Doll Nail Painting Guide by Kevin aka KingKevin from VA

Kevin was kind enough to permit me to share this guide with my readers.

Many of us have ordered upgrade bodies for our Integrity dolls. I just leave the nails blank.  I've upgraded so many dolls over the years, I don't care anymore.

A lot of y'all are perfectionists so this is for you!

It is possible to enlarge this by clicking on it.  You will have to scroll from side to side to see the entire image but it's worth it.

December 2016 Purse of the Month Club

I've been a fan of the Purse of the Month Club for many years and I always look forward to their December product announcement.
This month's bags pay homage to Jimmy Choo with the Holiday Tulita Bag.

There's a wonderful tote set available. It comes with a scarf.

How about this gold holiday shopper which comes with home decor accessories. $35.

For your dolls' holiday parties, here are two sequined fashions.

A party sensation! The beautifully designed bodysuit in tiny sequins features a mesh neck detail and NO sequins below the waist, for a sleek look. Also included is the black satin half-bow belt with rhinestone buckle. 
Bodysuit & belt  $45.00 
The metallic circle skirt features a drop waist and will dazzle her dance partners! $35.00 

Spectacular gown in delicate blush sequins features satin straps and flared hem for high drama. Also included is a blush satin scarf with beaded fringe! 

Gown and scarf set.  $65.00 

And that's not all! Every month they offer "Elite Ensembles" which are beautifully designed, moderately priced fashions and accessories. This month's Elites offer multiple options for mixing and matching. If you wanted all the options, you could discuss this with the ladies as the price would change. They are wonderful that way. If they have the material for the product, they're flexible.  You can specify which FR doll you wish the shoes to fit.

Option A 

Silk dupioni suit in blush features a satin lapel, trimmed with black. Bodysuit in tiny sequins and black mesh neck is set off by the black satin half-bow belt with rhinestone buckle. Stunning! Also included are earrings, Tote Set, rose gold leather shoes and your choice of handbag.

$165.00 + shipping 

Option B 

This option includes sleek silk dupioni trousers. 

Option C 

This version features a dropped waist circle skirt in a holiday print metallic. 

Accessories 

Included are the Jimmy Choo style tote set, belt with rhinestone buckle, earrings, leather rose gold shoes and your choice of handbag. 

Contact Diana at dianawieler@hotmail.com for more information and to be placed on the mailing list.

Here is the link to their Picture Trail account: http://www.picturetrail.com/mellyandgeorge

Sybarite TU Dressed Doll 0111

TU DD_0111

"I'm so excited to be meeting up with the gurls for tea!"
Tu thought it very apt to wear her slippers to the party!

Venus can't wait for the tea time games they will play in the miniature chashitsu created for them in the London Salon.

GENX.2 body!
Cosmetique skintone!

With memories of Pyjama Parties, Venus hair is a deep chocolate with golden blonde tied back fringe, a long flowing wig cut blunt.
Her eyes surrounded in shades of heavy charcoal with vibrant turquoise lids, dark black liner and arched hot pink brows. Her piercing golden eyes are offset with heavy grey. Lips the colour of the asian sun as it hangs over the Autumn sky in her minds eye.
She chose today, a dark fushia jacket of multicolour brocade satin with square kimonoesque sleeves adorned in 'lace on' gilt chain. Closure in the form of a heavy metalic cord belt, neckline plunged to her solarplexities, goes without saying.....
Below the hip level jacket she wears a silk satin micro skirt; the colour of her eyelids, and gorgeous violet hose. Her purse of 'leopard' bears a clasp detail in gold mirror gloss, studs and D ring. Maybe just a small hint as to just what kind of tea party this is going to be!
Furthermore she wears her 'leopard' platform slippers with tops of mirror turquoise studded with gilt metal studs and orange fur. Easy to slip off and stare at.... she really loves these slippers!
Her favourite accessory today of course is her 'gold' leatherette collier with stud and D ring detail.... and of course she did not forget to wear her leash!

The last of Autumns hues; to reveal the Winters turquoise.
Let the Games begin!

Clone: 1000 Venus d'Royce

Of course she comes with the following standard accessories:
-manic_cure hands (see booklet for hand change instructions)
-booklet
-stand

In stock and ready to be delivered

Price: £259.74 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

I'm amazed at how many and how quickly the dolls are being produced and released by Superdoll. They are fun to look at as well as bizarre in many ways. Tu's wig reminds me a little too much of Cruella Deville.

Superdoll's Halloween "Monarch"

All photos and text are directly from Superdoll Collectable's website.

MONARCH DD_116

The Howling wolves could not keep her contained as Venus slipped from the darkness into the midnight forest.

It's a very eerie night tonight, and this glamour hybrid is off Trick & Treat. (mostly tricking we're sure!) in a foggy forest of London.

