10/29/2011

Halloween Convention - Some Centerpieces and Companion Dolls

The internet connection at this hotel is really bad. I tried to upload pics to Prego and kept losing them.
Hopefully this will work. There are more but I'm getting very frustrated waiting.

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These are from the Saturday brunch. The centerpiece is seen in the last three images. It is Cinderella. I think. Robert did a crazy reimagined Cinderella story in which they all turned out to be zombies and she became the queen of the zombies and cut off the heads of her step mother and step sisters. Although she didn't live happily ever after, she got revenge. Oy.

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Live from Burlington, Vermont

So we were going to have Ben and Jerry's ice cream but it was too cold. Seriously, it's freezing here. What happened to fall?
From the Tonner Halloween convention...reporting semi-live:
I'm so tired I don't even know why I'm still up. I was lucky to be picked to have the opportunity to purchase the centerpiece earlier this evening. The minute I saw her on the table I wanted her and she's mine!!!!

A few quickie pictures are posted on Prego so go over there to see more.

I will do a recap when I get home. The WiFi here is slooooow.

10/27/2011

Preorder Basic Devon

Paul Pham announced that he will accept pre-orders for the new Basic Devon beginning Friday, October 28.
No price point or time was included in the announcement. http://dollcis.com/

The timing of this release and that of Masque from Superfrock is unfortunate for anyone traveling to the Halloween convention in Burlington, Vermont. But there are always mobile apps and Paypal functions quite well from a smartphone.

Halloween Convention Here We Come!

Tomorrow the spousal unit and I will be at the Tonner Halloween Convention in Burlington, Vermont. Although we have attended quite a few local Tonner events, this will be our first weekend-long party. It's been a crazy busy month beginning with the Jewish holidays, being an observer of the Wu event and my son's wedding from which we just arrived back home 3 days ago. It's been so busy that I haven't been able to take the time to photograph many of my new dolls and outfits. That will keep me busy for the rest of the year.
Yesterday I wrapped our table gifts and got my photo contest entries mounted. Today I have to pack. I'm excited!
Keep an eye (or two) out for pictures from the event. And if you are reading this and will be there, please say hello.

Here is a link to the agenda for those who would like to know more:
http://www.tonnerdirect.com/t-2011halloconagenda.aspx

2012 Barbie Dolls

One doll that will never make it through my front door is Shoe Obsession Barbie. Yes, those are shoes held in a tulle overlay on the dress. Her face is scary-cheerful. This doll is wrong on so many levels. Designed by Linda Kyaw who also designed the literal Pantone Barbie. Retail. $39.

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The only thing I want is the necklace from the Hope Diamond Barbie doll. I can just imagine how the hair will arrive on the real life doll. The facial screening is too cartoon-like for a sophisticated presentation like this. $75.

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If you haven't seen pictures yet, here are pictures of the initial release of 2012 Dolls of the World which are due to be available in December. Designed by Linda Kyaw. Retail $29.99
From top to bottom they represent Argentina holding a baby cougar, Australia with a gray koala, China has a panda and Ireland holding an Irish Setter.

10/26/2011

Nighty Brights™ Francie® Giftset

Mattel has posted that the new giftset with a Silkstone Francie doll will be available at 9AM Pacific Time on November 2, 2011. This is a Barbie Fan Club Exclusive and a Gold Label item of which 3000 units are produced. Retail price is $75.

Nighty Brights Francie Giftset is a fresh, fun take on Barbie doll's cute cousin, in a new Silkstone® body! She's all set for a slumber party in green baby dolls pjs with yellow, white and pink polka dots, matching bloomers and white slippers with pink pompoms. For daytime, Francie dons an adorable orange outfit accented with white and blue, white textured tights, and MODern white go-go boots! Accessories include a personalized hanger, green slumber mask, brush, comb and diary. She'll sleep tight in sensational style!

The first Silkstone Francie has already hit the shelves and eBay as "Check, Please!" Although the list price is $79. some dealers are selling her for $69. She is a Dealer Exclusive and a Gold Label item.

Just what the doll world needed - more unarticulated dolls and a sad looking little doggie. But...the clothes are very cute vintage reproductions and I think she will be quite popular.

