I blogged about these Nu.Fantasy dolls here:
http://terrigoldphoto.blogspot.com/2010/05/integrity-announces-bic-exclusive-two.html
The W Club announced the price reduction on these dolls from Azone and BIC, Integrity dealers in Japan, supposedly due to the strength of the yen and negotiations with the factory. That doesn't sound honest to me. If these dolls were flying out the door, the yen could have been as strong as ever and the price would have stayed the same. The reception from collectors to this pair was quite cool and I think the lack of interest spurred the price drop more than the strength of the yen.
It's the economic principle of supply and demand in action. Consumers won't buy -> supply is great -> price drops.
Deceptive backpedaling.
Why couldn't they just say they priced the dolls too high for this market and have adjusted the price accordingly?
Would negotiations with the factory go like this? "We won't pay you and your children will starve?"
6/09/2010
Pictures of Sandra Stillwell's Gene Display at Convention
Believe it or not, this is only a small portion of Sandra's doll collection! How she packed it all up and shipped it to Philadelphia must be an interesting story. Perhaps she drove but I don't think so as she lives in the south.
It was a large, poorly lit room so no complaining about the quality of the pictures, please.
Click here to see pictures.
It's easier to move from picture to picture if you click on the small white triangle/arrow next to each large image.
It was a large, poorly lit room so no complaining about the quality of the pictures, please.
Click here to see pictures.
It's easier to move from picture to picture if you click on the small white triangle/arrow next to each large image.
6/08/2010
Back Again with More Stardust Stuff
Stuff...it's what our lives are filled with. Coming home from a convention goes beyond instant gratification of dolly desires; it exceeds the MDR and quickly becomes overload. I have to photograph the spoils of war in order to grasp what greed really means.
Top - bagged outfits purchased in the Integrity store at very low prices. The boxed fashion was also a 'steal.'
These two fashions I could definitely live without but at the price, why should I? Purchased in a room sale.
From Happily Ever After, this DAE fashion will fit Trent (at least that's what they told me.)
In addition I picked up three wigs from Marcia and a sweater from Dayle in the vendor's room. I swooned over a gorgeous gray silk dress with ribbon embroidery from Pam Seeman of Paintbox Designs. It became mine.
I got so tired of shopping that I actually forgot to buy something I wanted. Don't tell my husband you heard me say that. I will deny it.
In addition I picked up three wigs from Marcia and a sweater from Dayle in the vendor's room. I swooned over a gorgeous gray silk dress with ribbon embroidery from Pam Seeman of Paintbox Designs. It became mine.
I got so tired of shopping that I actually forgot to buy something I wanted. Don't tell my husband you heard me say that. I will deny it.
6/07/2010
More Convention Pictures and Stardust Dolls for Sale
The centerpiece dolls were Gene, Madra, Zita and Trent. I was able to purchase the Madra and Trent. Gene is apparently a fan favorite as there are people practically begging for her on the boards. She is quite the beauty and her outfit is adorable. Her hat is fabulous! Madra is in a highly stylized suit. The lace front forms a heart. It's definitely Madra-esque. Zita is glamorous and very pretty. I love her hairstyle but the gown is just average. I'd like to see her in a dark color.
Gene
Love, Madra
Zita
The Integrity sales room was filled to the brim with previously released Gene dolls. I availed myself of a load of stuff. One doll I always wanted was "All About the Eyes" Gene.
I can't wait to get her out of the box. The prices were ridiculously cheap. If this is an indication of how much it costs to manufacture a doll then I just don't want to know. The mark-up is unbelievable.
The other boxed sale doll I purchased was for the gown. It is Marsha Hunt in "The Irene Gown."
I have always loved this gown but not the doll. The price was right. We were permitted to purchase just one of each of these sale items.
Updated:
This is what remains to sell:
NUDE "Dreamy" Trent Osborne Dressed Figure $95..
Click on the link to see pictures and descriptions.
http://www.thedollpage.com/ads/searchresults.php?owner=46
Gene
Love, Madra
Zita
The Integrity sales room was filled to the brim with previously released Gene dolls. I availed myself of a load of stuff. One doll I always wanted was "All About the Eyes" Gene.
