Best Price for Jason Wu/Madame Alexander New Alex Line Dolls

The Doll Market is offering the three Jason Wu designed dolls," Graphic Content Paris", "Going Platinum Paris" and "Virtually Stunning Alex", for the Madame Alexander Alex Line at a sale price of $119.97.
This is the best price I've seen for these dolls which are listed for $149.95 elsewhere except at the Toy Shoppe which is selling them for $134.95. The Luxe Finishing Accessory Set is being sold for  $79.96 instead of $99.95.

These are all pre-order items as the dolls are not expected to be released until late November.

Virtually Stunning Alex

I wasn't going to...but I did pre-order VS Alex.
Strangely enough, neither dealer is offering Mahogany Alex at all. She is available at most other doll dealers for $149.95. As previously noted in another post, all these dolls are LE 150. I think some will sell out, not only because they are lovely, new and designed by Jason, but because they will be released at the beginning of the holiday season spending melee.

I want her, too:

"Vice" Cissy - $349.95 — Expected Delivery December, 2010

If she wasn't so huge at 21" tall, I'd have already put in an order. But I already have all the empty space on my Cissy shelf filled in with smaller dolls for whom there is no more room on their own shelves.

Every now and then I get the queasy feeling that it's time to stop. And then I go to a convention.

(My name is Terri and I am a Doll Addict.)

If you're not registered for the Integrity Toys 2010 Convention here's what to expect.

This post is basically for"newbies" who have not experienced the selling/buying frenzy that occurs after a convention.
You will be able to purchase pretty much everything except the food served to the conventioneers. Of course, you can't buy the fun.

The Convention Collection is made up of the dolls every attendee gets to purchase if they so desire.  Everyone who is registered has received a list of the dolls and the "special" convention price which is between $20-$25 less than the suggested retail.

Here is the list:

“Always Polished” Dasha FR2 Dressed Doll (New Character!)
(Sugg. Retail $175.00)
“Fine Romance” Eugenia Perrin Frost™ Dressed Doll
(Sugg. Retail $175.00)
“Wild at Heart” Lillith and Eden™ Gift Set
(Sugg. Retail $200.00)
“Scarlet Woman” Adèle Makéda® Dressed Doll
(Sugg. Retail $110.00)
“Out of the Blue” Kyori Sato® Dressed Doll
(Sugg. Retail $110.00)
“Night Vision” Count Adrian Von Lamberg™ Figure (New Character!)
(Sugg. Retail $110.00)
“Ask Any Girl” Poppy Parker Gift Set
(Sugg. Retail $150.00)

Most attendees who decide to sell dolls will raise the price from 50—100% and sometimes more depending upon the popularity of the doll and/or their desire to sell.

Other dolls you can count on seeing for sale will be table centerpieces, souvenir dolls given to attendees as part of the convention and the final night's convention doll.

There will be items for sale to conventioneers in the souvenir store which will probably consist of prior year dolls and accessories and perhaps dolls from the Gene Marshall  line. These may show up for sale as well.


There are some collectors who never sell a doll that they get either because they can't part with it or they don't know how to sell. 
Selling items from a convention is a way to make attending the convention affordable (for those of us who do not have unlimited funds.) If you need a push to sell, just add up how much it costs to attend! Write it down and look at the number.

Convention Registration: $350.
Travel To and From the Hotel: (Depends upon mode of transportation.)
Hotel Room: $135. plus tax per night
Additional Meals and/or Beverages: (Four meals are included)
Workshop Kits: (optional-workshops are free but kits can be purchased)
Design-A-Doll Workshop: (optional $35. per doll)
W Club Luncheon: (optional) $50.
Centerpiece: (optional) $150. (based on prior year costs)
Convention Collection: (optional) $936.25 PA tax included
Room Sales: (optional)
Souvenir Store Purchases: (optional)

Great Sale Prices at Chelsea's Collector Cottage in Australia

Chelsea's Collector Cottage is celebrating their 10th Birthday and offering excellent prices on many dolls.
For example: Avantguard "On Edge" is on sale for $99. AUD which comes to about $97.66 USD. The MSRP on this AG doll was $249. Of course many dealers lowered the price shortly after she was issued. Hard to believe, isn't it?
Some of the other items on sale include 2010 Barbie and BFMC, Dynamite Girls, Poppy Parker, Fashion Royalty, and one Tonner doll.
Unfortunately, the dollar is quite weak so there isn't much difference between the Australian dollar and the US dollar. You will need to convert the prices as they are listed in AUD. I use XE Currency Converter.