GENX.2 body!
Cosmetique skintone!
Venus platinum nape bun, bangs and pappilon bunches hair gives her a silhouette for flight, while her red and black eyebrows and her spiral eyes highlighted in white and shaded in grey give a hypnotic stare. Lips of scarlet outlined in black.
Her silk satin gown of black and red bears overlay of fine tulle printed in latex as are her attached 'wings' which drag or flutter. Her gown silhouette is of sharp jagged neckline and boufant peplum in black with a slinky sinuous red evolving train.

Red jagged edge gloss shoes complete her haunting look.
TRICK OR TREAT?!?

Clone: 1000 Venus d'Royce

Of course she comes with the following standard accessories:
-manic_cure hands (see booklet for hand change instructions)
-booklet
-stand

ACTUAL PRODUCTION SHOWN
In stock and ready to be delivered

Price: £318.94 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

She looks pretty amazing. I like the unusual Sybs (unless they have black rings around their eyes.) The wig is delightful.

£318.94 British Pound equals $389.36 US Dollar. Postage to the US is usually about $60.

Excellent Size Comparison Photo for Integrity Toys Dolls

With permission from MiyukiDollfie on flickr.

From left to right: Poppy Parker, Victoire Roux/BoD, Monogram, FR Tall, FR2, Color Infusion/Jem.

This photo will referenced in a side bar so readers can find it even after it scrolls off.

As far as the bodies, my favorites are the FR2 and the Monogram.

Halloween With Viola and Savile

I am so glad that my Kingdom Doll ladies can wear so many other doll's clothing. With the Tonner (Tyler) sized stuff, I do have to pin the backs. With this particular Gene gown, the fit was perfect - just slightly shorter than I would have liked but no one else would see that.

In these photos, Viola is wearing Tonner's Wicked Witch outfit minus the cape. I have her in Morgana's wig.

Savile is wearing an Ashton Drake for Gene black and silver lace gown. It's so perfect.

The neckpiece is from Joy Jarred. It's very strange and I love it.

Here they are side by side.

Savile, again.

Integrity Toys "American Horror Story" COVEN Dolls

The W Club members got a one day preview of this new line of dolls from Integrity Toys.  Here are the dolls and the descriptive text from the announcement:

Integrity Toys, Inc., under license from Twentieth Century Fox Television, is thrilled to unveil its previously announced, highly-anticipated series of high-end collectible dolls based on the various characters of fan favorite COVEN, the iconic third season of the AMERICAN HORROR STORY series.

Pop culture enthusiasts and fans of the hit TV series alike will be thrilled to take home these intricate collector dolls based on their favorite characters of the bewitching, fan favorite third season of the show! Based on the likeness of the key characters, each one is dressed in miniature replicas of key looks from the show. The first doll in the series based on character Marie Laveau (played by famed actress Angela Bassett) is set to be available via Integrity Toys' network of authorized dealers starting this week!

The full line of six collectible fashion dolls includes:

-Fiona Goode (played by Jessica Lange),

-Marie Laveau (played by Angela Bassett),

-Myrtle Snow (played by Frances Conroy),

-Kyle Spencer (played by Evan Peters),

-Zoe Benson (played by Taissa Farmiga), and

-Madison Montgomery (played by Emma Roberts).

Marie Laveau Dressed Doll

American Horror Story Coven™

Limited Edition of 600 Dolls Worldwide

Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US

In-Stock Ready to Ship/Week of October 24th, 2016

Doll Specs:

Head Sculpt: Marie Laveau (New Sculpt!)

Body Type: FR2013

Skin Tone: FR Black

Hair Color: Black

Fiona Goode Dressed Doll

American Horror Story Coven™

Limited Edition of 900 Dolls Worldwide

Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US

Available Approximately Early January 2017

Doll Specs:

Head Sculpt: Fiona Goode (New Sculpt!)

Body Type: FR2013

Skin Tone: FR White

Hair Color: Ash Blond

Myrtle Snow Dressed Doll

American Horror Story Coven™

Limited Edition of 650 Dolls Worldwide

Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US

Available Approximately Mid-December 2016

Doll Specs:

Head Sculpt: Myrtle Snow (New Sculpt!)

Body Type: FR 2013

Skin Tone: Cream

Hair Color: Redhead

Zoe Benson Dressed Doll

American Horror Story Coven™

Limited Edition of 800 Dolls Worldwide

Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US

Available Approximately First Week of December 2016

Doll Specs:

Head Sculpt: Zoe Benson (New Sculpt!)

Body Type: NU. Face 2.0

Skin Tone: Japan

Hair Color: Brunette

Kyle Spencer Dressed Fashion Figure

American Horror Story Coven™

Limited Edition of 700 Figures Worldwide

Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US

Available Approximately Mid-November 2016

Doll Specs:

Head Sculpt: Kyle Spencer (New Sculpt!)

