...

Celebration in Paris Tyler Wentworth

Every once in a while, I think I just wait too long to obtain a grail doll. My anticipation builds too much, and then when she arrives, she just can't meet my expectations. This has happened to me recently with the arrival of Celebration in Paris, a Paris Fashion Doll Festival Tyler Wentworth from 2009.

I have to say, she is a lovely Tyler 2.0 sculpt. She's got beautiful platinum blonde hair, styled in short curls. She has amazing red lips and blue eyes. Her black dress is dramatic satin and tulle, with a ribbon belt and a rhinestone buckle. Her jewelry is fantastic, too: two bracelets, a necklace and earrings--all dripping rhinestones. Even her peep-toe shoes are cute and trimmed with sparkles.

I wish she had more dramatic facial screening. I may have waited too long to add her to my collection. She's just not for me. I find she's taking up too much space in my cabinet, and I have to let her go.

I have her listed in on the DollPage Show & Sell for what I paid. I'm hoping someone else will be able to give her a good home and appreciate her, and her limited edition (only 100 were made!), for what she is.

Steffie of the Day: Ultra Hair Whitney

Ultra Hair Whitney, a photo by alington on Flickr.

A grail of mine has finally arrived: It's Ultra Hair Whitney from 1992. She's a European exclusive.

In the Ultra Hair series, there was a brunette doll issued in the US. However, she uses the Superstar sculpt, like the blonde version. In Europe, the Steffie sculpt was used, and her edition size is pretty limited.

When she comes up for sale in NRFB condition, she can sell for $400. Deboxed, and in less than mint condition (mine, for example, is missing her ring and shoes), she can go for much less.

My lovely girl is still in wonderful condition, I think, and has her amazing long and crimped 1990s era hair intact.

Chantilly Charmant

Chantilly Charmant, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Daphne of the Day - It's Chantilly Charmant, from the 2005 Paris Fashion Doll Festival of 2005.

It's true--I may be imbibing a bit in past grails. I find dolls to be soothing in that regard. Plus, it gives me something wonderful for photography subjects.

You can see a few more photos on Flickr.

Ta Da! Daphne

Ta Da! Daphne, a photo by alington on Flickr.

From 2005, this Effanbee doll is from the Modern Doll Collectors Convention in Anaheim, CA. She was limited to 175 dolls, and she has been a grail of mine for some time.

I think she's just fantastic. Her gown reminds me of one of my very first 16" fashion dolls, Brenda Starr's Sizzling Sensation, also a MDCC exclusive from 2004. It feels like silk, and it's lined in white fabric. Her shoes are red pumps with ankle straps and red and white bows.

Her jewelry is really nice, too--she has two rhinestone bracelets and drop earrings, which match the rhinestone accent on her gown. She includes white gloves, which I actually didn't put on for the photo shoot.

She has wonderfully 1940s era facial screening. My friend Carolyn probably could fix her hair to make it perfect. It's styled in an updo with loose curls at the top. Additionally, she's one of the few raven-haired Daphne Dimples dolls, which I love.

See more photos on Flickr.

Tonner Doll Grail alert!

Check out Two Daydreamers Special Event page for some fabulous Tonner Doll deals - I was able to pick up Celebration for a fabulous deal. They even have Lady G right now!

IT Girl Raja gets a makeover

It Girl Raja is a recent acquisition for me, and a trade (really a great trade from Em at the Toy Box Philosopher!), and I've just received her back today after a really fantastic makeover.

My instructions to James were--whatever you like.

His inspiration was Barbie--and she's now a sunkissed goddess. Simply fabulous!

See more photos on Flickr.

Visit James' blog, OOAK Zoo, and his amazing, awesome photostream on Flickr.

What do you think of her new look?

Steffie of the Day: Viky Passeio

Viky Passeio, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Welcome home, Miss Viky! One of my grail dolls, Viky Passeio, has finally made it to my collection.

She is a Steffie sculpt made by Estrela, a Brazilian company, manufactured under license by Mattel in 1989. She was created for the 30th Barbie Convention, I believe though she may have also been for sale on the Brazilian market, and she is not as difficult to find as other Estrela dolls.

She has a pink skin tone, like a Canadian Standard Barbie, articulated wrists, green eyes, and red hair with light blonde streaks. Her outfit doesn't exactly scream 1989 to me--but I find it really interesting.

I got mine in a really amazing trade--and she isn't actually NRFB, which is even better for me (so I can take her out of the box without feeling too guilty).

