2017 W Club Second Doll is Announced

METAMORPHOSIS

The second W Club doll this season is Nu Face Erin. Erin has come a long way from her early looks. I was a big fan.

The modern Erin appears older and more sophisticated. One wouldn't know it was the same character as the sculpt has changed to an open mouth and the nose was narrowed. She looks stunning, below with her dark hair pulled back. Her rich vinyl "Hungarian" tone is perfect for this incarnation.

The gown is lovely but not something we haven't seen over and over again in different colors. The white top and shorts are admittedly edgy but I must admit that I don't get the train thing with the jeans shorts. It looks pretty in the photo; however, if I were to purchase this doll, I'd be looking for something other than shorts or maybe not. Hmmmm.... 

She could run out to the grocery store and sweep the aisles looking edgy as hell.  She could go clubbing and trip everyone on the dance floor—a good way to meet people. What gala event could she attend in this fashion? How about the Met Gala? Maybe if the shorts were sheer...


I want the shoes.

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Here is the promo text from the W Club announcement:

Item # 82088 Metamorphosis Erin Salston™ Dressed Doll Gift Set The Heirloom Collection 2017 W Club Exclusive Pricing: $175.00 US + S & H Doll Tech Specs: Head Sculpt: ERIN 2.0 Body: NU. FACE 2.5 Foot Sculpt: HIGH-HEELED Skin Tone: HUNGARIAN Hair Color: MIDNIGHT BROWN Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied Quickswitch: No Erin Salston makes a noted cameo on the runway of designer Jessy Ayala as she models two fresh looks from the 2017 Heirloom collection! Light and breezy, everyone's favorite heiress looks absolutely stunning in these couture creations, designed just for her. By incorporating one of her most cherished family heirlooms, the Salston butterfly crown (handed down amongst the women of her family since Victorian times), our bad girl completely transformed these picturesque works of art and made them truly her own! With her new, delightful, ultra-feminine looks, Erin emerges from her cocoon and soars high like the most beautiful creations of nature! Erin Salston is a 12.5-inch fully articulated fashion doll with simple, yet ultra-sophisticated fully rooted, long braided hair that can be transformed into many hot looks! This sensational gift set includes an intricately layered custom printed chiffon gown and a second outfit composed of a one-sleeved white satin top that features an extravagant floor-length train, coupled with unexpected, ultra-edgy denim micro-shorts. The set also includes Erin's precious golden butterfly crown, jewelry and two pairs of shoes. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only. This doll cannot stand alone; a doll stand is included. A W Club members-only exclusive. Note: Please note that the doll, clothes and accessories pictured in the photo are prototypes and as always, final production colors and textures may vary slightly. __________________ Update on source of hi-lo fashion. It looks better on the doll than on Kendall Jenner. Comments? As always, anonymous and or unsigned comments may not be posted.

IFDC "Never Predictable" Doll

One of the three Integrity Toys' dolls at this year's IFDC was "Never Predictable." I purchased her on an impulse as I love that long curly haired style and the gown looked pretty. 

I was not disappointed with the fashion. It's not what I would call great but it is made very well and fits beautifully. I don't love the color. The accessories were matching shoes with fiddly string ties that I had to tape to the back of her legs, panties, a chunky gold metal bangle and boring earrings and a ring. There were full-length gloves as well which I didn't even try to put on as I don't have the patience for gloves like that.

I don't like the sculpt at all. She's very hard-looking. Her face looks all angled and pointy to me. Her sculpt is called Adaline King and I think she must have been one of the color infusion faces. Why would they do that for a convention companion doll? 

So, I will try to sell her head.

I have redressed an older Vanessa in the fashion and I am pleased. She is holding her hand up because I had to put a touch of glue on the back of the finger wearing the ring. I do that with all my dolls who wear rings. The glue comes off with no residue and I don't lose rings.

Gene Marshall Doll to Retire for the Third Time

It has been announced that the current Gene Marshall line, produced by Jamieshow, will be retired in 6 months at the 2018 Jamieshow Palm Springs Convention. The event is being called "A Fashion Retrospective & Farewell to Gene" and takes place February 16-18th at the Riviera Palm Springs Resort & Spa.

                                     



Here is the link to the announcement. Note: if the link goes nowhere, just copy it and paste it in your browser address window. Blogger is not working properly for me for some reason.

http://mailchi.mp/jamieshow/jamieshow-news-updates-2018-convention-news?e=[UNIQID]

Superdoll Collectables "Vivir"

The hits keep coming. Vivir is a new doll released today. As of this writing it is available for purchase. Link below.

