12/31/2015

New Year Wishes 2016

Just a short post to thank you, my readers, for your participation and interest in the blog this past year.
May 2016 bring us good health, security, peace, love and amazing dolls.


12/30/2015

Barbie Fan Club 2016

Will you be joining? If it weren't for the upcoming articulated Silkstone dolls, I'd be dropping out because these last two years have been very disappointing. What about you?


Redressing: Domina, Fidele and Veroniques

We all have had  the experience of finding the perfect outfit for a doll. When that happens to me, I don't want to redress her. I love looking at my dolls. It gives me joy. When a new fashion arrives it sometimes takes a while to decide who will undergo the change.  Such a problem. :-)

Last week I experienced a redressing frenzy; the ensuing photo shoot resulted.

Domina models"Etoile" which I was able to get at the recent Superdoll sale for half the original price. This fashion comes with a pretty neckpiece which is not shown in my photo.



Fidele is modeling Madra's "Devil May Care" costume. This was produced by Ashton Drake in 2000.
Her shoes are from a Gen X 12-pair shoe pack. They fit the resin dolls very well.


Finally, a 2005 Fashion Royalty Veronique known as "Foreign Affair" who has been switched to an FR2 body models a mini dress by Huckleberry Jackson.


My rerooted, rebodied "Body Double" Veronique models "Perfect Reign" Tatyana's gown in front of the tree. I give a great deal of credit to anyone who was able to put on the elbow length lace gloves. I gave up after about a minute.



Creative Wardrobe Closet Alterations

Collector, Sassafras, posted photos of her new Holiday Gene Jamieshow Doll and her wardrobe case to which she made clever alterations.



Sassafras wrote:
Gene needed more space for her fashions so I made an insert using black foamcore board and put it into the lid of her box. It will slide out and the lid is in original condition. I put in just a few fashions to show what length each rod can accomodate.
The Chinese chest is from an "antique" store. It was red so I painted it to match the dressing room furniture. 


I asked about the new rods and she told me that they are wooden dowels painted silver. She used rectanges of foamcore with a notch cut out and copied the way they attach in the factory dressing room. She covered the raw edges of the foamcore with strips of cardstock.

What a fun and useful addition to Gene's case!

12/28/2015

Introducing Zorra from Ficon Doll

The 16" resin BJDs  keep getting more and more beautiful. I love Ficon's new, high-cheekboned sculpt.
I've altered the first image somewhat.


Ficon will list Zorra for sale at 9:00 AM on the 29th of December. This is Korea time.
If I were to buy one, I'd be going on line in about 1-1/2 hours. Philadelphia is 14 hours behind Seoul. Adjust your time accordingly.




http://www.ficondoll.com/

12/26/2015

Sybarite Forest Dressed Doll 198

This doll is up right now along with the other two, Valkyrie and Midnite.
 http://www.superdollonline.co.uk/acatalog/DRESSED-DOLLS.html
Like the Angel of Havoc......

NEW! GENX.2 body!
NEW! Cosmetique skintone!

Extremely long platinum blend wig of KK upon her head, with eyes of icy blue. Shades of grey and charcoal and pearlised eyeliner surround her peaceful eyes. Lips of pure pearl.
Multi layer empire line full length gown against her skin trimmed with embroidery, applied flowers and heavenly crystal sequin.White hose.
Finishing touches are her neckline and underbust detailing of grosgrain and 'diamond'. Mid calf stiletto boots of crystal sequin with silver foil top band and glistening glitter toecaps..
The perfect accessory, her CANDLESTICK to light the way to her triumph.
She wear4s a 'diamond' headpiece to twinkle thru the Forest by the light of her candlestick.

Good will always triumph over evil.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Clone: 1000 Venus d'Royce

Of course she comes with the following standard accessories:
-manic_cure hands (see booklet for hand change instructions)
-booklet
-stand

PRODUCTION MAY VARY FROM PROTOTYPE SHOWN.
DOLLS WILL COMMENCE SHIPPING 06 JANUARY 2016
In stock and ready to be delivered





I hope she's as beautiful as she looks because I ordered one!

12/23/2015

2015 Holiday Wishes

Black Lipstick Gene Marshall is my model for Special Appearance Violet Waters' pearl and sequin covered gown.





Sending sincere wishes to all my readers for a joyous, toy-filled and memorable holiday.




