Brownie Pepe and Kai

Brownie Bebe and Kai, originally uploaded by alington.

Introducing Brownie Pepe (full-set), resin BJD by FelixDoll. She's about 11.5 cm tall (4.5 inches) which makes her shorter than my Elfdoll fairies, Kai and Olivia.

Pepe was actually a gift for my daughter for her ninth birthday. (I bought her used, and she included an extra outfit and several other wigs.) Kate was thrilled to have her very own ball-jointed doll.

Brownies are highly articulated, fun to pose and have some weight to their chubby bodies. They can stand on their own very easily, and their wigs are magnetic, which makes them easy to change and stay on their heads.

As you can see, Kai is less than thrilled with her new buddy. You can see the rest of this photoshoot on Flickr.

Candy Cane Carnival

Candy Cane Carnival, originally uploaded by alington.

Candy Cane Carnival Eltin has finally made her arrival! She's an exclusive Dynamite Girl, and was a Christmas gift for my daughter Kate. (Yes, it nearly killed me not to take her out of the box.)

Her hair is perfect--no gel in it, it seems--and is so soft. Her dress is super cute, too: a very short dirndl. Plus, she includes pumps and boots, for wintery weather.

Check out her full first photoshoot on Flickr. Fun, fun, fun!

2008 Barbie

Kate turned nine yesterday (not sure what happened to my emailed post comments here), and this 2008 Barbie was one of her gifts.

I need to take better photos, but she's really cute! I love her.

Barbie is for the Birds

Barbie - the Birds, originally uploaded by alington.

A surprise Christmas gift from my sister and her husband, I was shocked and delighted to open this gift: The Birds Barbie!

The box is so delightfully creepy, I am wondering if I will have to keep my first ever NRFB doll! Though, I have to admit, I'm admiring her purse, and the details of her suit, and I don't think it will last that long. She will porbably have to come out and play. She's awesome!

2007 Holiday Barbie

2007 Holiday Barbie, originally uploaded by alington.

My daughter Kate got this doll from her brother David for Christmas. I think she is absolutely amazing. I'm so glad to see her out of the box, as gorgeous as the box and packaging was.

Her hair is gorgeous, her face sculpt is amazing, and her dress is perfect! She's such a dream boat. I just think she is awesome, and I'm glad to be able to snap a couple of photos before the "play" begins.

Hope you had a great holiday!

40% off in-stock dolls at Angelic Dreamz

Great time to save on dolls from Angelic Dreamz! From now through January 4, you can take 40% off all in-stock dolls (except JamieShow). Here are a couple of great deals I found:

• Poppy Parker (Integrity Toys) Summer Magic is just $42 (plus she has some outfits, too)
• Boogie Beach Jasper or Reese just $23.99
• Other Dynamite Girls listed at just $27.00
• All ITBE dolls listed at just $15.00
• Sideshow Toys James Dean $68.99
• Sideshow Toys Sean Connery $89.99
• Sideshow Toys Luke Skywalker $41.99 or Han Solo $38.99
• Barbie as Heidi Klum $26.97
• Joe Tai dolls on sale--all 40% off

Happy Holidays from FR Nippon On the Go Destination: Tokyo

FR Nippon On the Go Destination: Tokyo wishes you and your loved ones a merry Christmas and happy holidays.

I'll be taking a couple of days off from blog posting (I think) to spend some time with the family. Well, unless I just can't stand it and get some really fantastic dolls that I just can't wait to post on this blog. I know there will be quite a few new additions coming soon! Enjoy your time off with your family, and have a safe and wonderful (and doll-filled) holiday with your loved ones.

Tuesday Tea for Two

Goodreau Tinies as Alice, originally uploaded by alington.

In celebration of the holiday season, I thought I'd try Tuesday Tea for Two, a blogging tea party idea I saw at the Plumed Pen of Wanda Lee.