VIVIR SYB/DD_0124

Venus is glam as could be in her polka dot bicorn hat and lace on lace ensemble, but just guessing by her attitude.... She probably not going shopping for wedding gifts!
From the top. A gorgeous bicorn of polka dot netting trimmed in diamante, butterflies and scarlet guipure chrysanthemums. Delicately concealing a white woven base..

Her exceptional long pure black dead straight waist length hair is detailed by cross over woven front hairline... fabulous!

Her eyeshadows in the spectrum of barely visible greys surround her eyes of translucent grey and sky. Lips of pure scarlet.Her 2 piece outfit is simple yet outrageous with a slight Mediterranean luncheon feel... forcing the wedding planner to wonder 'just who is this girl?'It is always fun to spend a day selecting wedding gifts for your best friends wedding, but Venus giggled, and of course is having none of that.Always putting herself first, in a low slashed white lace blouse trimmed in black fringing at the cuffs and black zipper waist cincher atop a scarlet lace transparent skirt; slashed (almost) to her waist, shamelessly flaunting her hold up lace edged striped hose and suspender belts. Cute white blossoms with red centres, and a few garden leaves trim her white vintage style basket purse... her accessory this day.Upon her feet... high heel red on red with transparent everything else sandals.
Venus has no intention of shopping for wedding gifts, but tic tac tic tac she walked through the cobbled shopping streets of London, what would she gift herself today?

Maybe those red frame half mirror sunglasses she has had her eye on.

Clone: 1000 Venus d'RoyceSkintone: COSMETIQUE
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.In stock and ready to be deliveredPrice: £274.75 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

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(274.75 British Pounds equals 363.22 US Dollar)

Superdoll Collectables

You are invited to the 15th Annual Facets BBQ!

Hi all -

Are you ready for another fabulous Facets BBQ??  Number 15 this year!  Where does the time go? 

I'm inviting area doll collectors (and any traveling ones) to come to my house in Matawan, NJ for a BBQ and doll party on Sunday September 17th starting at noon. 

Matawan is in central NJ, near exit 117a of the Garden State Parkway. It is easily accessible by NJ Transit trains from NYC or Newark. 

It will be like the previous BBQ's with lots of people, food, dolls, sales, and more, but there are a few changes, so please read on...

I'll provide all of the food, and there is a cover charge of $18 per person and it must be paid in advance by PayPal (to applefrien@aol.com) or you can send me a check or give me cash if you see me beforehand.  Payment is required no later than Wednesday, September 7th in order to get an accurate head counting for food shopping.

I'll have a sales area set up in my basement - space is on a first come basis and is limited. If you are planning to bring things to sell, please let me know so I can estimate how much space is needed per person and try to get enough shelving/tables to accommodate. If you've been here before, you know the set-up. If you haven't been here before and want to sell, email me for more info. Of course, Facets will be set up for shopping, too :-)

In addition to shopping, we'll have door prizes, the infamous "free table", and lots of dolls to look at.

The "free table" is a table of doll related items that are extras, slightly used, unwanted, etc... It's a good way to get rid of those items that you think someone might want and you don't feel like putting on Ebay. If you have some things you'd like to put in, bring them. However, if no one takes them, you have to take them back or throw them out - they can't stay here! If you want to mail donations, LMK and I'll give you the address. I've already gotten some amazing things mailed to me!

If you want to see what the Free Table is like, check out pictures and Paul's video from last year:

http://facetsbymarcia.com/BBQ2016.htm

Feel free to bring a doll for display. I don't have a theme - bring a favorite, a new acquisition, something you want to show off, whatever.

Contributions to the door prizes are appreciated.

If you need a place to stay in this area, I recommend the Apa Woodbridge (formerly Woodbridge Hotel/Woodbridge Hilton). It's about 20 minutes north of here and is more reasonably priced and nicer than the few hotels in the immediate area. If you are looking for travel mates or roommates, LMK and I'll try to help.

I hope you can make it to the party - it's a day of great fun, great dolls and great people :-) Email me to RSVP or ask questions. When you email me, I would appreciate it if you could put "BBQ" somewhere in the subject so I can sort out those emails.

Marcia

www.facetsbymarcia.com

P.S. If you know someone who might like to come to the BBQ and that hasn't gotten an invitation, please let me know and I'll invite them.