Body Type: Homme

Skin Tone: Japan

Hair Color: Blond

Madison Montgomery Dressed Doll

American Horror Story Coven™

Limited Edition of 800 Dolls Worldwide

Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US

Available Approximately Mid-December 2016

Doll Specs:

Head Sculpt: Madison Montgomery (New Sculpt!)

Body Type: NU. Face 2.0

Skin Tone: Japan

Hair Color: Dark Blond

As soon as I saw Marie Laveau, I knew I had to have her. First of all I like Angela Bassett and I think this doll resembles her. Secondly, I'm happy to be able to add a beautiful, newly sculpted black doll to my collection. I love her braided hair and her fashion is very cute. I hope the actual doll looks just like the promotional photos.

As far as the rest of the dolls, my opinion is not nearly as high. I did not see the Coven episodes so I am not familiar with the characters. I am, however, familiar with Jessica Lange and Fiona Goode looks nothing like the actress. I do like her outfit and the umbrella a lot and might try to get that. 

Myrtle Snow is rather unattractive. Is she about to do the dishes?  I suppose that those who are fans of the entire series will want all of the characters. The other dolls and their outfits do nothing for me. I don't need to know a back story to have a doll impress me. I've seen numerous attempts at character doll sculpts that have failed. However, if the doll looked great to me I would buy it.

What do you all think?

Superdoll's 2016 "Glamour Ghoul" Event in London

I was able to cobble together a review of the recently held Superdoll event with text by Izzy and photos from Superdoll, Izzy, Sherryl Buchler, Gerri aka Aquabluerose and John aka dollster.

It's a strange feeling tonight being really happy after a truly wonderful conventionand a little sad that it is all over and we've already waved so many friends goodbye. 
The Glamour Ghoul week started with lots of people enjoying salon appointments: beautiful couture Made in London outfits, special headskin wigs, studio painted Gen_X dolls and previews of some upcoming production items.....including TU, the next in the current AW collection and the one Val queried below. 
The first "official unofficial happening" was the Thursday night get together held in a hotel near the salon. This had the theme "Witch's Heart" after a Halloween cocktail which is the same colours as the gorgeous first prize in the draw at the end of the evening: a specially enhanced and wigged version of Oxide wearing a OOAK salon gown. Conventioneers also received goody bags with miniatures, customized candy and postcards together with a "paper doll" of Oxide - we received three more to cover the Kinky collection during the event.

Most people spent Friday either shopping or visiting one of the many available exhibitions - The Vulgar at the Barbican Arts Centre was the most popular! This included some fabulous fashions by designers like John Galliano, Christian Dior and Pam Hogg: the Jazz Age at the Fashion and Textile Museum also had some beautiful dresses. 
On Friday evening we all assembled for The Howling: cocktails and a Chalk White exhibit at The Hospital Club in Covent Garden. Don't ask me about the drinks, the venue, the music, the canapes......I only had eyes for the dolls! (The company was pretty good too though!). 
The collection was called Screaming Dervish and was totally incredible - but far too exciting to discuss properly in an event report! 
Once we had our breath back, Charles and Desmond presented the first of our event dolls, a Gen_X Beauty called Magic with raven hair and a red and neutral dress - and stunning two tone red and dark brows! 

She was accompanied by a set of glittering headphones and cell phone and the next "paper doll". 

Then came the exciting news that Magic had a sister who was an edition of just 30 and available as a companion optional purchase the next day at the salon! 

Trillion is a really pretty colour variation with a blonde and pink palette...just lovely

After Saturday's additional salon shopping excursion it was time to start>>
preparing for the Ice Morgue Ball held at St Ermins Hotel in Westminster. The staff did a fabulous job welcoming us and not batting an eyelid at some of the rather....ahem...unusual and extreme costumes that were sported at this costume ball (though they did request quite a few photographs!). After enjoying cocktails in the beautiful Balcony Bar...all white stucco friezes and beautiful curved rails....whilst we watched the new arrivals negotiating the staircase in towering heels or mummy wrappings or masses of white tulle....we made our way to The Cloisters, a beautiful spacious room with high cornices and amazing details. 
Through a fog of dry ice clouds the staff assisted us with finding our places at a huge dining table adorned with myriad candelabras....and five gorgeous dolls dressed in gowns resembling the mummy's wrappings slowly revolving in front of our astonished eyes. 
Each place setting had a gold box containing a set of five pairs of shoes, a sybarite luggage tag shaped like a miniature doll, a set of postcards and the final "paper doll" together with chocolates and badges. 

