Happy Halloween!
Halloween or Hallowe’en (a contraction of "All Hallows‘ Evening"),[5] also known as All Hallows’ Eve,[6] is a yearly celebration observed in a number of countries on October 31, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows (or All Saints). According to many scholars, it was originally influenced by western European harvest festivals and festivals of the dead with possible pagan roots, particularly the Celtic Samhain.[6][7][8] Others maintain that it originated independently of Samhain and has Christian roots.[9]
Typical festive Halloween activities include trick-or-treating (also known as "guising"), attending costume parties, carving pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns, lighting bonfires, apple bobbing, visiting haunted attractions, playing pranks, telling scary stories, and watching horror films.
–Source Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween
Your Kind of Model Kesenia..On Approach
Limited edition of 400. I am normally not a big fan of the open mouth face mold but there was something about the platinum hair and the little black fur jacket that spoke to me. Hope her promo shots are close the the actual doll. I have to give Integrity a big high five on their accessories this year. They are phenomenal!! Now…if we could just get the delivery date a little closer to when they announce these beauties…life would be almost perfect.
As it has been a while since this doll was announced….here is a recap of her promo shots.
The Lady in Red: Part One
Photography, in my opinion, is just like any other art form. Some days you can be inspired and others….nothin’. When it comes to photographing my collection, this happens to me all the time. Sometimes, I will be inspired by something that can fuel ideas for sets of shoots that will keep me in blogging material for a couple of weeks. I love it when that happens! I was inspired recently by one prop and a treasure trove of Jakki Peters hats that I picked up at the recent Fashion Royalty Convention. The material that came out of those shoots has become some of my favorite shots for the entire year. Hope you enjoy this series which I call….The Lady in Red.
Model: Fashion Royalty “Fascination” Monogram
Hat: Jakki Peters ( gift from a table mate at FR convention)
Suit: Miniature Couture
Flowers, earrings , Shoes and necklace: Silkstone Barbie
Flowers: Market Place Silkstone Barbie
Doll Shoe Fun!
I am primarily a 1/6 scale doll collector but I recently ran across something for the 1/4 scale collectors that I wanted to share. I was perusing some of my favorite flickr threads the other day and ran across a photo posted by summer-sun that had me clicking on additional links.
Fabrizio Viti is the style director for Louis Vuitton shoes. Apparently, his own fashion doll collection has been a big inspiration for his designs. The story begins here
Walking in Fabrizio Viti’s Shoes Part One
and continues here
Walking in Fabrizio Viti’s shoes Part Two
They also have the coolest stop motion video and I have to say…I was mesmerized.
Thank you for sharing this summer-sun!! To see more of summer-sun’s fantastic flickr photostream,go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/67388117@N02/with/8124069272/#photo_8124069272
Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi…In Celebration of Fall
It has been a while since I did a Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi so I thought I would pull this one out. I keep some photos that I take in reserve for special projects. I took this photo a while ago and it was included in the Inside the Fashion Doll Studio Daily Planner for 2013 that I sold at Barbie Convention this year. Since we are enjoying the fabulous days and colors of the Autumn season, I thought I would share this fall inspired set of photos. Hope you enjoy!
Model: Stunning in the Spotlight Silkstone Barbie
Hat and gown: Bogue’s Vogues (http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues)
HP Eugenia…More Redressing Fun
My camera and I don’t seem to be able to get enough of this lady in red so I have a few more shots to share from a day of redressing fun. My favorite set out of the three redresses is directly below. I love Hilda’s dress and the fact that Ms. Eugenia is waiting to enjoy a glass of wine and perhaps a picnic as if to celebrate the autumn season. Fall or Autumn ( however you call it) is one of my absolute favorite seasons…it means the holidays are right around the corner. I love the smell of leaves, the vibrant colors of the season and those crisp foggy mornings where shafts of sun ( if we see it at all in the Pacific Northwest) fight their way through the foggy curtain. It’s a dreamy sort of light and feel and I just adore it. Hope you enjoy the photos.