Beautiful Studio Piece from Superdoll

I think there was only one. It disappeared very fast. Congratulations to the person who grabbed it.

BLOSSOM PARKE

Venus is excited to be Walking on Sunshine today!

Photograph colours are 99.9 percent true to actual colour. 

Please bear in mind your monitor may be set differently.

PHOTOGRAPHS ARE ACTUAL DESCRIPTIONS

DOLL AND DOLL STAND NOT INCL 

OUT OF STOCK

Price: £455.00 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

Quantity:   1

New Superdoll DD_0127

Venus was sweet as could be in her white bonnet and guipure lace dress, but just guessing by her gladiator boots.... She just not the type of girl you invite to your wedding!From the top. A gorgeous bonnet of satin and organza trimmed in petals and spike white flowers. Delicately hiding a row of pearl centres.Her exceptional long multitone platinum hair in a waist length braid and swirling long fringe... fabulous!Her eyeshadows in the spectrum of the heavens surround her eyes of pale putty and grey. Lips of pale pastel pink.Her dress is that of any scene stealer... forcing wedding guests to wonder 'just who is the bride?'It has always been said it's rude to wear white to a wedding (unless you the bride), but Venus giggled when she chose this frock bearing turtle doves and butterflies.Adding insult to injury, its a very short dress, shamelessly flaunting her hold up lace edged hose and suspender belts. A cute white bow and pearl trimmed vintage style picnic purse was her accessory this day and a delicate pair of white organza ruffle gloves.Upon her feet... high heel white Gladiator sandals.Venus has no matrimonial plans, so why not steal someone else's big day?

Clone: 1000 Venus d'RoyceSkintone: COSMETIQUE

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.

In stock and ready to be delivered.        Price: £279.16 (Excluding VAT at 20%) 

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Text above from Superdoll website.
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Currency exchange on the British Pound brings the cost of the doll to about $363.44 US. 
Postage to the US will put her over $400 by about $17.

I think she is very pretty. I love the fabrics, the big hat and her wig. She's a summer's delight!

http://www.superdollonline.co.uk/acatalog/SYB-0127-490.html#SID=45

New Barbie Website is Full of Toys

I had a chance to prowl through the new website this morning and my opinion is that it's a success in that it works. Everything has been thrown into what was called Barbie Collector and is now called Barbie.mattel.com.  The inclusion of playline Barbies including playsets, cheap fashion packs, party supplies, and more toy-like products as opposed to collectibles is a turn-off. I'm not in the market for a Barbie backpack or a little Escalade for a child.

Power Wheels Barbie Cadillac Escalade $400. 

If you want to see Silkstone Dolls, use this link:

 http://barbie.mattel.com/shop/en-us/ba/silkstone-dolls#facet:&productBeginIndex:0&orderBy:&pageView:grid&minPrice:&maxPrice:&pageSize:&contentPageSize:&

If you want to see more fashion dolls for adults, click on: 

http://barbie.mattel.com/shop/en-us/ba/fashion-dolls-collection#facet:11510197114991049710310197100117108116&productBeginIndex:0&orderBy:&pageView:grid&minPrice:&maxPrice:&pageSize:&contentPageSize:&

The other big change is that there are going to be three membership levels - pink, gold and platinum. Read very carefully as rewards have requirements such as spending $80 or $100 before you can use one. 

Signature Membership FAQs

At the highest level, you would have to spend $400 over four quarters to get your full $120 benefit. Plus you would get free shipping all year. It could be worth the $34.xx and maybe not. 

You can still do the $19.95 membership fee and get the usual rewards although now you have to spend $80 per order to get $20 off.  That kind of sucks. 

If you don't buy either the gold or the platinum status, you can have a Pink Status membership for free but no access to the forum.

I may just stop buying Silkstone dolls now. 

Everything changes and Mattel is in business to make money, of course. I wish them and this website the best of luck. I am very interested in hearing what my fashion doll collector friends think.

What do you all think about these changes to the website and the membership?

New Barbie Collector site is Launching July 17th, 2017.

Hoping someone other than the last web designing crew designed this new site or it's going to crash and be dysfunctional - again.

If you cannot read the text, click on the photo to enlarge.

Will you be joining this time around?

Gene Marshall Doll Line History

I have seen Anne Monday's preliminary pages of this book and you are going to want it! 

