1/23/2018

Robert Tonner Presents Claire Fraser

Claire Fraser   16" vinyl  Edition Size 300     Price $235.

Happily Ever After sent out notification of the arrival of this long anticipated doll. Sadly, one still cannot see her face. Neither does the gown show well. What is going on with the pleating? It looks like one side is pleated and the other is mildly pleated.
I hope this is just the photographer's blunder and not the actual gown. This is a promotional photo after all and not the actual doll.
I did not order the doll. I'm waiting for Jamie.

1/18/2018

Reproduction 1962 Barbie Dream House with Doll

I may have mentioned about a thousand times that I have never been a Barbie collector. (IMO Silkstones don't count.) Deciding to buy this reproduction Dream House was all about finding out what the big deal was.

Mine came directly from Mattel although they somehow lost my order and screwed up in a few other ways. This was a big box weighing about 10 pounds.

Like a child without supervision, I snapped all the pieces out of the five heavy coated cardboard sheets before reading directions or planning.



In any event, I managed to make it through the furniture except for the lamp. I couldn't get the lamp right and I think I lost or tossed two plastic comb-like pieces that hold the sides in place. The rest was all very easy to do and came out surprisingly sturdy.

A few other Mattel dolls were thrown in along with the furniture and here are the pictures.











So now that I have this gigantic thing, what am I going to do with it?

___________

If you plan to purchase one, you can get if for various prices other than list. Check your local Walmart, Target and other large stores. eBay has many for sale. Some are offering free shipping as does Mattel on orders of $39. plus.
http://barbie.mattel.com/shop/en-us/ba/barbie-dream-house-1962-reproduction-fnd44

1/13/2018

Séduisante Elise W Club Exclusive

Approximately 7 months ago (July, 2017), members of the W Club were told that there would be a lottery for this 'basic' Elise who would have the interchangeable fashion to flat feet. Within a few days, we were told that there would be enough for all members to order - no lottery necessary.



Séduisante Elise has a simple palette with gold eyeshadow being the only highlight.
Her hair is straight with a center part.







She comes with her no-frills, cut-to-there bathing suit, a striped tote, sunglasses, earrings and a bracelet. To adorn her two sets of feet we have white sandals and blue strappy wedges.


Those of you who were around years ago, will recognize the coin-like jewelry from basic bathing beauties of the past. It's funny but I still have all that jewelry!

 I tried to pull one leg off and it finally came off after much careful tugging. Then I plugged in my heating pad and warmed the legs for about 10 minutes which made removal and replacement much easier.


I hope that many will have used that method or hot water instead of forcing the parts apart which would likely loosen or break the tabs.
Notice the placement of the connecting tab which is quite different from hand replacements we're used to.
I'm not a big fan of the flat feet as most people's feet aren't literally flat and totally flat feet look strange. They need an arch for a bit of realism.

This "beta" leg changing version doll was priced at $140. plus postage. That's pretty pricey for a bathing suit basic doll.We are paying for the new feature. They should have done this with Poppy Parker years ago.

Now I must decide what she'll be wearing and how to style her hair.


1/12/2018

The Final 2017 W Club Exclusive: "Fame & Fortune" Vanessa Perrin Gift Set

My word...someone finally woke up and realized that this is the WClub, not the Poppy Parker Club. It feels as if they've pulled out the BIG guns for the last couple of dolls. The final club exclusive doll is actually a Vanessa with her original sculpt.

The gift set consists of a lovely doll, two complete fashions, luggage, lingerie, specially made full glove/hands that are interchangeable with her own hands, jewelry, a purse, sunglasses and hair sticks.
The retail price is $250. plus postage and will arrive some time during the summer of 2018. A deposit of $35. is required no later than January 19, 2018.



