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.

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.

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.

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. 

The Wicked Witch of the West

Halloween Dorothy and Toto

Pumpkin Spice

Witchcraft

Wicked Witch of East

Although not intended to be Halloween doll, these 21" Cissys are scary-looking enough to hold their own in a themed display.

A Beautiful Nightmare

A Dark Dream

For the Barbie crowd:

Bewitched

Halloween Party

Halloween Haunt

There are so many more that I can't begin to picture them here. Do a search on Google for "Dolls for Halloween" and see what comes up. 

You should have bought her...

With all the hullabaloo going on about the tattoos on the new Tokidoki doll, she is sold out pretty much everywhere. What a riot! The funniest part of it is, if you look on eBay at the completed listings, you will find that one sold today for $274.99. Another twenty-one dolls sold for $200. or more since yesterday and scores of others sold for more than $100. The retail price of Tokidoki was $50. I got mine for $30.  Who knew?  I do not plan to sell mine but if I had purchased more than one you'd better believe she'd be on eBay right now.

Talc Goes Riding?

Fashion by Alwin Roos. Wig by Michael in Hawaii. Horse by Breyers Choice.

Tonner: Two Decades of Fashion & Design

Robert Tonner celebrates twenty years in the business this year. FDQ has published this limited edition book featuring highlights from the past two decades. From his first porcelain models to Freedom For Fashion, this is a wonderful guide to the highlights of one of the most creative and successful artists in the doll industry. Color, 148 pages LE 1000 

Click here to order this gorgeous book for only $32.99 FDQ ships internationally.

Pantone Barbie

The beyond literal interpretation left me almost speechless (almost being the operative word.) Pantone Barbie is not an unattractive doll and I even like the style of the dress but I keep staring at her the same way I'd stare at a car accident. I want to look away but I can't.

If you aren't familiar with Pantone, it is the name of a company whose color matching system is used by print professionals, all types of designers and other artists. The Pantone website is fascinating.

Doll is available at dealers for pre-order,  December delivery. $49.95

Having a Barbie Moment

Angelica wearing Silkstone Ekaterina's outfit and Tarina Tarantino wearing a Poppy Parker outfit.

Victoire Roux, Parisian Fashion Model

Integrity Toys is populating their new IT Direct branch with four stand alone dolls that use previously seen sculpts and a new line called Les Silhouettes Collection. I couldn't help but think of Michel Couture Hayworth's  Flavia, Grand Duchesse de Beauharnaise. when first reading Integrity's  titles and the description.

Here is the description from IT:

Faubourg Saint-Honoré
Victoire Roux Dressed Doll
Les Silhouettes Collection

When Christophe Marquis first invited Victoire to visit his shop and review his first collection, sales were a little slow. The war had taken its toll on everyone in Europe, except Victoire Roux that is. No matter what, she had always made it a point to stand proud, never let herself go and always look her best to help boost everyone's morale. In other words, she resisted the invader with glamour and flair! Of course, the minute she walked in, she spotted a few outfits she liked, switched a few things over, added her own twist and voila, every sophisticated Parisian socialite was suddenly whispering about Monsieur Marquis' little shop on Avenue Montaigne. Fashion history had just received its first victorious shock treatment, Victoire Roux style! Costumes are designed to fit most 12-inch fashion dolls. Includes outfit, shoes and accessories.

Avenue Montaigne
Doll Costume
Les Silhouettes Collection

My photo shows Victoire without her cropped yellow jacket. I added the cigarette holder. The Avenue Montaigne fashion is on the mannequin. It comes with a hat and a longer pair of the potholder gloves seen on the table. 

Victoire uses a former Dynamite Girls sculpt and the Vampire body. Luckily she does not have fangs or at least she's got them retracted. She has removable hands but does not come with extra hands. The face-up is very attractive and she has applied lashes. The period hairstyle was done expertly and will last forever as it is rock hard. I like it that way.

Available only at the convention these items were priced at $125 for the dressed doll and $75. for the separate fashion plus tax of 9%.

Tatyana Alexandrova ~ Exceptional

When I saw this doll's outfit, I wanted it. I did not like any previous Tatyana release so I thought I'd be selling her head. Well, she is staying. The only thing I want to change is the dark lines which were painted between the outer edges of her lips. It just doesn't belong there and does not help the doll or make sense at all.

I Photoshopped the lips and I am quite pleased with the difference.

Here she meets the Rudettes:

The handbag she is carrying below is a Purse of the Month item from a while back. When I saw the handbag that came with in her box, I thought that the gal from whom I purchased the doll had enclosed a gift for me. I did not think the purse came with Tatyana because it did not make sense color wise. But then I looked at the promotional photo and from the side, it's the same bag. It's no wonder the promo doesn't show the face of the bag.

I absolutely love the dress and the fabric. The design is embroidered onto the fabric. The shoes are great and the hat is cool. She comes with a wonderful ring and earrings with a pumpkin color stones. The factory actually came very close to good bangs on this doll.

Seen on the Pink Parlor: Convention Dolls

Today Johanna aka Stinker's Stuff posted gorgeous photos of three of her convention dolls. I had to share some of them here with you. Johanna made all the dresses.

Her original post is here.

Have you visited Johanna's website? Grab a cup of coffee and get looking!