Gene: Dolls, Outfits & Accessories, 1995-2017

By Anne Monday | Foreword by Mel Odom

In 1995 Gene Marshall burst into the doll collecting world. She stood a glamorous 15 ½ inches tall at a time dominated by the 11 ½ inch Barbie. Created by artist Mel Odom, Gene was presented as a doll for the adult collector, to be redressed and played with by her owners. Gene was so successful that within five years many manufacturers copied her size, launching the era of the 16-inch fashion doll.

Gene is a Hollywood star whose career ran from the 1940s until her retirement in 1961. As such, her wardrobe is replete with outfits from such highly recognized designers as Dior, Charles James, and Valentino as well as costumes from her movie roles, both contemporary and historic, complete with coordinated hats, shoes, gloves, purses, jewelry, and more.

This volume presents a year-by-year photographic chronicle of every Gene release from her debut in 1995 with Ashton-Drake Galleries through JAMIEshow’s latest incarnations in the first half of 2017. In these pages, you will find photos of:

-- Every dressed doll depicting Gene and her friends, from the major editions numbering in the thousands to special limited editions of as little as five dolls.
-- Every outfit and accessory released separately, including closeups of smaller items such as shoes and jewelry.
-- More than 470 pages of full-color photos make this the most comprehensive guide to Gene ever made — an ideal guide for collectors!

This book is on pre-order through September 15. 

ALL PREORDERS will receive a BOOK SIGNED BY MEL ODOM.

• Free Shipping during the Preorder (U.S. only, and for this item only)
• Please order this book by itself, since it has to be shipped later. Purchase other items in a separate transaction
• This book will be printed and shipped in late November or early December (in time for Christmas). The preorder sales will determine the print run.
• Order here: http://shop.dollsmagazine.com/gene-marshall-fashion-dolls-book.html

The cover:

W-Club Members Only "RIGHT TO BUY" Lottery For The 2017 IFDC Dolls

Integrity Toys produced three dolls for the 2017 IFDC convention which was called "Dollton Abbey."
Their interpretation of the theme was quite broad as no one would ever mistake any of these dolls as representing the early 20th century in British fashion. (1900-1920)

Touch of Whimsy

Official Convention Doll

IFDC 2017

Limited Edition Size: 500 (Total edition size, including those sold/given out at IFDC)

Price: $175.00 + shipping and handling.

Head Sculpt: Finley

Body Type: FR 6.0

Skin tone: Cream;  Hair Color: Golden Blond

Never Predictable

Official Companion Doll

IFDC 2017

Limited Edition Size: 500 (Total edition size, including those sold/given out at IFDC) 

Price: $150.00 + Shipping and Handling

Head Sculpt: Adaline King 2.0

Body Type: FR 6.0

Skin tone: Japan;  Hair Color: Auburn Sugar

Feeling Wild

IT Direct Exclusive

IFDC 2017

Limited Edition Size: 500 (Total edition size, including those sold/given out at IFDC) 

Price: $150.00 + Shipping and Handling

Head Sculpt: Giselle D.

Body Type: FR 6.0

Skin tone: Cream;  Hair Color: Burnt Sienna

Check out this page for some catwalk takes on Downton Abbey era fashion.

http://forums.thefashionspot.com/f49/downton-abbey-sparking-trend-early-20th-century-fashion-151407.html

What do you think of these dolls? 

East Meets West Madra and Kingdom Doll Chaucer Exchange Fashions

The first photo shows Madra in her original fashion. I have changed the jewelry. 

The second photo shows Chaucer in Madra's suit. In my eyes, it's a tie as to who wears it better. 

This Asian inspired gown from Rudi Teruel RND Designs is spectacular on Chaucer. Unfortunately my photo does not show that. (Hey, I'm not done learning.)  

On Madra, it is perfect. First of all, the photo is more alive and second, she's got the face and hairstyle to suit the fashion. Madra wins.

Who do you think wears each fashion better?

2017 Fashion Royalty Collection Revealed

Five Fashion Royalty dolls were revealed on Saturday, June 24, via a webinar for the members of the W Club. I tried to watch on my phone from Chicago but had little success in seeing photos. There was a good deal of talking and I was attending a workshop. Just a case of bad timing...
However, every member was emailed a full description with gorgeous photos of the dolls.
Nu Face dolls were also revealed but I'll deal with them in another post.
English translation of doll names is in brackets after each name.