Head Sculpt:
Vanessa Perrin 1.0
Body:
FR 6.0
Foot Sculpt:
High-heeled
Skin Tone:
FR White
Hair Color:
Soft Ebony
Eyelashes:
Yes, Hand-applied



Still "the" face of W Cosmetics after all these years, the eternally youthful Vanessa Perrin has brought much "Fame and Fortune" to her old sister and has always been there through thick or thin. Now more than ever, everyone's fashionista brings her own brand of gorgeousness to the table and shows everyone how it's done!
Vanessa Perrin is a 12.5-inch fully articulated fashion doll with luscious rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes. In this exquisite gift set, Vanessa Perrin redefines what it means to be a fashionista by including three complete looks that will take her from day-to-night faster than a roll of the dice! First, she starts her day in a lovely Asian inspired lingerie set that includes a custom printed kimono with high-contrast details, then she sets the tone as she runs to catch a train in a high-fashion two-piece ensemble composed of a sheer blouse, black pants and custom embroidered gloves that are sure to become an instant conversation starter as she travels to her next appearance. Then, she quickly switches to a soft, bright pink asymmetrical evening gown with delicate embroidery and beading details to attend one of the most highly-anticipated galas of the year! Vanessa comes complete with two pairs of shoes, a set of regular hands and a set of gloved hands, two jewelry sets, two fully functional (i.e. you can put her favorite accessories inside) monogrammed pieces of luggage, a clutch purse and sunglasses. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only. This doll cannot stand alone; a doll stand is included. A W Club members-only exclusive.





I was a little surprised by the pink dress as there was another pink Vanessa issued at Fashion Fairytale this past summer. 


I love pink gowns. I would love to have the one shown above but it's not going to happen. I do have this one.

 In fact, I have more than one shelf in one of my cabinets devoted to Vanessa dressed in some sort of pink fashion.

Regarding the black slacks, blouse and glove ensemble...the gloves are TDF and that was a no-brainer; however, now that we see how it's done, it shouldn't be difficult to reproduce in any color.
I like the tailored, fitted semi-sheer blouse. I'm not a fan of the way the hems look on the pants. They probably need to be ironed. We have seen the shoes previously. Meh.
Hopefully the luggage will be the same quality as it was in the past. I'm not a fan of the pink stripe down the front.


12/27/2017

Superdoll December 2017: Three Dressed Dolls, One Crown and Sceptre

KUMALO SYB/DD_0135


Inque is thrilled to be joining her sisters this year for the Holidays.
Like an exotic Africa princess she chose to wear chocolate satin and furs.
EARTH
From the top. Her gorgeous wig of blended black and brunettes formed into a multitude of topknots ...fabulous!
Her eyeshadows in the spectrum of turquoise and smoke surround her eyes of translucent chocolate with lids of muted sepia, eyes those of golden amber. Lips of dark rich red.
Her multi piece ensemble; a confection of chocolate satin hot pants and a corset dripping in beads is the foundation of her 'look'. Accompanied by a matching satin bolero trimmed in metallic matte gold rice beads and seeds and spectacular guipure finds.
Inque loves drama and for this she selected a fur wrap inset with feathers; just to get her silhouette going!
Always accessorised to the point of envy, Inque has an indiscreet set of fabulous faux fur condiments; consisting ankle & knee pads, fur balls to her foot and totally uncomfortable stiletto heeled courts in a chocolate brown with broad ankle ribbons!
Bringing exotic Africa with her; a final accessory is her monarch staff adorned in her tribal colours.
Inque is excited to pose along with her sisters all night long.
Happy Holidays from the d'Royces.
 Clone: 1603 Inque d'Royce
Skintone: TRUFFLE
Of course she comes with the following standard accessories:
-manic_cure hands (see booklet for hand change instructions)
-booklet
-stand
PRODUCTION MAY VARY FROM PROTOTYPE SHOWN.
In stock and ready to be delivered

In stock and ready to be delivered
Price: £279.20 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