My two lovelies are both Goodreau resin ball-jointed dolls. Ashlyn is 5" tall, and is dressed in a one-of-a-kind mod Alice outfit created for her by Nancie at Nankatts. Her wig and shoes are by Goodreau. Adeline Joy is dressed in a an outfit for Snappy dolls (also created by Goodreau). Her wig is handmade by Michele Hardy. Tea set is a Rement set. The tray of cookies is from a Tiny Kitty Christmas Hat Box set (Tonner Doll Company).

One-day specials at Angelic Dreamz

Valid for today only, here a couple good Barbie deals to share with you:

• Superstar My Favorite Barbie Giftset $19.99 (retail $44.95)
• Bubble Cut My Favorite Barbie $21.99 (retail $44.95)
• Corvette Barbie (red) $15.99 (retail $49.95)
• Gorgeous Greetings Birthday Glamour Barbie $16.99 (retail $24.99)
• Gorgeous Greetings Disco Celebration Barbie $9.99 (retail $24.99)

Plus, all the savings are still in effect--when you spend $200-300, you save 15%, up  to $700, save $20%, and over $701 take 25% off your entire order. Plus flat-rate shipping of $7 for all continental US orders.

Photo courtesy of Mattel.

Lady Gaga dolls...

I saw these posted on The Doll Head blog... go check them out. Very cool, and with tutorials!

Barbie Basic Model No. 5

Barbie Basic Model No. 5 - BarbieCollector.com

The Kayla/Lea sculpt. I think she may have to come home to me at some point.

I do wish their bodies were a little more posable, but I've seen some of these girls rebodied successfully on Fashionistas. I know we're adding a couple of those to the girls' collection this Christmas.  Hmm...

I think I have a type of seasonal affect disorder--it hits me pretty hard during the months of November and December. The only thing that fixes me is shopping. Usually for sparkling, glittering or pretty things. I think Lea would help. Think she would count as a medical expense?

Ack. Time to do something besides "research." Maybe a shower would help?

Photo courtesy of Mattel.

Specials at Susan's Dolls

When you purchase an Armani Barbie or Philipp Plein Barbie from Susan's Dolls during the month of December, you can get a free Jonathan Adler Room Pack, a free My Favorite Barbie Vintage Shoe Pack and $10 flat rate shipping!

All Barbie orders placed through December 31 receive flat rate $10 shipping, up to five Barbie dolls. You can add Randall Craig or Dressmaker Details fashions and Schilling Barbie accessories for no extra charge. Continental US only.

All Barbie orders of $100 or more receive a free My Favorite Barbie Vintage Shoe Pack, also, through December 20, 2009, or while supplies last.

Photos courtesy of Mattel.

A couple of one-day sales at Angelic Dreamz

Check out these great deals one-day sales from Angelic Dreamz, valid Thursday, December 17, 2009 only:

• Barbie Dolls of the World France - Only $9.99 (retail price is $34.95)
• Barbie Lucy and Ethel at the Chocolate Factory (two-doll set) $19.95 (retail $64.95)
• Horsman Urban Vita Edge (I know, she's 16" and should go on the Fashion Doll Review, but she's such a good price!) $69.99 (retail $120)

In addition, all orders have a flat-reat shipping of $7.00 for FedEx ground (home delivery, continental US).

Also, if you spend $200-$300, you can take an additional 15% off your entire order. Spend $301-$700, and take 20%. When you spend $701 or more, you can save 25%. This offer includes sale items, but not JAMIEshow.
Photo courtesy of Mattel.

While we're on the subject of Tarina...

Well, if Tuesday Morning is going to sell out of Tarina's Barbie so quickly (she is also available on Amazonfor $43), I thought I'd also look up and see what other goodies I could find. And boy, did I find!

My favorite: Zappos. For the Barbie collector who has everything, try these lovely blingies, designed by Tarina Tarantino. You can choose from earrings, bracelets and necklaces, all with Barbie logos. Pink, lime green and black. So cute! Price isn't cheap: they range from $64 to $103, so you'd better really like your gift recipient!

Tarina Tarantino Barbie at Tuesday Morning online!