12/20/2015

Tonner Dolls: Bianca Lapin and Spring Flowers Ballerina

Two new Tonners joined the tribe last week. Spring Flowers is my first and only Tonner Ballerina. I've admired this line from the beginning. I won her in an auction at the Center City Doll Club earlier this month. She loves the camera! (Breathless Mahoney head sculpt.)



I actually forgot that I pre-ordered Bianca Lapin! It was a long time from the promo to the actual doll's appearance. She wears a faux leather dress under her cape. (Sculpt - Breathless)
Here is a partial description from the Tonnerdoll.com website:
From the Re-Imagination Collection comes ... Bianca Lapin.  Bianca Lapin is in a hurry. Her platinum white hair cascades down her back as she sits inside The Looking Glass tapping her fingers anxiously against the bar. Noticing a sharply dressed gentleman taking a seat beside her, she quickly averts her eyes and glances again at the clock...

Ed. Note:
Here's one of the promo shots on the Tonner web site. Did they change the vinyl color or are my photos dark & overly saturated? There are a bunch of differences in the hair, too.


12/18/2015

JAMIEshow Mel Odom's "Poised for Success" Zita Charles

I did say when it rains, it pours and look what's on the horizon now - Zita Charles in resin from Jamieshow Doll. She is so adorable that I knew immediately I'd be ordering her.
Here is the description from the Jamieshow website:

"POISED FOR SUCCESS"
Zita Charles Dressed Doll
“Poised for Success” was a frothy comedy in which Zita Charles, in a comeback role, was once again allowed to run wild with her comic flair. As the widowed owner of a modeling agency, her character “Vera Swan” spends her days playing cupid and trying to find suitable husbands for the girls in her agency, so she can “retire with a clear conscious”.   Depending on the famous Zita Charles ‘light touch’, it was a delightful exercise in mistaken identities and fast-paced, drawing room comedy.  Zita effortlessly reminded the American public of just how much they’d been missing her.

Zita wears a pencil slim, navy suit, featuring a shell pink, shawl collar and cuffs over a cream blouse, self bowed at the neck.  Her navy and cream, spectator pumps also sport jaunty bows and a veiled, portrait hat completes the chic afternoon look.  Her titian hair is tied in a soft curl in back and features the famous silver streak that became the trademark of Zita’s comeback films.  It was her one concession to getting older on film.

Zita is a 16" Ball Jointed Resin Doll, made and painted entirely by hand.
Made of our exclusive J-Resin® which is hypoallergenic.

Ltd Edition of 125
Pre Order Item
Shipping January 2016
$450.


To order:
http://www.jamieshow.us/JAMIEshow-Poised-for-Success-Zita-Charles



Update on GENX body Problem

I was pretty upset with the overlapping vinyl on the left leg's knee joint. Ayal suggested an Xacto knife operation and I wasn't going to do it but I just happened to be near a nice sharp little slicer and I went to work on her. It was easy and I got the vinyl down to the point that it will not protrude from hosiery. It doesn't look exactly like the other leg but no one will know except me and about 3,000 of my readers. :-)



I received a lovely email from Joe Quinlan, Operations Manager at Superdoll. Apparently he tried to call my home but my NoMoRoBo blocks most unknown callers so he couldn't get through. At least that's why I think he couldn't get through. He did offer help via email if I wanted to go that route.
I wrote to him about the metal pin which is sticking out of the (same) leg and asked how to fix it.
He recommended the following:

I would recommend holding the leg down on a solid surface and applying pressure with a blunt metal object like the underside of a spoon, for example. Try and make sure the pressure is directly on top of the protruding pin at a 90 degree angle and the leg is as steady and secure as possible, this should just aid the pin into its intended position.  Warming the area up my also help if you are still struggling.

I have not tried it yet as I wanted to photograph my doll before undressing her again. I hope it works as I do like to put hosiery on my Sybarites. I have bad visions of cracking the leg altogether. Ugh. 

Many colorful comments have been made in my related thread on Prego and here on the blog about Superdoll. Let me just say this. I think their product is fantastic. No one makes dolls and fashions with the styling and daring they do. Is that the reason so many say nothing?

I love my Sybarites but..."if you stand for nothing, you'll fall for anything." 

 
What product line is so important that you would keep your mouth shut when it is defective or if you are not offered a fix? This is the Emperor's New Clothes syndrome in action.

I have friendships with many doll manufacturers and I do care about them and their success. I want to see thriving, healthy competition in the doll world among designers and manufacturers. It's better for all of us.







