Show & Sell Site: Is this really goodbye?

The Show & Sell site's Admins posted this message in the forum area of the site:

Due to extensive and unrecoverable technical problems, the Show & Sell Site will close for good before the end of February 2015.

It's a long story, but the short version is that the software this site uses is old and will not work with newer servers.

This was not a serious problem as long as we could keep our older server, but the server company we've been with for the last 5 years is upgrading to new equipment and we have to move out.

We acquired a new host and tried to move the site the last week, but it wouldn't work. Attempts to modify the site a bit in hopes of making it compatible with the new host not only failed, but left the site damaged. So, for the final few weeks of it's being on-line, it won't be working very well.

You can list and edit new ads, but you cannot edit any older ads.

We are sincerely sorry for this turn of events. We'll post more information, including a firm closing date, when we get it.

I totally understand this issue. It is the reason I do not install Mavericks OS on my computer. I don't want to mess stuff up. But apparently they do not have a choice.  I've been screen-copying my listings and looking into easy Mac WYSIWYG web site software so I can make a new site for myself on which I can sell doll things. My old web software is incompatible. Same problem as theirs.

You can still shop:

http://www.thedollpage.com/ads/searchresults.php?owner=46

Shamrocks and Ladies in the Woods in Barbie-Land

Shamrock Celebration Barbie Doll, a Barbie Fan Club Exclusive, became available today on the Barbie Collector website. This is a Gold Label doll meaning that no more than 5500 units are produced worldwide. Price is $75.

The information:

Designed by: Bill Greening

Release Date: 1/28/2015

Product Code: CGK93

Barbie^® doll is keen on green and decorated with shamrocks! Her short sleeves feature satin ribbon accents and the bodice is edged with lace. Her apron and underskirt repeat the lace motif. Includes top hat, leprechaun’s pot of “gold,” a wee greeting card and necklace.

Doll Details
Body Type:	1959 Vintage (holes in the feet) -Vinyl
Skin Tone:	Nostalgic
Facial Sculpt:	Nostalgic with straight rooting line
Fashion Sewn On?:	No
Eyelashes:	Painted

Included with doll:
Shoes, earrings, necklace, hat, pot of gold, greeting card, doll stand with prongs.

I think she's quite pretty but I don't buy $75. non-articulated vinyl dolls.

****************

While I'm looking at the Barbie site, I may as well talk about Lady of the White Woods Barbie. This is another Gold Label doll with a production rum of 7700 units. She went on sale on 1/14/15 for $100.

She looks pretty nice from here but...

...I do not like the organic swirls and seashell scallops on her face. I guess she's supposed to look like she grew from the forest floor.  Love the crown, the neckpiece and wrist pieces. If anyone out there has this doll, please post a review in the comments section for the rest of us. 

Designed by: Bill Greening

Release Date: 1/14/2015

Product Code: CGK94

This mythical beauty is second in the collection and is adorned in a gown with coppery branches, ruffled tiers of ethereal chiffon and a bodice wrapped in nude lace. Her crown, neckpiece and shoes share the natural motif and are accented with a feather design. Bold armbands complete the look.

Doll Details
Body Type:	ModelMuse™, Straight Arms
Skin Tone:	Peace
Facial Sculpt:	Louboutin
Fashion Sewn On?:	No
Eyelashes:	Painted

Included with doll:
Shoes, Crown, Headpiece, Arm Cuffs, Doll Stand
There is a limit of 5 dolls per order.

Daily Dose of Vanessa

Today's Vanessa is "High Tide." She arrived in 2007 in the line called "Style du Jour."
This gal is pure pin-up material from the 1940's.

High Tide was on the original tall body with high contrast makeup and period styled hair.

At first, I wasn't in love with her hairstyle so I cut it and ultimately had her re-rooted and repainted. This is prior to the reroot.

I have an original and I've grown to appreciate the donuts. There's a lesson to be learned but it's hard to keep dolls that I don't love. I have repurchased original issues of dolls on occasion.

