Worth His Weight in Gold?

 The new male Dynamite doll, Auden, is apparently worth a great deal of money to some people. This "Most Beautiful Boy" retailed for $59.99.  As of a few hours ago, the seven that sold on eBay this past week went for $228.50, $403.70, $355., $560., $499., $474.99, and $299. (The order was 'End Date: Oldest First.') Three of those sold were sold by an Integrity toys authorized dealer who also has a fourth listed. The dealer's eBay ID is futuresight37.  It seems that many collectors know who this dealer is and have objections to the way they are selling their products. They get the dolls before every other dealer and always post them on eBay immediately. 

He is cute and the promotional pictures of him wearing sunglasses are very cool.

The entire issue of skyrocketing secondary market prices is so common, it's practically not even worth commenting on. I remember when Mattel's platinum Cher was released. That piece of vinyl immediately became worth $500. to those who were not lucky enough to grab one before they sold out.

There's still plenty of money out there - it's just pooled amongst way fewer people than previously.

Crafting Things From the Stuff Around You

Watch this adorable 2 minute video that shows a product called makedo. It looks like so much fun. The creations may not be up to the standards of our fancy dolls but if you have children, it will surely keep them busy and away from the boob tube. You can make a doll house out of doll boxes with the connectors.

Farrah Fawcett Doll

This long-awaited doll will be available on 7/1/2011 at the retail price of $34.95. It is a Black Label designed by Bill Greening.

Here is the descriptive text from BC.Com:

Her swimsuit was red, her smile was spectacular, and her hairstyle made history. Inspired by the best-selling 1976 poster, this fabulous Farrah Fawcett doll recreates each of the essential elements that caused an instant sensation. Permanently posed on a striped blanket inspired by the original, she features a brand new body mold, and a face sculpt that perfectly captures her blue eyes and fabulous hair. She's a wonderful tribute to the all American girl who became a star in bare feet and a bathing suit!

It's definitely a doll that should stay boxed. I was a fan of this actress but not of the doll.  I am looking forward to seeing it in person although these do look like production images. If any celebrity doll was ever a caricature, this one surely is.

De-Boxing Compulsion?

Last night I did something I seldom do (anymore) and that was to browse most of the listings under the category of Integrity Toys on eBay.  I was amazed at the quantity of older dolls that are being sold NRFB. How do people keep from deboxing beautiful dolls? I can understand keeping Barbie dolls in their boxes because they are boxed for display but not Fashion Royalty dolls.
Right now I have two dolls I'm not sure I can keep. One is a new Amelie and the other is the new Dynamite Aria. The deboxer voice keeps saying...go ahead...open one of them. The other voice says...you still have 9 pre-ordered dolls on the way; you don't need this.

How do you do it?

Seen on Prego: Jamieshow Men Celebrate Gay Pride Day in New York

George Gonzales of Angelic Dreamz posted this photo of his Jamieshow male dolls this morning.

Click on the picture to go to Angelic Dreamz where these dolls and millions more are sold.

BTW: Congratulations, New York! Job well done.

"Flawless" Elise FR2 Models "Metropolitan"

Finally, after a 3-1/2 month wait, my replacement Elise  head arrived and she's looking so much better than the one I got originally.

Her hair was banded with a cellophane strip to  keep it flat and arranged properly. It worked. Bangs on dolls are very difficult if not done with a wig. They just don't want to be straight and flat like real bangs.

I wasn't going to buy any of the separately available FR2 fashions but I wound up buying all three of them eventually. The last one I got is Metropolitan. I saw it on someone else's doll and it looked much better than the promo. Marl had it on sale for $85. Unfortunately her shipping is rather pricey but it got here fast and in perfect condition.

The ensemble consists of the mauve jumpsuit, a black belt, humongous pink rhinestone stud earrings, multiple tiny bangles (not shown), a black patent handbag and navy blue patent shoes. I added the ring and bracelet.
Elise is gorgeous.
The jumpsuit's construction is not up to the standards of the rest of the FR2 items. I think it may be the choice of fabric that is causing some of the problem. The legs do not lay correctly. If the fabric were heavier, the drape would be better. I pulled the legs straight down prior to taking pictures and it didn't help. They stayed rippled.
I don't know if pressing will help as they were pressed in the factory because there is a pressed crease at the front of the legs. I will try pressing when I remove it from this doll.
It's not the most flattering fashion for this beauty and someone else will be wearing it soon.