Saturday Centerpiece Doll

After a delicious dinner of smoked salmon, tender beef and a champagne and strawberry dessert, we all savoured our coffee whilst Charles and Desmond collected our prize draw tickets and awarded the stunning centerpieces to five lucky winners. I'm thrilled to say my husband was one of them!!!!! The excitement continued with the best costume competition, loudly voted upon by all the attendees! 
Then came the high point: the unveiling of the convention doll - or should I say defrosting? For the first of the new generation 4.5 resin sybarites, Venus clone 800, was presented encased in a shimmering ice sculpture....maybe to stop us overheating as we stared at her beautiful face! Anunnaq is absolutely perfect - the most amazing make up and outfit!!!! There are pictures on superdoll's Facebook page for those who haven't seen her and I know there will be lots more as soon as collectors arrive home and get chance to play! 

Anunnaq, Resin Gen 4.5, Venus Clone 800

We celebrated her arrival with dancing, partying,talking, planning.......before finally leaving with words of see you in Paris or see you in New Orleans....already looking forward to our next sybarite events! 

__________________________________

All the dolls except Anunnaq were the vinyl Gen X type. Izzy reported that between 40-50 were in attendance. I asked her about Salon Appointments.

The exclusive salon items are sold most frequently via salon appointments - some items made in the London studio may be sold online but then would normally be described as studio pieces rather than salon exclusives. 
There are salon items produced throughout the year and it is possible to make an appointment at any time of year (subject of course to Charles or Desmond being available) but there is a greater selection of items specifically made for the convention collections. 
As well as the chance to purchase these exclusive fashions there may often be the chance to see a preview of a forthcoming production item or something unique from Superdoll's private collection - you never really know what you will find to see! 

The last two USA Superdoll conventions have included a "trunk sale" - effectively a traveling salon. 

Jamieshow's 2016 Limited Edition Halloween Dolls

 "Blade"

Veronika is Blade, our first of two Halloween 2106 Ltd. Edition dolls.

Veronika wears blade shoes, and a black crystal dress with peplum at waist and shoulders.  With sculpted silver hair to coordinate with those cutting BLADE shoes.  She is a goth halloween fashion dream. A limited edition of only 50 pieces worldwide.  This is only Veronika's second introduction.   She has light blue eyes, with gold and blue mascara, and ruby red lips!  A long fitted black dress cut in the front with a train.  She is a 16" Ball jointed resin doll in JAMIEshow exclusive Smooth-J Resin.  Doll can wear any JAMIEshow rooted wig as well and new sculpted wig cap can be worn by any JAMIEshow doll.

She will be shipping end of November.

Ltd. Edition 50 worldwide

$495.

______________________________

"MADAME"

Sofia

Madame Sofia, our second Halloween 2106 Ltd. Edition dolls.

Sofia wears golden sculpted resin shoes, and a gold crystal dress with black lace and tassels.  With sculpted hair to coordinate.  She is a goth halloween fashion dream. A limited edition of only 50 pieces worldwide.  She has light brown eyes, with gold and brown mascara, and ruby wine lips!  A long fitted black dress cut in the front with a an ample train made of lace.  She is a 16" Ball jointed resin doll in JAMIEshow exclusive Smooth-J Resin.  Doll can wear any JAMIEshow rooted wig as well and new sculpted wig cap can be worn by any JAMIEshow doll.

She will be shipping end of November.

Ltd. Edition 50 worldwide

$495.

All photos and text belong to Jamieshow Dolls.

You can see more images and order these dolls here: http://www.jamieshow.us/2016-Halloween

Kingdom Doll Morgana Cast A Spell on Me

In literature, Morgan le Fay is known by quite a few alternative names, one of which is Morgana. She is a powerful enchantress in the Arthurian legend.  Her role has changed over time from healer to goddess to sorceress and witch. Her name appears as far back as 1150 CE.

Morgan le Fay by Anthony Frederick Sandys (1864)

I was very lucky to win the chance to purchase Morgana, LE 8, at the Camelot 2016 event centerpiece.

She is the first doll to be released with the Demetae sculpt. The Demetae were a Celtic people of Iron Age Britain. Alexandra Forbes names her sculpts after early British tribes.

Morgana is dressed in a long, deep-wine colored skirt. It is fitted through her hips and fans out with a very broad sweep. The upper part of her fashion is pewter colored flexible resin. It ties in the back corset style.

Her wig is amazing. Perhaps photos can better describe this crowning glory.

The colors used are a blend of silver gray and platinum with either very dark gray or black.  (Ed. note: I've been told there's a touch of blue in there as well.) The fibers are crimped. There are a few tiny braids and one big braid falling from the top.

I have Morgana wearing one of her pairs of alternate hands...the one with dragon lady nails.

She cast a spell on me right from the start.

More information on the literary Morgana:
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morgan_le_Fay and http://www.witchcraftandwitches.com/witches_morgan.html