It's only money - mine.

When It Rains....The Dolls Start Piling Up

Would you believe I ordered Perfect Reign Tatyana Alexandrova 7 months ago? She arrived today. So I open the box thinking it's Eugenia for some reason (CRS) and I'm wondering if they changed her sculpt. Then I looked at the name on the box. Well, this is the best looking Tatyana ever.

I always thought that her features were too coarse but she now has been adjusted to look like most of the rest of the FR line...vanilla.





Previous Tatyana's were spelled Tatyana.  Someone has a problem with i and y.
and
why does it say Dressed Doll Gift Set on the box? Am I missing something?

You know the saying about the left and right hands?







 Prior Tatyanas-she is no longer a dark, brooding character.




The Red Queen was pretty cute:

Superdoll: New Dolls with GenX.2 Body

Today two dolls debuted.

VALKYRE DD_099


Dark Brunette wig of mohair upon her head, with eyes of fiery amber. Shades of red and liquid gold eyeliner surround her alluring eyes. Lips of dark apple red.
White organza and lace blouse against her skin and sequin black ventilated back opening jacket. Matching sequin trousers.
Formal touches are her Sado Masochist body harness with detachable 'leather' and cut-out embroidered sleeves. Ankle boots in weave and studded belts.
The perfect accessory, her VENUS 'diamond' stud knuckleduster!
She dons her bonnet of boned organza that frames her face in a halo of studs.

Bound by the vanity of another.... she awaits her sister's escape to Triumph over their capture.
Price: £259.20 (Excluding VAT at 20%) [About $386.11 USD]
 ____________
 ____________

MIDNITE DD_100

Vibrant Titian wig of mohair upon her head, with eyes of poison green. Shades of black and iridescent blue eyeliner surround her vicious eyes. Lips of deceptive coral.
Nude mesh vine and thorn embroidered bodice against her skin trimmed in velvet flowers attached to her ever so luxurious velvet skirt form her delightful gown.Nude hose and nude petticoat.
Formal touches are her Dominating lace up patent belt with jeweled detail bearing midnight blue stone, she created from the tears of those she holds capture.. Patent navy ankle strap sandals.
The perfect accessory, her SD monogram AXE!
She dons her silver glitter mask in hope she escapes recognition.

Holding fast with her Axe and threat.... there is no escaping her!.
Price: £249.60 (Excluding VAT at 20%) [About $372. USD]

 
I guess the boxes won't say "sample" now that they've got the bodies right. 
They are now labeled GENX.2 and the skin tone is called Cosmetique.
Both dolls:
Clone: 1000 Venus d'Royce
Of course she comes with the following standard accessories:
-manic_cure hands (see booklet for hand change instructions)
-booklet
-stand
In stock and ready to be delivered


They are very edgy, interesting and attractive. If the 2015 dolly dollars weren't all earmarked already, I'd order Midnite. I like her makeup palette and fashion. 
 _________________________________

I will be posting an update about the body defect issue I posted previously.

W Club 2015 Exclusive "J'Adore La Fete"

The final W Club 2015 doll has been announced and fortunately or unfortunately I have to order one.
It's an Elise Jolie gift set in a trunk, reminiscent of Fashion Royalty Kyori Ginza who also came in a trunk like this. I still have Kyori's trunk stuffed with story cards and COAs. 

The edition size will be enormous, I'm sure, as it's based upon how many the members order and there are a lot of members. Unfortunately it won't be ready until late spring or early summer of next year.
The price is $175. which isn't bad for a doll with three outfits: a gown, a suit and lingerie.




The gown looks black but it's dark wine with black trim. I love the suit.
I hope the quality exceeds our expectations.

 (I'm spelling her name with an 'i' no matter how many times it's changed.)

12/15/2015

Disappointing Sybarite Gen-X Body

I finally deboxed a Gen-X Sybarite doll and to my dismay, I've discovered a defect in one of the knee joints. I've been informed that all the Gen-X dolls prior to the recently released Guillotine have this issue and that is why "all early dolls are marked SAMPLE on the box."

Because she is a convention doll, I paid a premium for this vinyl doll. She's very unique and I like everything else about her.


The thing that drew me to her initially is her hairstyle. It's made up of two wigs, one on top of the other. The one closest to her scalp is darker brown and is just brushed back and cut short. The upper wig is a lighter color drawn up into two long pony tails.

