La Vie en Rose by Robert Tonner for the Devereaux Sister Dolls

La Vie en Rose is one of two outfits that were available at the store event this past weekend. At first glance it looks fabulous. At second glance, it came out of it's box. The third glance, after I finished dressing a doll, said FRUMPY.
Let's start with the hat. What were they thinking? It reminded me of a bonnet from Little House on the Prairie. I tried it pushed up, pushed down, net down, net up and nothing made it look as good as when it was off the doll. The trim is cheap looking. One word describes this accessory - UGH.
We'll continue with the handbag. What size doll was this made for? A Kish Riley, perhaps. Someone made a big mistake with these accessories.
By itself the coat is gorgeous. The fabric is a beautifully rose-colored woven fiber with faux fur. The top 'button' is silvery balls. The dress is a simple georgette sheath with a gathered v-neck bust-line and a ruffled hem. It looks nice on the doll but nothing special or new. The hosiery and the gloves appear to be the same fabric - there's no problem there. The shoes are a little clunky-looking but I suppose they go with the period the outfit is meant to represent. Put it all together and WTF? Where is she going? Open school night and then to the corner bar? This outfit is just horrendous. If it makes Rose Rogue look like a well-dressed bag lady, then something is seriously wrong.
I do not recommend this ensemble unless you are willing to use the pieces to mix and match with other items in your dolls' wardrobe. Retail price $89.99.

'Cacao Noir' A Devereaux Sister's Outfit

I was informed that the Devereaux dolls have a smaller bust size than the standard Tyler doll. Since I was not going to keep the dolls but I loved the look of the clothes, I decided to debox and try to fit them on one of my 16" dolls anyway. I was thrilled that the Cacao Noir fit very nicely. The model is Ghost of Christmas past whose hair has been restyled. I think this is a very beautiful doll. She has the same smoky eyes as the sisters do.
The gloves were fairly easy to put on which was a big plus. I did take Ghost's hands off in order to insert them more easily into the sleeves of the dress. It was snug but fit like a dream. The hat is perfect for the period and the outfit. And I guess the shoes are, too, but I don't like them and switched them to black pumps for display.
I recommend this ensemble to all. The big problem is the hefty price tag of $89.99.
Cacao Noir is a limited edition of 250 and is available from the Tonner Store directly.

Back to Black Natalia's Outfit

The outfit from the IFDC convention doll, Natalia Back to Black, arrived the other day. I was so excited to get it but not very excited about the results. The fabric does not have a drape so the bottom has to be arranged and it's difficult to get it to appear natural. I actually thought it was a sequined fabric - not. The complicated belt took me more than 30 minutes using fine jewelry tools to get it on properly. I added the earrings and the black ring. The cuff bracelet falls off. Bracelets for FR dolls are so useless. There is a strange hook on the right shoulder onto which a flap of fabric attaches. There is something really odd about that appendage. However, the shoes are very nice.

Tonner Doll Company Event 8/9/08

The preview of the Devereaux Sisters Doll line also saw the presentation of many other new dolls. This was eye candy! Clicking on the link will take you to a collection of images taken by me at the Tonner Store today. A review of the two available outfits, La Vie en Rose and Cacao Noir will follow later this week.
LINK: Tonner Event Images

Fashion Royalty W Club Exclusive Moods Collection

To our surprise we have been offered a choice of not one but two dolls and several fashions and accessories! The dolls will have the last of the original Veronique face mold. That's sad because I don't think she can be improved upon. These re-do's should be named as new dolls and just let the retired gals rest in peace.
Anyhoo....here are official Integrity pictures of the options. (Used with permission from IT.)

"Body Double" - (Tan Brunette Veronique)
She is gorgeous.

"Blond Ambition" Veronique Perrin (Platinum Blonde)
Reminds me of Flirtatious Vero.

"Starry Night" Moods Wardrobe Fashion


"French Dressing" Deluxe Accessory Pack

Luxe Finish Accessory Set

I will be ordering everything except the platinum Veronique. I don't care for her hair. The prices are reasonable and it seems that everyone in the club is happy. That's a first!

OT
Right now I have 10 Veros in my collection and all of them are older issues. I have them all on tall bodies but originally most of them were on straight arm bodies. My goal with them is to get them all eye-lashed! I love eyelashes. I will have to do a post honoring the soon to be retired Veronique. For many, she was the first Fashion Royalty doll they ever saw and the one that got them started with these dolls.

Natalia Back to Black - IFDC Convention Fashion Royalty Doll

It's Natalia appropriately named Back to Black. The convention theme was Woodstock '69, rock 'n roll, hippies, etc. So here we have Natalia with a huge Afro-styled 'do fronted by a brass Wonder Woman headband. She is wearing a Wonder Woman cuff bracelet as well. Her eyemakeup is reminiscent of La Liz' in Cleopatra. Actually, I like it but not the hair. The gown is a revealing, snug-fitting, sparkly thing. I love the beaded chain belt. From other photos, it looks like the shoes are gold. There is also a wrap or something that appears to be a wrap. Can't tell cuz it's wrapped.
Official Integrity image posted here with permission.

There are a great deal of mixed reviews and reactions about Back to Black. Much of it is negative and/or neutral. Mixed in is a lot of relief at not liking the doll because it saves money. LOL
I find it odd that 800 of these dolls were produced when usually a convention doll is limited to 400 or less. The higher number makes her less valuable in the eyes of many. Convention dolls usually sell for $375 & up right after a convention. This doll is available for as low as $220 and it's only 2 days old. (Added on August 14: Price of doll has dropped to $5. above retail.)

Because there was no companion doll produced for IFDC this year, attendees were able to purchase several of these dolls for $150 each. I'm hoping to get the fashion only - but I'll wait because there will be a glut of these dolls and as seen recently, there are big price drops happening with recently issued FR dolls.

It's my opinion that Integrity should withdraw Fashion Royalty dolls altogether from any convention other than those they put on themselves. It's hard to accept that Jason didn't have time to produce a companion doll. The IFDC organizer said, "You roll with the punches." I'd like to know what he really thought.

I wish them all well.