Chelsea's Collector Cottage

The last few days...

I have been crazy busy sewing a costume for the Fashion Royalty convention. It was finished today and a few hours after it was finished I decided to wear something less costume-y.  The husband unit cracked up. He actually liked the costume I made and was also impressed. I'm entitled to change my mind, aren't I?
I will still wear a 'costume' and part of it is something I made but it's better and more me.

I received a reply very quickly after sending an email to the Franklin Mint regarding their Michelle Obama doll.

Dear Terri,

Thank you for your email.

Please be advised that the Michelle Obama doll stands approximately 16.5
inches in height, and the image online is a photograph of the actual
doll. This doll does not have a wig, but rooted hair, and the clothes
are not sewn on, as there will be interchangeable ensembles offered in
the future.

If you need additional information on this matter, please call our toll
free Client Service number at 1-800-843-6468 and one of our
representatives would be more than happy to assist you.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Jennings
Client Service and Satisfaction Representative

I do not believe that the promotional image is an unretouched photograph. I think the face is Photoshopped.  Time will tell. George of Angelic Dreamz told me that release of the doll will not be too soon.

Of the three 1/4 scale Michelle Obama dolls either released or proposed so far I think that Ashton Drake's doll is the best. Their image is also touched up - hey, most of mine are touched up as well. The difference is that I am not selling dolls whose faces I have altered to make them look better.  A-D's version has more articulation and looks more natural. I think the price is also better. First Lady of Style Michelle Obama Fashion Doll Collection will be the first doll in a series that Ashton Drake plans.



I hunted around the internet with a search "Michelle Obama  Dolls" and I found a few interesting options. Each title is a link to the site where I found it.


Michele Obama First lady of Fashion Figurine Collection

Michele Obama Action Figure Set of Three
These figures are available separately for about $12.95 elsewhere.

Designed and manufactured by Jailbreak Toys

Michele Obama Action Figurine (Awful but her arms look great.)
If you put this doll in the sites shopping cart and then attempt to navigate to another page or go back, you will be offered a 7% discount.

Michelle First lady Paper Dolls

And that's that!

I'm hoping to find some time next week to take a few pictures of the Mini LiveWire I just got.

Another Michelle Obama Doll!

Look at these promotional pictures. They're artist's renderings. Do you remember the last artist rendering of a Michelle Obama doll? The doll turned out to be quite different and equally as unsatisfactory.

The Franklin Mint has jumped into the arena and is promoting their own "Michelle Obama Official White House Portrait  Doll" in vinyl. 

The only descriptive text they include in their strange tribute to the First Lady is as follows:

"this remarkable creation is complete with black pumps, stud earrings, double-strand faux pearl necklace and replica steel watch. An irrefutable masterpiece, our Franklin Mint artisans have truly made dollmaking history with this magnificent Michelle Obama portrait collectible. Limited Edition of 9,900 worldwide."

 I say the tribute is strange because there is no mention of her powerful intellect and impressive education only her "statuesque beauty and astonishing physique....her youthful and bold fashion choices...body hugging silhouettes and vintage-style brooches...[which] radiate Michelle's unique blend of confidence, charisma and elegance."
It's embarrassing to read.

I guess one has to write to the Franklin Mint to find out how large the doll is and about any other construction aspect.
I have sent them these questions:

Regarding the new vinyl Michelle Obama doll, I have questions. 
How tall is the doll?
Is the picture an artist's rendering or is it an actual photograph of the doll? 
Are the doll's clothes removable or are they sewn on? 
Is she wearing a wig or is her hair rooted?
Why don't you put important information in your promotional ads?



The price is $195. and they are accepting pre-orders. That's pretty clear.

Don't do it.  Wait until the real thing can be seen.  

Note: I have found out that they are 16" tall. Apparently the clothing is removable. Angelic Dreamz will be selling these dolls and several outfits as well. I am sure George will provide excellent photos for us to see. Link to Angelic Dreamz.

                                 

A Photoshoot, Finally!

Yesterday I took the time to photograph a bunch of dollies that have been patiently waiting. The time before a convention is nice and peaceful without many new dolls arriving. Next month at this time, the chaos will have subsided but there will be chaos.

Here's an assortment for you.

Tonner's Vivacious Antoinette in Summer Nights

I'm pretty bored with Antoinette already and I will not be adding new ones. This is the latest dress I received from the Cami & Jon line. They wear the same clothes. The dress is pretty vanilla - nothing new. It definitely is lacking pizzazz.

