Three exclusive Poppy Parker dolls

Integrity Toys has officially announced the release of three exclusive Poppy Parker dolls that will be sold at three different Integrity Toys dealers beginning next month. Each is a limited edition of only 100 dolls and retail for $80. All go on sale February 2, and it's first-come, first-serve.

• The redhead is dressed in a teal dress and is a Canadian exclusive to My Favorite Doll online.
• The blonde is dressed in a pink dress and an exclusive to Gigi's Dolls & Sherry's Teddy Bears and will be available at 773-594-1540.
• The brunette is wearing a purple dress and is an exclusive to The Doll Peddlar and will also be available online.

Photos are property of Integrity Toys.

Brides of Dracula

The second series of couture dolls being designed and produced by Jason Wu and Integrity Toys and produced and marketed by Ashton-Drake for the Couture Fantasy line are the Brides of Dracula. According to My Favourite Doll, this line uses brand new face sculpts and a new body sculpt, but will be similar in size to the 12" Fashion Royalty body.

The first of three in the series is the lovely blonde Contessa (with yellow eyes), dressed in a deep burgundy gown, accented with a black corset and accessorized with black lace gloves.

Mina is dressed in black and red, a fitted jacket and a super short skirt with red tulle, finished with top hat and knee-high boots. Her black hair and crimson eyes are less overpowering when you see her exposed fangs.

Lucy is the youngest of the trio, and she is dressed in a gorgeous blue gown, trimmed with black. She has wonderful red hair and glowing crimson eyes.

These ladies are certainly both sexy and appealing to the goth fan! Each retail for $149.99.

Photos are property of Ashton-Drake and Integrity Toys.

Integrity Toys Princess Tiana

Intgerity Toys has teamed up with Ashton-Drake for a stunning new line of dolls called Couture Fantasy. The dolls are being designed and produced by Jason Wu and Integrity Toys and marketed and distributed by Ashton-Drake.
The first in the line is Princess Tiana from The Princess and the Frog. According to My Favourite Doll, this doll uses a new face sculpt and the Dynamite Girl body sculpt. You can preorder Princess Tiana in her green and yellow lily pad gown now, and she retails for $149.99.

She's also available in a blue sequined gown--and includes gloves, jewelry and a tiara. The gown even has a sash tied below the waist, just like the one in the movie. She also retails for $149.99. They will be available from your favorite Integrity and Ashton-Drake dealers.

Photos are property of Integrity Toys and Ashton-Drake.

Barbie Basics on Ebay!

You can bid on them now--my favorite is so hard to choose!

Check out Albertus Swanepoel's Barbie's bag. And the Subversive Jewelry by Justin Giunta. And Betsey Johnson's OOAK outfit is totally true to form. Isaac Mizrahi's minimalist styling speaks volumes.

Barbie Gets A Designer Makeover - This Week - What's Right Now - Fashion - InStyle

Barbie Gets A Designer Makeover - This Week - What's Right Now - Fashion - InStyle

Whoa--What do you get when you combine Barbie Basics with real, live designers?

"Twelve designers, including Justin Giunta, Tory Burch and Rachel Roy, were commissioned to adorn each Barbie with their essential accessories."

I can hardly wait! Read the full article on InStyle. Photo property of InStyle magazine.

Update: I just found photos of the styled dolls on The Fashion Doll Chronicles. Check out this fabulous blog for the finished dolls!

BACK TO THE 80'S - CRYSTAL BARBIE

BACK TO THE 80'S - CRYSTAL BARBIE, originally uploaded by rod_collection_2.

Check out my latest gallery on Flickr. Its focus is "Nostalgia," and it features wonderful photos of 1980s Barbies, such as this lovely Crystal Barbie by rod_collection_2.

And if you haven't discovered this cool feature--even if you don't upload digital photos obsessively to Flickr, you should set yourself up with a free account on Flickr, just to take advantage of the cool "gallery" feature. You can virtually collect up to 18 photos of your favorite photos from other photographers. Then you display own private collection, which you can view and share with other viewers, all the while still maintaining credit for the original artist. It's really cool.