I saw this gorgeous Barbie online this morning and thought I'd share her with you, in case you have any last-minute Christmas shopping to do. Tarina Tarantino Barbie (2008 Gold Label) retails for $79.99 and she is listed here for $29.99 on Tuesday Morning's website.

If you don't mind searching through stuff, and have this chain near you, you can often find collector dolls at a pretty good price. But this was the first time I've seen a collector Barbie listed online--I'm not sure how their shipping charges compare, however.

Image courtesy of Mattel.


UPDATE: So sorry! I just checked, and she's already sold out. When I posted this entry earlier this morning, she was available. They must have only had a few of these lovelies left in stock!

Challenge seven - Mad WoMEN - Couture Doll

The contest entries for the second-to-last challenge, Mad Women, are up on the Couture Doll website. Again, bravo, designers! (I've really enjoyed watching each of the designers improve with each new challenge, as well.) There are 18 gorgeous entries, and here is this design's challenge:

Your challenge this week will be to design the perfect cocktail fashion for your model, who by the way will be wearing your design as she guest stars in an episode of the wildly popular TV series Mad Men, entitled, The Cocktail Party.

The guest judge is Steven Fraser from Dressmaker Details. Scores are usually posted within a week. The final challenge, Around the World in One Fashion, guest judge Rudi Teruel, has also been posted, and is due January 3, 2010:

Like Susie by R&D Fashion dolls, your model is a world traveler. On her arrival at her destination, it appears that her luggage went to Hoboken instead of with her. Now she must use what she is wearing to make a transition from day to night, but she needs that transition to reflect the city she is visiting. Please choose your city and don't forget to tell us in your description what city it is. You should also give the judges a good description of how your style fits your city. As this is the last challenge this is your time to really show us YOUR style.

Two sales of note...

BIC is have 20% off all in-stock dolls (including FR Nippon, Momoko, Azone, DollyStyle, and other hard-to-find Japan exclusive dolls). The refund comes only after you pay, however, I have it from another collector that this is an excellent and reliable source for overseas shopping. This offer is valid only through December 14, 2009, 1:00 (Japan Time), so don't wait! (Thanks for the tip, Susan!)

Additionally, BarbieCollector is still offering its $1 standard shipping (with no minimum or maximum order) through December 14, 2009, 11:59 central time, as well.

Just thought I'd pass these along to you!

Juicy Couture Barbies

Juicy Couture Barbies, originally uploaded by alington.

Before they get much play, I thought I'd take a couple of snapshots of the Juicy Couture Beverly Hills G&P Barbie Dolls set from 2008. (We got a steal of a deal on these ladies from Vogue Collectibles, and they are gorgeous.)

Here they are, minding the "store," which is filled with various accessories, including shoes and bags by Fashion Royalty and the Dynamite Girls.

Both dolls are wearing basted-on chiffon dresses, Pam is in black, Gela is in taupe, both in cascading ruffles. The dolls have adorable shoes with the Juicy Couture logo on the toe. (The shoes don't stay on very well, however cute they are.) They also have "fur" coats, lined in black and taupe satin, plenty of bracelets, a necklace and rings, to pump their bling factor up a notch.

You can see the full photoshoot on my Picasa album or a few on my Flickr photostream. Have a great weekend!

Juicy Gela

Juicy Gela, originally uploaded by alington.

And Gela - also from the Juicy Couture gift set. And one more will follow with details...

Juicy Pam

Juicy Pam, originally uploaded by alington.

From the 2008 Juicy Couture Set - Pam.

More of this set will follow!

Boogie Beach Jasper

Boogie Beach Jasper, originally uploaded by alington.

Another new arrival (via my daughter's birthday) is Boogie Beach Jasper. She's a unique Dynamite Girl--we own quite a few DGs, and her body feels like it has a little "grip" to it, like Splash, from the Wave II collection of the Monsieur Z dolls (also by Integrity Toys). But it makes her skin very matte, and it gives her a nice feel.

He hair is blonde and heavily gelled, but it's pretty. Her eyes are green with applied brush-type lashes, lips shocking pink. She comes wearing a fuchsia bathing suit, a windbreaker and platform sandals, which make her slightly too tall for her stand.