Mini  Aphrodisiac in a Pam Seeman Dress

I love this doll and she is as beautiful as her larger sister. I picked up this couch from Facets. The earrings were gifts from Facets as well. Shoes are from a Fashion Royalty fashion.

The "Egyptian" chair was purchased in a local head shop/crystal store.

Beatnik Blues Poppy Parker wearing Sealed With A Kiss

 Getting this doll's bangs to lay properly is an exercise in futility. She should have been wigged. I love the outfits being created for this line of dolls.

Coney Island Saturday Poppy Parker wearing Beatnik Blues

She looks afraid. This is not a very popular edition and perhaps the designers will take a hard look at the eyes going forward. The first year Poppy's eyes were more expressive and less anime. Teens in the era from which Poppy is supposed to come did not wear big hair rolls on their foreheads. That's from the 40's.
Am I imagining it or is Poppy supposed to be a little pigeon-toed? I don't like that Robert Tonner did that with Tiny Kitty in order to make her look more kittenish and vulnerable. Imagine a boy doll with pigeon toes? It's so sexist.

Mini Gene Wearing Look of Love Poppy Fashion

 Mini-Gene dolls sport my favorite 12" doll sculpt. It's delightful to find that there are clothes for them.

Target Exclusive Barbie Basics With Shoes from Shoe Pack

No, I still do not collect Barbie Dolls. I do buy them occasionally to see what all the fuss is about however. I purchased the big shoe pack and these zebra striped pumps were my favorites. I hoped against hope that some of the shoes would fit Fashion Royalty but no luck. It would be nice if these dolls were articulated (she said, again.)
The doll has a pretty face - she's soooo white it even bothers me. Hehe.
It's cute.

Hair is the usual choppy mess and this picture is after I trimmed and conditioned it!

Puki Puki "Rudy" Wearing Kelly Clothes and a Tabloach Wig

My poor Puki Pukis are very neglected. They sit around staring at the big girls getting changed and being played with.  Here, Ruby is examining her fishbowl and planning to take the fish out for a walk.

Traveler Innoquii Transformed!

Petra Becker from Germany sent me a picture of her Traveler from whom she removed the black eye spot. She sanded with different grits of paper and I think she did an amazing job. After removing the spot she used acrylic paint for the eye and eyebrow and pastel for the upper cheek area. Take a look at this picture of hers.

Image by Petra Becker

For comparison, here is a before picture of my Traveler doll.What a difference!

I'm torn between removing the spot and leaving it. I don't love it but it's edgy and unique. One day I'd like to get the bride doll from this series which currently is selling for about $300. That's a big difference from the $75 for Traveler!

Traveler can wear many Avantguard clothes but bottoms that are very tight on the AGs may be impossible to get on.  All the ultra short dresses are close to perfect on Traveler. Shoes will fit, too.

I wonder if her stringing will loosen up over time? Her elbow joints are extremely snappy. Every other joint works nicely. I am still very pleased with her.

We Have Received One Lovely Blog Award

 Alison in California from the Fashion Doll Review has included us in their list of blogs they enjoy reading. Thank you very  much, Alison. I also enjoy reading yours!

The rules for this prize, if you'd like to play along are as follows:
Write a post about this prize, including the photo above and link to the blog which awarded you the prize. Then award it to 15 blogs that you enjoy reading.

My picks for this award are:

1. Comatose Bunny Dreamer    http://citronrouge-comatosebunnydreamer.blogspot.com/
2  Creazione - Creation in Miniature      http://emiliacouture.blogspot.com/
3. Fashionably Plastic                             http://creativelymj.blogspot.com/
4. The ArtPoint                                       http://theartpoint.blogspot.com/
5. Miss Gene Marshall                            http://missgenemarshall.blogspot.com/
6. Paint Me White                                   http://www.paintmewhite.com/
7. Fleur de Lys News                              http://fleurdelysdolls.blogspot.com/
8. Dolldom                                              http://dolldom.blogspot.com/
9. Diane on Whidbey Island                   http://dianeonwhidbeyisland.blogspot.com/
10. Dollphilia                                          http://dollphilia.blogspot.com
11. Infidel                                                http://infidel-aquabluerose.blogspot.com/
12. My Passion is: DOLLS                     http://passionatedolls.blogspot.com/
13. Royalty.Girl                                       http://royalty-girl.blogspot.com/
14. Soultalk777 A Scarlett Reverie         http://soultalk777.blogspot.com/
15. Brooklyn Stars Forever                     http://brooklynstars-forever.blogspot.com/

Great work everyone! I want to note that there are many other blogs I enjoy and recommend. Some have already received this award so I have decided to share the wealth among other bloggers.

