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.