________________________________________

RIO SYB/DD_0137


Voltaire is thrilled to be joining her sisters this year for the Holidays.
Like a titian Latin princess she chose to wear blazing pink, orange and purple.
FIRE
From the top. Her gorgeous wig of natural vibrant reds set with fringe and an up do we call bun - bun - bow. ...fabulous!
Her eyeshadows in the spectrum of violets and smoke surround her eyes of translucent charcoal and ginger with lids of muted white, eyes those of green flame. Lips of gorgeous coral.
Her 2 piece ensemble; a confection of embroidery and satin trimmed in gold and sequin. A matador suit hitting all the right curves, with epaulettes and a stand collar.
Voltaire loves drama and this suit of lights has just her favourite kind.... the glamourous kind.
Always accessorised to the point of envy, Venus has an discreet white lace jabot at he neck, and totally uncomfortable stiletto heeled courts in a hot pink with broad ankle ribbons!
Bringing south America with her; a final accessory is her pair of banderillas and a red tulle veil.
Voltaire is excited to pose along with her sisters all night long.
Happy Holidays from the d'Royces.
 Clone: 1000 Voltaire d'Royce
Skintone: CORALO
Of course she comes with the following standard accessories:
-manic_cure hands (see booklet for hand change instructions)
-booklet
-stand
PRODUCTION MAY VARY FROM PROTOTYPE SHOWN.
In stock and ready to be delivered
Price: £275.79 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

_____________________________________________


VUSHKA SYB/DD_0136


Venus is thrilled to be joining her sisters this year for the Holidays.
Like a blonde Siberian princess she chose to wear sky blue and gold.
AIR
From the top. Her gorgeous wig of baby blonde set with a centre part cascades in voluptuous curls to her waist. Huge glorious hair ...fabulous!
Her eyeshadows in the spectrum of muted browns and smoke surround her eyes of translucent charcoal and mud with lids of muted nude, eyes those of sky blue. Lips of pale rose outlined in rose.
Her 1 piece frock; a confection of gold lace and tulle trimmed in matching rhinestone bearing an empire line front and a long slim torso in back. All this over a multi layer tulle and glitter attached petticoat. Mid calf length front trains toward the back.
Venus loves drama and this gown has just her favourite kind.... the glamourous kind.
Always accessorised to the point of envy, Venus has an indiscreet fabulous faux fur wrap in dark blush fur, opera length gloves in almost not there glistening gold tulle, and totally uncomfortable stiletto heeled courts in a pale gold with broad ankle ribbons!
Bringing fairy tale Siberia with her; a final accessory is her gorgeous 'coach' purse in gild 'gold' and a matching blue velvet strap.
Venus is excited to pose along with her sisters all night long.
Happy Holidays from the d'Royces.
 Clone: 1000 Venus d'Royce
Skintone: COSMETIQUE
Of course she comes with the following standard accessories:
-manic_cure hands (see booklet for hand change instructions)
-booklet
-stand
PRODUCTION MAY VARY FROM PROTOTYPE SHOWN.

OUT OF STOCK
Price: £269.75 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

______________________________________________________


Glorious Crown and Sceptre Set


Custom made for your Princess 
In stock and ready to be delivered
Price: £35.00 (Excluding VAT at 20%)
_______________________


Collectors have been asking for more varied sculpts and Superdoll has heard them. In this offering we have Inque, Voltaire and Venus. Certainly something for every Sybarite lover and all three for many.

As happens so often, the princess-type dolls are the first to sell out. Vushka is sold out. What I like best about her is her wig. While her gown is lovely, it's just not special enough. I can see that the crown and sceptre belong to her.

Kumalo is my personal favorite and I was lucky to get one. She is quite different from the faces on the dolls currently in my collection. When I saw her close-up three days ago, I was hooked. I tried to resist but it was futile. I'm glad I didn't wait too long. I think she will look amazing posed along with Forest.

There are some aspects about Rio that I do not like at all. Sorry to say that includes her face and costume. It does not come across as fashion at all but rather as unfinished toreador glitz. I'm sure that she will look lovely once redressed and rewigged; however, she's just not my cup of tea.

When will we see pierced ears on the GenX dolls? C'mon Superdoll, give us some openings for our own earrings!