A French Name Does Not Always a Great Doll Make

Ombres Poétique = Poetic Shadows

Poésie Enchantée = Enchanted Poetry

Poésie Sans Couleur = Poetry without Color

Do we see a connection here?

Integrity Toys put lots of effort into "Ombres Poétique" Mademoiselle Jolie, the last 2014 W Club exclusive doll, but missed the mark.  The gown, which could have been drop dead gorgeous, is a boring, boring beige with forgettable trim.

It consists of layer upon layer of tulle, all the same color. They had an opportunity to actually create an ombre (shaded, nuanced) effect by using graduated colors and eliminating the trim.

I would have rather have the gown in all black but Tulle is so fragile,  I'm wondering if I dare dye it.
Maybe some other brave soul will attempt it first. 

How to:
http://www.ehow.com/how_8044925_dye-tulle.html
http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/dye-tulle-27626.html

The accessories are the clutch purse which has a nice embroidered design, a lovely necklace and matching earrings. Getting the necklace required using jewelers' pliers to open the hook a bit.  I like that the clutch opens so the doll can insert a finger to actually hold it.
The ribbon ties on the shoes are a fiddly annoyance. I found that the arch of the shoe did not conform to the doll's feet but they stayed on anyway.

In addition, the mini giftset comes with some lingerie which I haven't put on a doll yet.

IT Photo

 As far as the doll herself, her hair is the same color as the other Poetic dolls - platinum. Even though I'm not a fan of the hair bump, I must say that her hair is beautifully done. I have seen it taken down and apparently there are no bald spots. That's a good thing for those intending to restyle.
If I were going to keep mine, I'd repaint her lips as I don't think the parted mouth does anything for this particular sculpt.

IT Photo

The Isha sculpt appeared for the first time in 2005 as Riveting Premier and as Age of Opulence.

In 2007, the same sculpt was used for two IFDC dolls as Luchia Z. Photos below are IT promo.

After that it was anyone's guess who was who as Isha lost her ethnic edge in all the incarnations except in "Purple Pose."

Another doll named Imogen used the sculpt as well, not too successfully I might add.**
**Ed. NOTE: I have been corrected. Imogen is not the same as Isha/Luchia. (1/22)

There may be more.  Only the Shadow knows.

My Favorite Doll

Our dog, Rudy, passed away this afternoon after a long battle with congestive heart failure and related illness. I have a huge empty space in my heart.
This beautiful poem helps a little.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die. 

by Mary Elizabeth Frye

Not Just For American Girl Dolls Anymore

The very popular adolescent line of American Girl dolls offers accessories, furniture pieces and room settings which fashion doll collectors are going crazy over. As it turns out, these items which are made for the 18" American Girls actually work better with our 16" dolls!

First up is a shop called Grace's French Bakery which retails for a whopping $500. Prego member, Johanna, posted many pictures or her insanely fantastic collection which includes the La Patisserie and Grace's Pastry Cart  ($150) with her dolls.  If you look carefully, you will see Gene Marshall chairs and tables in the setting! It's perfect.

Johanna also showed us Samantha's Ice Cream Parlor  ($300) being visited by her Tonner Patience dolls.

Mike (laughon45) posted the following three rooms. He, like Johanna, has added other 1/4 scale furniture to enhance these American Girl rooms. All of the dolls he used in these settings are Kingdom Dolls.

Isabelle's Studio ($275) That's quite a transformation. I love it.

Caroline's Parlor ($300.) I want this one!

Photo by Seumas' Mom

 Juies Bed & Bedding ($125.) and Julie's Egg Chair Set ($100)
As if the Egg Chair weren't adorable enough, it is actually equipped with stereo speakers. You plug a cable from the chair into your own music source and your doll can enjoy.

Some retired American Girl pieces can be found on Amazon.com and on eBay.  Some sellers will say "fits American doll" when it's not genuine American Doll. It that matters to you, be aware.