She has some fun accessories: aviator-style sunglasses, hoop earrings, a bracelet, a clear vinyl tote with rainbow striped handles, two 33rpm records and a magazine called "Feather." As in, that's what you do to your hair. So late 1970s. And funny.

Her hands remove for easy dressing, and she's a dream to pose. She's really fun. See more photos on my Picasa photo album or Flickr photostream.

New 2010 Harley-Davidson gift set

I'd simply be remiss if I didn't let you all know about this lovely 2010 Harley-Davidson Barbie and Ken gift set. It's a Pink Label gift set, retails for $74.95, and features two rather nice-looking dolls.

Now, why do Ken's wrists bend, and it looks like Barbie is yet another Model Muse Barbie? Am I the only collector who likes articulated dolls?

Anyway--the dolls are dressed in actual fashions that are available at the Harley store for real humans, and these two come with tattoos, piercings and helmets.

Love the cut of Barbie's jacket. Heck, I would wear that.

Available for pre-order now, shipping in February 2010. (I heard about it from Vogue Collectibles in Canada--they are just great to deal with.)

When holiday shopping goes terribly wrong...

Harley-Davidson Barbie, originally uploaded by alington.

Barbie rode her Harley-Davidson to do some Christmas shopping, and even the shopping queen loses her temper when items aren't in stock, or advertised prices aren't honored! She pitched a little fit, and got her way.

[Just kidding!]

This gorgeous doll is another one of Lauren's birthday presents. I took photos of her yesterday while she was at school, before Barbie gets much play. She's quite pretty--and a bargain at $15 from TJ Maxx.

Her "leather" chaps are pink, and her bustier really laces. She has a huge angel tattoo on her back. The gunmetal hoop earrings add to her overall look. Her smokey eyes and neutral lips give her some extra oomph.

I love this doll. You can see more photos of her on Picasa, or on my Flickr photostream.

Like her? If you do, and don't have a TJ Maxx close to you, she's on sale at Amazon right now for $22.29, instead of $45: Barbie Collector Harley Davidson Doll

Barbie Fashionista Glam

Barbie Fashionista Glam, originally uploaded by alington.

Barbie Fashionistas Glam Dollis resting her feet after a long day shopping. Actually, she looks refreshed and ready to get going! (Totally in her element, as only Barbie can be.) All the cool shoes and accessories are by Fashion Royalty and Dynamite Girls.

This is a very, very fun Barbie. She's super articulated and cheap. As in, inexpensive. And look at her! She's adorable! (She's not mine, actually--my six year-old got her as a birthday gift yesterday, and I took photos of her while Lauren was at school.)

Her outfit is surprisingly cute for a playline doll, as are her shoes and accessories (a purse). But these are in short supply at our local Target. They only had blonde, blue-eyed white girls in stock. (Come on, people. Get with the times!)

A fresh start on my Barbie wish list

A fresh look at a few lovely ladies I'd like to add to my 12" inch and smaller collection:

• Madame Du Barbie designed by Bob Mackie, from 1997. This doll is pretty pricey, but as she's inspired by Marie Antoinette, I don't see how I can avoid adding her to my collection. She's gorgeous and glamorous, as only Barbie can be.
• From 2004, Versace Barbie. Because this is one of my favorite designers, the doll embodies the ultimate in softness and structure with her hip-hugging corset and chiffon ruffles. Drama at its best, and most muted in the softness of the taupe shade. I love it.
• Mbili by Byron Lars, 2002. The drama, the color, and the oomph of this doll is just amazing. I can't believe how gorgeous she is. Ostrich feathers, beads, ribbons, and those blue boots together make up an absolutely gorgeous ensemble of avant garde couture.

What about you? Do you have any grails you'd like to add to your collection in 2010? I'm sure I won't be adding all of these ladies to my collection next year, but heck, a girl sure can dream. And why not post it to my blog before the holiday season so my well-wishers can get a nice little hint!
Photos courtesy of Mattel and WOW Barbie.

A Fairy Tiff...