Vivacité [vivacity]

Eugenia Perrin-Frost™ Dressed Doll

La Femme

The 2017 Fashion Royalty® Collection

Edition Size: 1025

Estimated Delivery: Fall/Winter 2017

Retail Price: $145.00 US

Body: FR 6.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Eugenia channels her inner French girl with this soft and ultra-feminine look that just is just too adorable and sophisticated for words! Dressed in a pair of perfectly fitted capri pants and a sensuous off-the-shoulder blouse (with an extra-long bow detail on the back), Eugenia is ready for an afternoon stroll amongst the stalls of her favorite florists, where she picked up a most delicate bouquet of fresh roses.

Coquette [flirt]

Jordan Duval™ Dressed Doll

La Femme

The 2017 Fashion Royalty® Collection

Edition Size: 725

Estimated Delivery: September 2017

Retail Price: $145.00 US

Body: FR 6.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

For her "recon" mission on the Riviera, Jordan opted for a re-invented version of the classic hostess outfit with a floor length, detachable turquoise satin skirt over delicately striped satin capri pants, topped by a faux-leather bustier that gives this sunny look an ultra-modern, yet soft and sophisticated edge. Jordan also opted to complete the look with colorful accessories that truly make her perfect cocoa skin tone stand out and shine!

Sophistiquée [sophisticated]

Vanessa Perrin™ Dressed Doll

Head Sculpt: Vanessa Perrin 3.0

La Femme

The 2017 Fashion Royalty® Collection

Edition Size: 825

Estimated Delivery: Fall/Winter 2017

Retail Price: $145.00 US

Body: FR 6.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Dressed to accompany Adèle Makéda and her cousin Eugenia on a trip to the French Riviera, Vanessa wears an ultra-modern look, composed of an intricately detailed blouse with long criss-cross ties on the sleeves and a sheer black lace skirt. Since it can get chilly at night, she took along her favorite faux-fur shoulder wrap, which incidentally happens to be one of her favorite fashion pieces!

Séduisante [seductive]

Elyse Jolie™ Close-Up Doll

La Femme

The 2017 Fashion Royalty® Collection

Edition Size: 825

Estimated Delivery: Fall/Winter 2017

Retail Price: $120.00 US

Body: FR 6.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled and Flat Feet (One Pair of Each Included)

Seen here for the first time in the Light Honey skin tone, this wonderful addition to the Fashion Royalty collection marks the debut of the new interchangeable lower leg feature and includes two sets of lower legs, one with the traditional high-heeled feet and another with flat, removable feet, as well as corresponding shoes to fit each. Elyse also comes with her own faux-leather beach bag, jewelry and glamorous wide-frame sunglasses.

This doll will be sold via a W Club right-to-buy lottery later this year. It is not available through dealers. 

Exquise  [exquisite]

Adèle Makéda® Dressed Doll - Head Sculpt: Adèle Makéda 2.0

La Femme

The 2017 Fashion Royalty® Collection

Edition Size: 725

Estimated Delivery: Fall/Winter 2017

Suggested Retail Price: $145.00 US

Body: FR 6.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

For her trek down to the South of France, Adèle opted for an impeccably tailored, red-hot pant suit that features a sophisticated removable cape that transforms the jacket into a vest and allows her to wear this look in multiple ways. She then added a custom-printed head scarf (to protect her finger wave hairstyle), faux-leather gloves and a fashionable hat to complete her look. This lady definitely knows how to travel in style!

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To me the obvious winner of this quintet is Adele. Adele 2.0 is the collector favorite of all the sculpts used for her. This fashion is stunning. Everything works beautifully with this doll. I pre-ordered her immediately upon seeing the photos. I hope she looks exactly as pictured above. 

Sadly, Vanessa is the least attractive of all the dolls. Her fashion is a hot mess with the only saving grace being the shoes and handbag. The skirt is nice on it's own but the 'oxford' blue blouse and the faux fur are just mistakes.

Now let's talk about Elise. We are back to spelling her name Elyse. I adore this sculpt and thought she was excellent even with the color change about which I have heard complaints. I wonder what other dolls have 'light honey' skin tone.  I will be entering the lottery and I hope to be able to purchase her. I don't care about the flat feet. It raises the price a bit and I have no flat shoes for my 12" dolls anyway.  The bathing suit will look better on a less articulated doll.  Let's hope that those who run the lottery don't decide to pick only their favorite people.
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UPDATES: Elise is not going to be a lottery. They've discovered there is enough fabric to make as many as people order. Clever.
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As one collector pointed out, Agnes was included in this collection as the event doll. Any collector who wanted one could order one per membership.

Merveilleuse Agnes Von Weiss $150.