Elfdoll Sylf

Elfdoll Sylf, originally uploaded by alington.

The newest Elfdoll fairy, Sylf, made her arrival on Saturday. I found her used on Den of Angels, and she has some really unique (and cool) modifications. Her high heels have been modified to bare feet, and she's wired. Plus, she has this very cool wig. I think she's just adorable.

Like my other Elfdoll fairies, she's 14 cm (5.5") and a resin ball-jointed doll. This is her original outfit. I'll need to take photos in the other ones that were included--they suit her much better, I think!

See the rest of her photo shoot on my Flickr photostream.

January Doll Meet - Meet Francie!

January Doll Meet, originally uploaded by alington.

At my very first local doll meet, I was introduced to Francie. And it's official: she is adorable!

She has the cutest face, the brightest color palette, and her clothes are just wonderful. Plus, the collector who was generous enough to open her home and share her amazing Francie collection with us let us know that Poppy Parker can share her outfits--even her shoes.

You can see more photos of gorgeous vintage Francie dolls from the meet on my Flickr photostream.

(There were lots of other lovely dolls there, but my photography skills required some heavy editing, unfortunately. The force was not with me yesterday!)

Kai in the Rain

Kai in the window, originally uploaded by alington.

I had to make sure to dust the window sill before taking these photos. But I didn't bother cleaning the window. So sorry!

More rainy day photos from usually sunny San Diego:

Kai stands at only about 5.5" (14 cm) tall. She's a resin ball-jointed doll by Elfdoll. No matter what, we just can't keep her happy. She's currently my favorite tiny. I love her grumpy face.

See the rest of her photo shoot on Flickr.

Olivia in the window

Olivia in the window, originally uploaded by alington.

We don't get much rain in San Diego, so I take every chance we get as a photo op. Please forgive the next (probably sickening) photo sessions.

Olivia has been having problems standing up--she's kind of kicky--so I wired her with pipe cleaner, which I threaded through her lower leg and knee joint, then up through her thigh. It's really helped her to stand. In celebration, we took photos today!

Elfdoll Olivia stands only 5.5" (14 cm) tall. She' s a resin ball-jointed doll by Elfdoll.

See the rest of her photoshoot on Flickr.

Barbie is embarrassed about an 80s photo...

BarbieStyle's tweet this morning read,
"Someone just showed me this old pic from the 80's. OMG. If plastic could blush, I soooo would!
http://twitpic.com/z2bcf"
24 minutes ago from HootSuiteOh, wow. I'm so glad I subscribe to Barbie's tweets! Whatever would I do without this valuable information? Still, you have to admit it's a cute photo. And I got a little bit of a laugh out it this morning. Now, let me finish my coffee.

Wednesday Tea for Me and Thee

FR Nippon On the Go Destination: Tokyo and Posh are taking a break from their busy work day for a nice cup of tea. Take it from them--there's always room for tea.

We're actually having serious weather conditions in San Diego--we had a tornado warning out here yesterday, which has not happened in the past 20 years, to my knowledge. And we're supposed to have more rain this week than we've had all last year combined. We need the water! It's a perfect day to stay inside and enjoy a cup of tea.

OK, and maybe I'll take some more doll photos, too.

Tea set by Rement. Both dolls are Integrity Toys. All furniture is by Mattel.

This blog post was inspired by Wanda Lee of Silken Purse, where she posts Wednesday Tea for Me and Thee warm and cozy inspirational and creative photos. Check out her blog when you get a chance.

Hershey's Barbie

Hershey's Barbie, originally uploaded by alington.

This is a doll I received from my sister as a birthday gift. Woo hoo! I am pretty sure I'll debox her, just haven't got to it yet. She's just so lovely in her box--I'm enjoying her in the box for a while first.