A fairy tiff, originally uploaded by alington.

I have been posting photos of these girls on my other blog, the Fashion Doll Review. But they only measure 14 cm tall (about 5.5"), so from now on, my Elfdoll Tinies will be making their appearances here.

This is Kai, on the left, and Olivia, who apparently are in some stage of disagreement. When I walked in, they had both been trying on some new outfits they had received from the ball-jointed doll convention that was held on Saturday, December 5, here in San Diego. I bought the gowns from Clochette (from Pixiedust Deisgns), who has a wonderful collection of tinies herself. And wow, has my wish list ever multiplied. I hardly know where to start!

At any rate, Kai grabbed both necklaces for herself and got them tangled. Olivia apparently has had enough and said, "Fine! You just keep them!" And she's now on the pout.

So for those of you wondering why you'd need a sleeping face doll, here's an example of what you can  do with one. Olivia is definitely not sleeping here!

These girls are absolutely precious. They have personality bursting from their faces. You can move their arms just a tiny bit, and they seem to change expressions. Such fun!

Smidge House Furniture and Accessories

So, I noticed a new follower of mine recently, and I was browsing through her links, and I came across some absolutely adorable accessories that I just have to share with you all.

First, you should check out the Smidge House blog. Go there, soon, and become a follower. This blog is lots of fun to read, and it's quite funny.

Next, and this is the most fun part, go to her Etsy store. Right now she has the absolute cutest Christmas stuff listed on there I've ever seen, perfectly scaled for Barbies, Fashion Royalty dolls, and other 1/6 scale dolls. I adore those Christmas ornaments! I think I need to buy some! And I really should be doing other Christmas shopping, like for my husband, and I don't think he'd appreciated these. But really--they are so cute, and totally reasonably priced.

I just love this place. Go check them out. And enjoy. Shop extra on my behalf. I'm sitting on my hands! (We'll see how long this lasts, LOL!)

Challenge six - The Scorecard!

The scores are in for the Audrey Hepburn challenge for the Couture Doll design challenge, and I'm thrilled to announce that my friend Jen Eugley placed in the top four for this week! I have to say, I loved her outfit, it really fit the theme, and it was exceptionally cute, as well.

Congratulations, Jen!

Now on to challenge seven -- Mad Men.

Jolly Jett...

Along the Dynamite Girls theme... This is Jolly Jett. She's such a fun doll. She joined us last year, as part of my daughter's collection. See some more fun photos of this adorable and affordable doll at my Mac.com Gallery. What I wouldn't give to have the red FAO version of this girl!

Just between us, I have added this year's holiday Dynamite Girl to our collection, but the girls don't know this yet. (No, they don't read my blog. That wouldn't be very cool, would it?)

Feelin' Fierce Dani

Feelin' Fierce Dani, originally uploaded by alington.

She's such a fun little doll--this is Feelin' Fierce Dani, a Candian exclusive Dynamite Girl. They are great to pose and fun to play with.

Here's Dani, posed with some Barbie furniture I found for cheap on Ebay. She's blogging. You can see more photos of her (and Feelin' Fierce Jett) on Flickr.

Queen V

Queen V, originally uploaded by alington.

Again, in celebration of all things fabulous, this is Queen V (Veronique), another one of my grail Fashion Royalty dolls. (This shot is from an older photo shoot.) She is a Dollybird exclusive doll, limited edition of 450, inspired by Queen Elizabeth I, sort of reimagined, I believe.

I adore her for many, many reasons:

• Her ultra pale pink skin makes the contrast of her blue eyes pop.
• Her lovely hair is in a wonderfully complex pin-curl up-do.
• Her face-up is simply to die for--it's neutral and soft.
• Her fabulous gown is very well made, encrusted with gems and trimmed with lace, historically inspired while still be 100% couture and modern. See more photos on Flickr and Mobile Me.
• Her jewelry is also quite amazing and over the top. Even her crown is well-made.
• Her shoes are lovely--she included two sets.
• Her lingerie--oh my--is wonderful. It includes real working garters!