I can't wait to get her out of the box. The prices were ridiculously cheap. If this is an indication of how much it costs to manufacture a doll then I just don't want to know. The mark-up is unbelievable.The other boxed sale doll I purchased was for the gown. It is Marsha Hunt in "The Irene Gown."
I have always loved this gown but not the doll. The price was right. We were permitted to purchase just one of each of these sale items.There was a room for vendors in addition to Integrity's sales room. In there one could find jewelry, props, OOAK dolls, manufacturer dolls of many different types, clothing, shoes, Dressmaker Details line of clothing for Gene, Happily Ever After and lots of goodies. One visit wasn't enough!
And the room sales-most were concentrated on two floors which was a plus compared to the FR Pittsburgh dis-organization all over the hotel. I picked up this Horseman/Vita furniture which I've been wanting ever since seeing it at IDEX. It's fantastic. The chair is fully scaled for 16" dolls. It is not skimpy like most furniture. Covered in vinyl with metal supports and legs, it will be perfect for my dolls. The tables are very lightweight. The bases are cut from plastic and must be slotted together carefully. Once together they are nearly impossible to take apart.
Puki Madeline, my travel doll, enjoyed sitting on the back of the chair in my room.
___________
___________This is what remains to sell:
NUDE "Dreamy" Trent Osborne Dressed Figure $95..
Click on the link to see pictures and descriptions.
http://www.thedollpage.com/ads/searchresults.php?owner=46
6/06/2010
Stardust Wrap-Up ~ Is It Really the End of the Line?
I've had a whole day and a 190 mile drive to think about the answer to that question. I don't think it's the end. Someone will come up with something. What do you think? I'd really like to know.
.......
The day began with good news in that my defective Stardust doll was replaced. Thank you Joan and Melissa.
I thought checking out was going to be a hassle but the hotel was so organized and prepared with extra staff that instead of the 30 minute wait for a bellhop, they arrived in 10 minutes. There were many carts being pushed through the lobby piled high with Integrity Toys boxes and being followed by tired but happy collectors. Loews Philadelphia is a well-run hotel. The staff is extremely friendly and polite. The hotel was clean; the room was comfortable. I would definitely choose to stay there again.
It took me 3 hours and a large cafe Americano to get home. When I was about 30 miles from Woodstock the skies opened up and for a few hair-raising minutes, visibility was akin to looking through vaseline covered glass. And then the sun came out. And then the wind started blowing. Earlier this evening we had a tornado warning. What's next? Locust?
My baby (the dog) and my husband were very happy to see me. The spousal unit emptied the car. Men are so useful. :-)
This is only the boxes that contained dolls. There was much more in my suitcases.
Then the unpacking began. Now the suitcases and cartons are empty. Dolls, outfits and swag are everywhere. I have tentatively decided what to keep and what to sell. I took quickie pictures of the boxed dolls and I dressed my flocked Trent in Matt's lounging pajama outfit. Isn't he great-looking? Only those who were signed up for Alain Tremblay's flocking class were able to purchase this doll. Most came with a different color flocked hair. Alain did beards and moustaches for those who desired them. He's definitely a unique Trent.
Here are some pictures of the boxed dolls:
Above: The souvenir gift set called "Daily Threads" that we were given one a piece at a time. On the left is the convention sheath and on the right is a Kio wig that was presented along with the doll on Saturday night. 
Above: Midnight Madra.
Above: Men's Club Trent, the centerpiece doll from the Trent Luncheon. I believe everyone who paid $55. to attend that luncheon should have been able to purchase one of these dolls. We were all handed credit card forms to fill out in advance. These were pre-printed with our names! This led me to believe that everyone who wanted a doll would be able to buy one. What a let down it was to find out differently. I know a couple who didn't get one between them. They felt that the Philly cheese steak sandwiches were not worth the fee of $55. each. I agree with them. For $55. one would expect a really nice luncheon and not a sandwich buffet with very limited choices. I thought the food was fine but certainly not worth the price. I'm lucky that I was able to get a doll from a tablemate.
Above: "Fringe Festival" Ivy "Vee Jay" Jordan.
Above: "Moss Rose" Ivy "Vee Jay" Jordan. This doll was given as a table gift on Thursday night to all attendees.