Story behind why Hershey: My husband went to medical school at the Penn State College of Medicine, which is in Hershey, PA. We had two of our four kids there.

As far as I can tell, the doll does not smell like chocolate. Thankfully! (I love chocolate--all kinds of chocolate--and that truly would be the death of me.) I hear Chocolate Obsession Barbie was scented. Maybe I need to add her to my collection.

At any rate, we are scheduled to have rain all week, and she will most surely come out of the box this week. I can hardly stand seeing her in there. Do you debox your dolls? I think I'll do a quick poll for my readers.

Cookie with new glass eyes

Cookie with new glass eyes, originally uploaded by alington.

I'm slowly learning how to photograph dolls with glass eyes without making them look creepy. I'm having mixed success. This photo came out all right.

Here is Island Cookie, redressed in Aster by DollHeart, with a DollHeart wig. She's wearing glass eyes in pale violet (which belonged to SoulDoll Amy). When you shoot them straight on, they look just fine, without the creepy other-worldly glow.

You can see the rest of her (somewhat creepy) photoshoot on my Flickr photostream. She sure is a fun little doll!

Vote for Barbie's next career!

Barbie has had over 100 different careers in her 50-year life span. Now, you have a chance to influence the next one--don't miss out! Visit Mattel's website to cast your vote between these five options:

• Environmentalist
• Surgeon
• Architect
• News anchor
• Computer engineer

Personally, I'd like to see either a computer engineer or an environmentalist. I'd prefer the computer engineer, simply for the props. Is it just me? Architect could also be kind of cool.

We've seen all kinds of Barbie doctors already. My husband is a physician, and let me cut to the chase: it's too expensive to go to school, the lifestyle and hours are horrible, and the work is just exhausting. It's nothing like ER or Grey's Anatomy or those other shows in real life. Glamorous Barbie would hate it. And her feet would just kill in those heels.

New Integrity Toys Slide Show

Check out my latest slideshow on Flickr. You can see my entire collection of Integrity Toys dolls, including Fashion Royalty, FR Nippon, Dynamite Girls, and Monsieur Z, with real-life photos. Or, you can visit my Flickr photostream. Browse around and leave a comment -- make me a contact if you like! I'd love to hear from you.

Wednesday Tea For Me And Thee

Kyori and Lilith at Tea, originally uploaded by alington.

Flight Pattern Kyori and Elements of Surprise Lilith are caught on camera taking a break for a cup of tea.

Both dolls are designed by Jason Wu of Integrity Toys. Kyori is a 12" Fashion Royalty model and Lilith is a NuFace. Tea set by Rememt, and the table is by Mattel.

This blog post was inspired by Wanda Lee of Silken Purse. You can play, too--Visit Silken Purse for details!

Olivia, sleeping in my hand

Olivia, originally uploaded by alington.

It's teeny tiny sleeping Olivia. I know, I know. She's not a Barbie. She's a ball-jointed doll, created by Elfdoll. And she's only 5-1/2" (14 cm) tall! But she's so cute I had to share another photo of her.

Olivia is dressed in a one-of-a-kind outfit by Nancie of Nankatts. It's a miniature mod Alice in Wonderland dress, designed for a 5" Goodreau doll, so it's a bit big for her, but it's not too bad cinched up with a ribbon.

You can see more of Olivia on my Flickr photostream.

[Yesterday was my birthday, by the way, and I got a new doll--the Hershey Barbie--as a gift from my sister and her husband. I still need to take photos of her. She's so pretty! I just didn't get to it before the sun set today!]

Pink haired dolls on Flickr.

I recently discovered the terrifying creative and fun gallery feature on Flickr. It allows you to browse through photos and add up to 18 photos in a gallery format (according to your own theme) and collect them in a "gallery." Please check out my latest collection, "Pink Haired Dolls."

Leave me a comment and tell me what you think. I adore this feature, and will probably be assembling more collections in the future!