True, she is quite pricey when you can find her. But she is still listed at close to her original retail price of $325, unlike True Royalty Vanessa. If you can find her, and afford her, you won't be disappointed. Manika has her listed for $350. AMC Collection has her listed for $385. And BIC Co, Ltd has her listed for 34,000 Yen (about $396). Stay away from Ebay, though--those auctions have her listed for about $425-450.

Barbie Winter Sparkle Holiday Tree

charitybuzz | #109503 - Barbie® Winter Sparkle Holiday Tree

Another one-of-a-kind auction item that could be yours is the Barbie-themed 6.5' Christmas tree, trimmed with over 50 custom-made ornaments, which celebrate Barbie's 50th anniversary. It's a collaborative creation of Mattel artists and designers, and it can be yours with a starting bid of $500.

The "snow-kissed" tree is pre-lit with pink lights for easy assembly. The ornaments include laser-cut Barbie signatures and silhouettes with a mirror-finish, hand-glittered snowflakes, gem-encrusted baubles, and frosty pink mini Original Teenage Fashion Model™ Barbies. Adorning the tree top is a gorgeous Generations of Dreams™ doll with one-of-a-kind (maybe even pink??) hair and face painting. To complete the look: a reversible tree skirt: trimmed in sparkling pink tulle, one side is the reproduction of original Barbie illustrations; the other a sequined print of the Barbie signature in 219C pink.

All proceeds of this auction will also benefit Project Angel Food. The auction closes on December 14, 2009 at 12:06 PM EST. (Go ahead! It's for a good cause! And check out the other amazing items while you're there.)

Barbie Loves Rachel Zoe

charitybuzz | #109507 - Barbie® Doll Loves Rachel Zoe

This one-of-a-kind set of two dolls was created for a charity auction by Mattel designer Stephen Sumner for the Divine Design event. When I checked, the next bid was for $300 for the set of two dolls:

• Barbie, wearing a pink, Chanel-inspired one-shouldered silk charmeuse gown with a train, which is attached to the crystal bracelet.
• "Glam bohemian" Rachel Zoe doll, dressed in a Missoni -inspired sweater dress over wide-leg jeans, accessorized with a sequined beret and an orange Hermés-inspired Birkin Bag.

Proceeds from this auction benefit Project Angel Food, and you can place your bid today. The auction closes on December 14, 2009 at 12:10 PM. Personally, I hope to see Rachel Zoe make another appearance. She's adorable!

Poppy Parker Holiday in the Hamptons

If you're looking for this limited edition set, you can find it for $299.99 from Joe's List and the Doll Peddlar, which, I might add, is double the original retail price of $150. But if you didn't win the lottery, this is what you have to do to get her, I suppose.

She's an auburn haired doll with blue eyes and pink lipstick (which, frankly, surprises me--how many redheads do you know who regularly sport pink lipstick?), and she's really adorable. She includes three outfits: a polkadot playsuit, a black cocktail dress, and turquoise blouse and lime green capri combo.

Photos courtesy Integrity Toys and Joe's List.

In celebration of Royalty...

Strike a pose, originally uploaded by alington.

Just because she's beautiful, I found an older snapshot of True Royalty Vanessa to post on my blog today. She's still one of my all-time favorite dolls. I just love her.

Vanessa is one of my favorite Fashion Royalty sculpts--I think I like her because of her open mouth. She looks so pouty and haughty. I bought this doll on the secondary market (just the doll (with her hair down), the gown, choker and shoes), and I found the jewelry, which I think matches really well, from LVNV Dolls.

Seeing this photo, and the others from this set, makes me think I'd better take some more photos of my Fashion Royalty dolls pretty soon. They are such fun to pose and play with. I'd love to find a ball-jointed doll who is about this size, who could share clothing with Barbies and FR dolls, too. I think Soom makes one, actually. She's on my wish list!

Pewter & Platinum via Shuga-Shug's Blog

Check out the latest post on Shuga-Shug's blog for news and information about the new exclusive dolls to the W Club, Pewter Jordan and Platinum Natalia.