New Wave of Monster High Dolls

I'm a little bit hooked on these adorable, cheap dolls. I ordered the new Cleo de Nile Dawn of the Dance doll (below on the right) directly from the Mattel shop today. The list price is $16.99. I got free shipping and if you sign up for a free account you get 10% off your purchase. Because I live in taxable New York, the 10% tax was pretty much canceled out but my total was only $16.51 complete! Not bad at all.

As always, you should shop around for your best deal as many are overcharging for these dolls. There are a total of 9 figures not counting the plushies right now. Some dealers on eBay are selling the entire collection of 9. Do the math and find your best price.

Frankie Stein, Clawdeen Wolf, Cleo DeNile

Images above were created by Mattel and were adapted by eBay vendors.

There is one caution I should add. The joints on these dolls are fragile in that I've had arms fall out from the lightest handling. It doesn't happen all the time but it will happen. Additionally, some of their little accessories are attached with clear rubber bands. I suggest leaving the bands. I have already lost one leg fin from one of the girls. My Deuce Gorgon's legs were detached inside his pants. The pants are so tight that I didn't notice until I had discarded all the packaging. Luckily I have a friend who can fix this for me.
Save the boxes and the receipts.

How many of you remember the nighttime soap, Dynasty?

Two new character dolls have been introduced by Mattel. They are Krystal [Carrington] of Dynasty who was portrayed by Linda Evans (above left),

Krystal - Estimated delivery date .December 2010
$34.95

and Alexis [Colby] of Dynasty formerly played by Joan Collins (top right):

Alexis - Estimated delivery date December 2010
  $34.95

John Forsythe, himself a handsome and distinguished actor, is the man in the middle. In the show he is married to Krystle. He'd make a hot-looking doll. Forsythe passed away in April, 2010 at the age of 92.

The dolls still look like Barbie. The hair is close to the actress' styles and the fashions are very good replicas from what I can see but the faces are still very Barbie. Isn't anyone else getting tired of that body pose? Such a waste of vinyl.

Linda Evans and Joan Collins were gorgeous in that series.

Joan, at 77, still looks great.

Linda's plastic surgeon should be shot.

Picture of the Week ~ October 2, 2010 ~ Melanie Reeves

Melanie Reeves, more commonly known as CarmMeldoll, posted a series of photos on Prego and it was difficult to choose a favorite. So I went, "eenie, meenie, miney, moe..." and this is the winner.

The original doll was said to be Sushi. Mel calls her NocTa. She has had a complete body repaint done by Paul Pham.
Her outfit is a mixture of pieces from Superfrock (jacket & shoes,) Avantguard (skirt,) and Joe Tai (bustier.)
Mel uses a light tent and takes pictures with her Nikon Coolpix L100 from several different angles. She edits down to the best ones.

Her suggestions regarding doll photography are as follows:
"Keep trying to improve on what you do...I am always trying to find ways to make my pictures better. I look at a lot of photography online, in magazines and in books, working to see what I can incorporate into my own style and pictures. I think if you love your dolls, it will show in your pictures."

Mel usually posts on Prego and Sybeau Monde.
See more of Mel's photography here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11049780@N03/

Thanksgiving Feast™ Barbie® Doll

 An email went out to all BC.Com members today announcing the Thanksgiving Feast Barbie Doll which will be available only to members this month. No price was noted. Uh oh. 

Wouldn't it be nice if she could actually hold the tray? 

This doll reminds me of Maria Therese Bride Silkstone although their coloring is completely different. I don't know what it is about the two of them. She's cute and I love the vintage style of the outfit. I will be getting her. What about you?

Thanksgiving Feast™ Barbie® Doll

2010

Gold Label™ Collection

Holiday Hostess™ Collection

Created exclusively for members of the 2010 Barbie^SM Fan Club, Thanksgiving Feast™ Barbie® doll epitomizes the perfect hostess! With a nostalgic air, Barbie® wears a printed shirt dress, crisp apron with adorable bird appliqué, and faux pearl jewelry. Her side swept brown hair is pulled up into a bun. Accompanying “food” tray includes a turkey with all the trimmings.

Designed by Ann Driskill.

No more than 3100 units produced worldwide.