Two Alices

Goth Alice and Isabella, originally uploaded by alington.

For those of you who don't follow my other blog, the Fashion Doll Review, you may not know I'm obsessed with Alice in Wonderland. So, I'll start posting some Alice-related photos on this blog, too.

These are 12" and about 10.5" resin ball jointed dolls, dressed in Alice costumes. The light blonde on the left is Goth Alice by Goodreau Doll. She was my first BJD, and the one doll who got it all started. She's wearing an outfit by Berdine Creedy called Dressed Up Alice.

The doll on the right is a white skin Isabella by Bobobie. She actually belongs to my daughter Kate, who added the body blushing (check out the shading by her joints and her toes). Her outfit was created for Snappy dolls (by Goodreau), but she can wear fashions for larger (and older) Barbie dolls.

You can see the rest of the photos from this shoot on my Flickr account.

I hear that both Barbie and Tonner Doll are coming out with Tim Burton authorized dolls this year, but I haven't seen any preview photos of these dolls, yet. I'm sure you'll see some of these added to my collection later on.

Playline dolls at Target today...

I saw some dolls at Target today while I was shopping. I went to the Target in La Mesa, California (at Grossmont Center, for the curious), and I found several items of interest.

First, Kana, from the Juku Couture line, was listed at a clearance price of $6.98. If I'm not mistaken, I think these dolls originally retailed for around $10, since the signs listed everything as 30% off, but I think I've seen them maybe as high as $14.99 retail. So she seemed like a pretty good deal. They had several dolls, but I only saw Kana.

Next, for $10.99, I saw several Target exclusive dolls. They carried two versions of "Modern Princess," dolls, which were kind of pretty--particularly the brunette.

Then, I saw a caucasian only ballerina with her hair in a fancy curled up-do, which I thought was fun.

And finally, also for $10.99, I found a glamorous evening-wear Emmy awards Barbie. This girl was also only available as a caucasian blonde, unfortunately.

The last exclusive item was $12.99 for a set of two exclusive fairy dolls. One doll has pink hair and one has blue hair, and the set included a doll hair brush and a necklace as well. It was pretty cute, I have to admit.

Exclusive designer fashion Fashion Royalty dolls at Joe's List!

For you die-hard fashion doll fans out there, Joe's List has received seventeen really unique one-of-a-kind Fashion Royalty dolls. These would be awesome in anyone's collection, and even better for those with a passion for fashion! Here's the scoop:

These are one-of-a-kind creations, 12" Fashion Royalty dolls (donated by Jason Wu of Integrity Toys), wearing outfits created by the actual designers in their own workshops. Sometimes the doll has also been restyled to match the runway model's style as well. How amazing is that? Most of the creations are miniatures of items from the designers 2009 runway collections.

The dolls were created to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Jeffrey's, a fashion forward US clothing store. The dolls were then auctioned off to benefit breast cancer and AIDS charities.

Above you can see Versace's model and the accompanying runway model. The one I've posted below is Valentino. Go check out the others! They are amazing.

Photos are courtesy of Joe's List.

Wednesday Tea For Me And Thee

Cookie and Olivia, originally uploaded by alington.

Cookie has found something in her tea cup! It's Olivia, taking a little catnap.

Island Cookie is a full-set doll (27 cm or about 10.5 inches), and she's dressed in Aster by DollHeart. Wig and shoes also by DollHeart. Olivia is by Elfdoll, and she's 14 cm (5.5 inches) tall. She's dressed in a gown by Clochette of Pixiedust Designs. The teacup belonged to my grandmother.

This post is the brain child of Wanda Lee of the Silken Purse. You can participate as well, if you post tea-related photos on your blog and leave a comment on her blog. I think it's a fun theme, and great for doll-related photos, too.

New to BJDs?

If you're new to ball-jointed dolls and are interested in them, you might want to check out the first in a series of articles I am writing for Dolls Magazine. It's written for beginning BJD collectors, and it'll be a great starting-off point, if you're interested in learning more about ball-jointed dolls, or if you're looking into buying your first BJD.