Her gown is a white crochet type knit with fluffy tulle at the lower third of the dress. The belt is iridescent purple, a color which is picked up by the ribbons in her hair.

Underneath is a set of sexy, sparkly lingerie.


The bra and panty are glitter encrusted as are the fabulous shoes. I'm not a fan of glitter but in this instance, it works.

This is the joint issue:


What I don't understand is why I never heard of this problem prior to discovering it myself. Are collectors so blindly in love with these dolls that they don't say anything and will just keep buying? Not that I needed to hear complaints, but I'm surprised.

I've been offered the opportunity to return the doll to the UK to have the part replaced without a guarantee of vinyl color match. I'd rather sell her to someone who missed out on purchasing this very small edition doll. I don't know what to do.

Ed. Update:
I never would have posted publicly about it if an appropriate response to a defective $600.+ doll had been offered. 
The other companies I deal with most often: Tonner, Jamieshow, Integrity and Kingdom Doll would have offered to repair or replace the doll at no cost to me.
What's worse is finding out that this was a known problem.
I surely wouldn't have purchased her if I had knowledge of this troublesome and widespread defect.


12/11/2015

New Superdoll Fashions

These four new Gen-X fashions took me by surprise. I did not get an announcement email at all and just happened to be looking for something else on the site. There is no information on edition size so maybe they will be around for a while.


___________

BLUE DUKE SYB/773

Not one for equestrianism, but this one sporting look!
Venus had waited ages for blue mid calf length glossy stiletto boots.

To accompany her boots she decided on a a blue plaid slim cut 'boy' suit trimmed in dark ruby, which she wears over a hip length portrait T, with print of herself sporting Bowie make up! Shirt bears white shirt collar detailing.
To accessorise she wears a cute dark ruby knitted beanie, with large blue bag in blue trimmed with VENUS monogram and huge rock 'n snowflake detail..
Looking glam and ready for whatever... shoe added a pair of glitening mega dangle bracelets, just because she should.

A winning winter combo!
In stock and ready to be delivered
Price: £138.41 (Excluding VAT at 20%)
 ___________



HAGGIS TRAP SYB/775

Not one for playing games, but this is one sporting look!
Venus had waited ages for thigh high red glossy stiletto boots.

To accompany her boots she decided on a micro mini lazer cut skirt of georgette and glisten with sheer corselette and red suspemders, which she wears over a creme off the shoulder long sleeve spencer.
To accessorise she wears her wide 'gold' leatherette belt, furrr mittens, red clutch bag with goldenrod and to top it off, her beaver hunter in red and white with SD smiley logo and a divine 'diamond' and black neck choker..
Looking glam and ready for the tournament, she struggled with her mittens to get on her plaid cape trimmed in 'gold' and black!

A winning winter combo!
In stock and ready to be delivered
Price: £135.19 (Excluding VAT at 20%)
___________
 

 

PAINTENT BLACK SYB/774

Not one for sports, but this is one sporting look!
Venus had waited ages for knee length orange glossy stiletto boots.

To accompany her boots she decided on a slim line knee length dress with striped gossamer polo shirt detail, which she wears with her black high gloss tailored jacket.
To accessorise she wears her jewel multi sling detail skinny 'gold' leatherette belt, furrr mittens, mid size orange bag with SD monogram trim, pearl and star detail; and to top it off, her bold handknit orange and black neckscarf.
Looking glam and ready to spectate! Black earmuffs shown not included.

A winning winter combo!
In stock and ready to be delivered
Price: £139.37 (Excluding VAT at 20%)
 ___________
 
 
 

FIFTEEN FAB SYB/772

Not one for team spirit, but this is one sporting look!
Venus had waited ages for thigh length black glossy stiletto boots.

To accompany her boots she decided on a micro mini lazer cut dress with attached SUPERDOLL 15 FABULOUS print sleeveless T top.
To accessorise she wears her black fez trimmed in furr, her shocking pink double breasted car coat with huge black ' Yak' trim collar, daytime size black bag trimmed in 'gold' tassle, S logo and black 'enamel' rod detailing. and a divine 'diamond' and black double strand 'floral' style necklace.


A winning winter combo!
In stock and ready to be delivered
Price: £138.08 (Excluding VAT at 20%)
 ___________

I still want to get Moon Mood so I won't be ordering any of these...but if money were no object, I'd definitely order Blue Duke.

Click here for the website page:  http://www.superdollonline.co.uk/acatalog/FBR.html