Why do brothers always ruin Barbie dolls?

Do you watch Dexter? If so you will understand the title of this blog post and the graphic on the t-shirt. If not, I will just say that a Barbie doll - or parts of one - were left for Dexter as clues by a killer who wanted to be found. Did anyone ever deny that Barbie was versatile? Hehehe.

Anyway, I want this t-shirt that the Showtime website is selling. I'll take a L in black.

Seen on The Studio Commissary

This wonderful and not too scary Halloween themed photograph was posted by Ernesto Padro Campos on The Studio Commissary.
Ernesto's caption reads, "All About the Eyes" Gene Marshall wears Retros' magnificent witch garb. Little neighbors also wear Retros' costumes.

One of the things I love about Ernesto's photography is his use of props. They're always relevant and interesting but never distracting. The viewer focuses on the main subject and then realizes there's more going on. He is a master doll photographer!

Click here for link to original post.

10/25/2011

Rear Window Grace Kelly Doll

I had to jump through Gilt hoops to get to this description:

The sophisticated beauty of Grace Kelly is captured in this Barbie Doll inspired by her character in Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window. The elegant chiffon dress is a simple style with a v-neck bodice and full calf-length skirt in classic black and white. The top of the skirt features a branch pattern that extends ethereally from the belted waist. Classic pearls accessorize at the neck and wrist, while a white chiffon shawl, white "satin" gloves, and black heels complete one of Grace Kelly's most iconic looks.
Features:

Pre-Release GILT Exclusive

Official release in December 2011

For ages 6 and over

Use of the name and likeness of Grace Kelly by permission of the Princess Grace Foundation-USA, a non-profit organization that continues Princess Grace of Monaco’s commitment to supporting emerging artists. www.pgfusa.org.
Production doll may vary from the photo shown above. Mattel reserves the right to modify the fashion/fabrics, sculpt, hair color/style, and accessories. Doll cannot stand alone as shown.
Brand: Mattel
Material: Plastic
Origin: Imported

Gilt is a website selling merchandise of all kinds including brand name fashions and accessories for everyone. I don't know their connection to Mattel but they are also selling several other Barbie dolls.

The price for the doll is $35. on the Gilt site. I would just like to be able to buy the fashions from this and the two other dolls I'm not going to purchase. I did buy the Silkstone honeymoon (The Romance) giftset. It's selling for $125. on this site.

Click here for the link to Gilt.

Upcoming Madame Alexander Event ~ Auction

Click on the first photo for details.

Tokidoki Arrives

I don't know what the big deal is. I think many will be disappointed when they see that the promotional photo looks way better than the actual doll. At first I thought my doll's eyes were wonky but that's the nature of side glancing eyes in many cases. However, the screening is careless looking. The promo has nice smooth, full hair and extra lashes were obviously Photoshopped in. I took my pics outside on the deck with a point and shoot camera. If I decide to debox and fool with her hair, I will take serious photos.
What do you think of the IRL doll?

Promo on left vs. actual doll on right.

I have no desire to get tattooed, name my dog Bastardino or dye my hair pink. I do love her accessories. She is a very cute doll.

Halloween Themed Dolls

Halloween is a favorite celebration among doll collectors. We are lovers of fantasy and dressing up where it concerns our dolls and that's what Halloween is all about. Let's not forget the candy aspect! Back in the dark ages when I was a child Halloween was about pumpkin carving and trick or treating. It now rivals Christmas where it concerns retail stores' merchandise. You can light the exterior of your home with themed electronic goods. Frankenstein et al can stalk your property which might be transformed into a cemetary. A visitor to your door might be greeted by howls and all sorts of horrible sounds which they activated just by being there.
The most gruesome animated scene I came upon was half a human body being eaten by rats. Then there are the dead babies on swings you can hang on your porch. Fun?

For those of us who do not wish to go that far...we can surround ourselves with theme dolls and there are many out there. Prices vary widely for Madame Alexander dolls. As always, I recommend shopping and comparing thoroughly before plunking down your cash! Check the tax and shipping as well because that can make a big difference.

Madame Alexander makes my favorite 10" Cissettes in a variety of costumes. There are prior year dolls which you can hunt down. These are currently available.