Lady GaGa Barbie Dolls?!?

411mania.com: Music - Lady GaGa Barbie Dolls?!?

Check out this rather short article (with an interesting collection of photos, however) on doll designer Veik11, who has created several Lady Gaga Barbie dolls. I have to admit--I love the one with the hair bow. She's adorable.

Also... if a doll company came out with a Lady Gaga doll, I would buy one. In fact... I would even consider going in on a split for a Minimee head for Lady Gaga. I think she's a fascinating character. Hmm... I wonder if there is one in the works at Den of Angels yet?

Olivia, asleep.

Olivia, originally uploaded by alington.

Before we take down our Christmas tree, I have to get out the camera and snap some more photos of my dolls.

This is Olivia, have a little shut-eye and a moment of Zen, enjoying the quiet after a bustling Christmas season. She's only 14 cm (5.5") tall, and remains one of my favorite BJDs. She's so tiny and cute.

You'd think she wouldn't be very practical, with her permanently closed eyes, but she's surprisingly versatile and very cute. I've actually seen one of these girls with her eyes modified and opened. She was adorable also!

Check out the rest of her set on Flickr.

Fashionistas

Fashionistas, originally uploaded by alington.

Cutie and Sassy were two of my daughter Kate's birthday presents this year. I think their outfits are really bright and colorful, and their face-ups are pretty colorful as well.

I have to admit, I adore Sassy. I love the pink streaks in her hair. She's just too much fun. But she also has a great big seam line down the front of her thigh. (But really, what do you want for a $7.50 doll?)

Plus, the girls (Kate just turned nine, and Lauren is six) really like playing with them, since they are highly articulated. They can ride a scooter, sit nicely, and even dance.

See the rest of the photoshoot on Flickr.

The W Club - 2010 registration is open

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that Integrity Toys has opened the W Club registration through 2010. I haven't decided yet if I'd like to join--but there is a doll I really like. You can read all about it on their website, and see the registration brochure here.

Here are the details. Club membership entitles you to the following benefits:

• sneak peeks at upcoming dolls and fashions
• member-only forums
• VIP customer service
• purchasing right to Club-only dolls (including two Fashion Royalty and one AvantGuards doll)
• discount coupons from Integrity dealers and Club exclusive dolls
• VIP invite to online Toy Fair event (with exclusive event doll available to purchase)
• priority convention registration
• Q&A sessions with Integrity staff
• online subscription to one year of Dolls Magazine 

There are one membership level for 2010, with several upgrade options:

1. $50 will get you the base membership, which includes all the perks listed above.
2. $210 will qualify you for the base membership and the AvantGuards "Freeze Frame" doll
3. $125 will qualify you for the base membership and the "Spring Forward" Fashion Royalty Eugenia Frost doll
4. $285 qualifies you for the base membership and both "Freeze Frame" and "Spring Forward" dolls.

I love the Freeze Frame doll--she includes a brunette wig with a "hair bow," styled a la Lady Gaga. She's amazing. Almost enough to make me want to join the club this year!

The dolls are both scheduled to ship in May, with the other portion of the payment due in April.

Registration closes at 10 AM Central Standard Time January 22, 2010, so I should make up my mind before then, I suppose. And as the W Club is an on-line club, you must have a valid email address.

2008 Barbie

2008 Barbie, originally uploaded by alington.

Here's a slightly better photo of the 2008 Pink Label Barbie that Kate got for her ninth birthday earlier this week.

I like her quite a bit--her green eyes are pretty--even though she's another blonde Barbie in a (peachy) pink gown. However, her hair needs a little work, as it's sticking up a bit in the front. And honestly, the skirt of the gown is a bit stiff, and doesn't hang quite right.

But the bodice of the gown is simply lovely. You can see a few other shots of the doll on Flickr.