See more photos of her on Flickr.

Steffie of the Day: Fashion Photo PJ

Fashion Photo PJ, a photo by alington on Flickr.

From 1978, one of my grail Steffies, Fashion Photo PJ. She's a lovely highlighted brunette, who needs a little hair help.

It turns out mine isn't exactly mint, but she's still very pretty. I love this doll. Some things that make her special to me:

• Her gorgeous brown eyes and soft golden eye screening
• Her ultra natural lips
• Her naturally styled hair
• Her turquoise Superstar jewelry
• Her "posing" body, which reminds me just a little of the Walk Lively bodies

Did you think I was "over" Steffie? Um, yeah. I'm over Steffie like I'm over Alice. I don't see it happening. You can see more photos of her on Flickr.

Why I Love Robert Tonner, Joe Petrollese and Crush on Jack Kralik

Everyone has his or her favorite doll line or character. Take for instance, my fellow bloggers: for Alison it's Peakswoods BJDs; Kathie & Valerie are Poppy Parker crazy; and Shuga, well, she’s an Integrity girl. But for me, it's Tonner & Wilde Imagination, pretty much all the way.

Recently I was counting my dolls on display, by company (I'm a counter, who knows why, a bit of OCD perhaps?) and here's what I came up with: BJDs - 1, contemporary Barbie - 3, vintage Barbie - 6, Madame Alexander - 2, Integrity - 7, Wilde Imagination - 10, Tonner - 31. And trust me, there are many more Tonners and WIs currently in storage that used to reside in my second bedroom, before my son moved home after graduating from college. It was a tough call there for awhile, but flesh and blood won over hard plastic and vinyl.

Which got me to thinking; why Tonner? What is it about his dolls that call to me so much? The other dolls pretty much come and go around here, but every time I think I'm going to let some of my Tonners or Ellowynes go, it doesn't happen.

So why do I love Robert Tonner? Two words: Tyler and Imagination. Tyler is by far my favorite sculpt. There is something so sweet about her face, she looks like the type of woman you'd like to have as a best friend (lucky Sydney!). She can also look so different and versatile from wicked & naughty (Charmed), to sweet & classy (Nights in White Satin), fun (It’s My Party, Harlequin, Look of the Season), whimsical (Believe) and elegant & stunning (Fire Opal, Casino Jade, Autumn Gold). And her clothes are to die for.

Fire Opal Tyler and Autumn Gold Tyler

Blues Skies Glinda in Winter Forest and Basic Witch in Griffin Splendor

Robert's imagination seems inexhaustible! The Oz line (think Blue Skies Glinda, Witchcraft), Alice in Wonderland (Alice Through the Looking Glass, Wonderland Costume Ball, Blushing Queen), Cinderella, Reimagination, Sinister Circus, Fashion Zombies, and on and on. The dolls are beautiful, the costumes divine and the quality is unsurpassed. I've always wondered how he comes up with all of his ideas. Does he dream dolls?

And let's not forget Ellowyne. She has her own Yahoo Group and Doll Board. I know many who have pretty much quit collecting anything else.

As for Joe: the man who created Evangeline Ghastly and Amelia Thimble (I recently saw my first Amelia in person and could she be any cuter? The Halloween gift set was quickly added to my Grail list.) Evangeline is just fabulous! Everything about her from her story, her armoire, her pets and her incredible outfits. Joe is also responsible for many of Tonner's fabulous outfits: The Devereaux Sisters, many, if not all, of the Oz costumes. So loving Robert and Joe, you may ask why the "crush" on Jack? First off; he's pretty cute and sexy. And secondly and more importantly; I have a fairly strong suspicion that Jack is one of the reasons Tonner Doll Company is so successful. Every good company needs a good businessperson. And unless Robert is one of those rare individuals who is a great Artist and a good businessman (as an Art Major, my experience has been that the two don't go together very often) Jack probably fulfills a much needed dose of reality. Without Jack, it might be a little shaky. And did I mention he's cute? :)

And finally, the Tonner Doll Company does a lot for various charities. I work for a non-profit in South San Diego that shelters battered women (and men) and their children. Every year we hold a fundraiser with a silent auction. Since I first wrote requests letters for donated items for those auctions, both Tonner and Wilde Imagination have sent one or two items, every year. The rest of the doll companies; MA sent a doll once, and we've never heard back from the others.

So for Robert, Joe and Jack; my heartfelt love and admiration. Keep up the good work, Gentlemen. (And for Debra & Michelle too!)

xoxo

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.