Above: "Hostess with the Mostest" Zita Charles.
Above: "Dreamy" Trent Osborne.
Above: "Bellwether" Oona.
Above: "Midnight" Madra Lord.
Above: "Triumph" Gene Marshall
This doll was not received well at all. Many expressed disappointment at her severe hairstyle. I like her gown.
Above: "Parfait" Zita Charles. I think this is my favorite doll of all. We were given this doll on Friday afternoon at lunch. What a surprise!
Above: The convention souvenir doll "Stardust" Gene Marshall. In the box, it's difficult to tell how very pretty she is because her hair is secured by a net. But she is gorgeous and so is the gown. Mel told us the original designers of these gowns. The fashion sleuths on the Studio Commissary board have been posting photos that they're finding of the originals.
More tomorrow.
.......
The day began with good news in that my defective Stardust doll was replaced. Thank you Joan and Melissa.
I thought checking out was going to be a hassle but the hotel was so organized and prepared with extra staff that instead of the 30 minute wait for a bellhop, they arrived in 10 minutes. There were many carts being pushed through the lobby piled high with Integrity Toys boxes and being followed by tired but happy collectors. Loews Philadelphia is a well-run hotel. The staff is extremely friendly and polite. The hotel was clean; the room was comfortable. I would definitely choose to stay there again.
It took me 3 hours and a large cafe Americano to get home. When I was about 30 miles from Woodstock the skies opened up and for a few hair-raising minutes, visibility was akin to looking through vaseline covered glass. And then the sun came out. And then the wind started blowing. Earlier this evening we had a tornado warning. What's next? Locust?
My baby (the dog) and my husband were very happy to see me. The spousal unit emptied the car. Men are so useful. :-)
This is only the boxes that contained dolls. There was much more in my suitcases.Then the unpacking began. Now the suitcases and cartons are empty. Dolls, outfits and swag are everywhere. I have tentatively decided what to keep and what to sell. I took quickie pictures of the boxed dolls and I dressed my flocked Trent in Matt's lounging pajama outfit. Isn't he great-looking? Only those who were signed up for Alain Tremblay's flocking class were able to purchase this doll. Most came with a different color flocked hair. Alain did beards and moustaches for those who desired them. He's definitely a unique Trent.
Here are some pictures of the boxed dolls:
Above: The souvenir gift set called "Daily Threads" that we were given one a piece at a time. On the left is the convention sheath and on the right is a Kio wig that was presented along with the doll on Saturday night. 
Above: Midnight Madra.
Above: Men's Club Trent, the centerpiece doll from the Trent Luncheon. I believe everyone who paid $55. to attend that luncheon should have been able to purchase one of these dolls. We were all handed credit card forms to fill out in advance. These were pre-printed with our names! This led me to believe that everyone who wanted a doll would be able to buy one. What a let down it was to find out differently. I know a couple who didn't get one between them. They felt that the Philly cheese steak sandwiches were not worth the fee of $55. each. I agree with them. For $55. one would expect a really nice luncheon and not a sandwich buffet with very limited choices. I thought the food was fine but certainly not worth the price. I'm lucky that I was able to get a doll from a tablemate.
Above: "Fringe Festival" Ivy "Vee Jay" Jordan.
Above: "Moss Rose" Ivy "Vee Jay" Jordan. This doll was given as a table gift on Thursday night to all attendees.
Above: "Hostess with the Mostest" Zita Charles.
Above: "Dreamy" Trent Osborne.
Above: "Bellwether" Oona.
Above: "Midnight" Madra Lord.
Above: "Triumph" Gene MarshallThis doll was not received well at all. Many expressed disappointment at her severe hairstyle. I like her gown.
Above: "Parfait" Zita Charles. I think this is my favorite doll of all. We were given this doll on Friday afternoon at lunch. What a surprise!
Above: The convention souvenir doll "Stardust" Gene Marshall. In the box, it's difficult to tell how very pretty she is because her hair is secured by a net. But she is gorgeous and so is the gown. Mel told us the original designers of these gowns. The fashion sleuths on the Studio Commissary board have been posting photos that they're finding of the originals.More tomorrow.
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