Preview of Four of Next Year's Barbie Fashion Model Collection

These are Mattel's images of some of next year's Barbie Fashion Model Collection of Silkstone dolls.  Pictures of the rest have not yet been released. Prices may vary according to dealer. Shop around.

BFMC  Darya Barbie $129.

BFMC  Russia Mila Barbie $89.

BFMC  Russia Ken $85.

BFMC  Verushka Barbie $149.

Again, the prices of Silkstone dolls are higher than they should be. It's about time they did something with the articulation because the dolls are adorable and collectible but they just stand there.

"Hot to Trot" Avantguard Doll on Sale at Mary T's Doll House

When I see a doll that was released only a few months previously go on sale for such a low price I wonder why. But...if you want this doll, it's a great price at $149.99. Who knows? If you wait a few more months the price might go down even further.

The original price was $220.

Link to Mary T's Doll House

IDEX 2011 Registration Opens

IDEX will be celebrating it's anniversary and "20 Years of Friendship" at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida on January 27-30, 2011. The exhibitor list is filled with doll manufacturers and artists from all over the world. Several new exhibitors and retailers have signed up such as JPOP Dolls, Angelic Dreamz for JAMIEShow and Crawford Manor Dolls by Cavil Designs, Ltd.
Alexander Doll Co., Ashton Drake Galleries, Tonner Doll Co., and Wilde Imagination among scores of other 'regulars' will be displaying their gorgeous products. There are workshops and other events to please most collectors and artists as well. I know of three that I will definitely be signing up for.

The hotel is fabulous. First of all, it's HUGE. You could live there without ever leaving as there is a grocery store where all sorts of items are available including hot foods. There are several restaurants and a coffee shop, clothing boutiques, travel agent and all the usual services found at a resort.

Click here for the IDEX site.

Picture of the Week - 9/26/10 - NylonBleu

Many people know that the Haute Doll exclusive Innoquii "Traveler" went on sale for the unbelievable price of $75. about three weeks ago. Interest in this doll was revived and pictures began to pop up on the boards. One collector's pictures intrigued me. NylonBleu, who obviously has skill not only as a photographer but also with Photoshop, posted a series of images of Traveler. Here are some of my favorites:

 

The big black dot on the back wall is inspired.

The strange positioning of Traveler on this 1/6 scale shiny silver sofa is fun. Innoquii is strange and it suits her well.

If you would like to see more of NylonBleu's photography, click here.
This is the link to her blog.

There are still some Innoquii available but now they're being sold on eBay - for $75 plus postage. Go get it.

Party Down at the Pink Parlor

The Pink Parlor doll chat board has finally shed it's long-time owner (information upon personal request.) New owner, Nick, is not only a nice guy, he's a good-looking one, too.

This weekend the festivities include word games, photo contests and silly stuff with lots of prizes. Head on over and join the fun. Then stick around to make that board a fun place like it used to be!

Registration is simple. Just pick a board name and password and submit your application. Tell them Terri sent you!

Edgy New Shoes for Pre-Order at Angelic Dreamz

Yesterday George Gonzalez, the owner of Angelic Dreamz, announced new shoes for his JamieShow line of BJDs.
Check these styles out. They're amazing!

Photo Property of Angelic Dreamz

Prices range from $20. to $45.


Click here to see the rest of the styles.

Updated Extravagance and Escapade Pictures

After yesterday's photo shoot, I sat down with the new stuff to figure out how I could rework things to make them wonderful. My favorite Monogram doll, LifeBall, was ready for a change. I put the suit on her and hunted through my stash for shoes, a handbag and jewelry. I think what I came up with is works with the suit. I put a pin through the top of the hat. I used one with a green head so it would show in the pictures. The pin is short and very slim and goes into the vinyl head without too much difficulty. I used the earrings that came with the set and a bracelet of black beads.

It was harder to make the dress on Extravagance look good so as a temporary measure, I put a stole over her shoulders. I suppose that is what the coat was for. :-(
I gave her a freshwater pearl choker which does not interfere with the fringe on the dress.  I wish I had a short white shrug instead of this gigantic stole. I wonder if there is a way to alter the dress to correct the poor fit.  Or maybe I need to make a shrug.

____________

Some quick pics of Innoquii. She really looks her best without clothing!

..and Invisible Ink Ellowyne. She's kind of a big Ginny Doll with articulation. She's going to stay but I don't see more Ellowynes in my future. I would like some of her beautifully designed, fun fashions.  And, like I said before, I'm going to get her crazed cat.