Model: High Profile Eugenia
Dress: Bellissima Couture ( http://bellissimacouturefashions.wordpress.com/)
Shoes: From gift pack given at 2012 Fashion Royalty Tropicalia convention
Dress: Dressmaker Details red and gold sheath
Shoes: From gift pack given at 2012 Fashion Royalty Tropicalia convention
Jewelry: From HP Eugenia
Gown and earrings: Palm Beach Coral Silkstone Barbie
And lastly…. a glimpse into the behind the scenes prop shop for this last week of photo shoots…
I Got The Blues for my Party Dress
I adored the dress that she came in originally so it was difficult for me to take it off of her…but I managed…for none other than a Bogue’s Vogues.
Model: Party Dress Silkstone Barbie
Gown: Bogue’s Vogues ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues)
High Profile Eugenia…The Redress
Given that I saw old Hollywood when I saw this lady for the first time, it can come as no surprise that I went for glamour when it came to redressing her. When it came to a brunette with cherry red lips…there was only one color I wanted to go with…RED.
Model: High Profile Eugenia
Gown: T.D. Fashions
Fur: Dimitha
Jewelry: High Profile Eugenia
High Profile Eugenia
I was not one of the lucky few who was picked to purchase this lovely lady. I was, however, one of the lucky few blessed with knowing someone who wanted to sell theirs. You know who you are and I love ya! This lady just screams old Hollywood glamour…I see Eva Gardner, Jane Russel or even Sophia Loren
Jordan and Dania….On Approach for Landing
…at Inside the Fashion Doll Studio. I received notice from my most excellent dealer Barb that these two ladies are on their way to me. Since it has been some time since these were announced…{cough) ummm April…{cough}, I thought I would recap the particulars about these newest releases. It seems like these dolls are coming out really, really late this year. The bulk of the Integrity Toys 2012 lineup is still yet to come and I am afraid there will be an avalanche here in the next couple of months. I better get my skis ready to ride it down.
“Always on her Mind” Dania Zarr
Edition Size: 450
When was she supposed to be delivered?? Early July {{Rebecca looks at her watch then looks at the screen and raises an eyebrow sarcastically}}
“Trust your Instincts” Jordan
Edition Size: 450
When was she supposed to be delivered?? Early July…How do I feel about it??
It looks like the influence for these two lovelies is the captain of Integrity’s design team Jason Wu. This is from his 2012 Spring RTW show.
As with the convention dolls, the accessories look to be fantastic! Looking forward to some deboxing time.
P.S…I Love You, Barbie® and Ken® OOAK Auction
Charitybuzz and Mattel are teaming up again for a OOAK auction. This time, it will benefit the LGBT Community Center of the Desert. Here is the write-up taken directly from the Charitybuzz website. http://www.charitybuzz.com/catalog_items/325204
“Mattel Principal Designer, Jim Holmes, collaborated with Photographer Steven Henke, to create this stunning one-of-a-kind duo Barbie® and Ken® dolls for the Barbie Does Palm Springs Charity Event.
The ultimate Palm Springs girl, PS… I Love You, Barbie® is in a 60’s inspired strapless patio-pant lounger with a citron animal-print caftan. The neck of the caftan and hem of the patio pants are encrusted with gems and jewels.
Ken®, the ultimate poolboy, is dressed in matching hipster stovepipe pants, cropped white knit top, citron flip flips, pork pie hat and sunglasses. And, to show his devotion, Ken sports a tattoo of "Barbie" on his arm.
And no Palm Springs pool party would be complete without a few festive drinks. Pool lounge furniture, a mid-century screen, and pool towels with Barbie and Ken embroidered on them, complete the flagstone set.”
** Photos are property of Charitybuzz **
Oh if only I had a money tree!! Auction ends October 31st.
There are also three photographs by Steven Henke (http://www.barbiedoespalmsprings.com/) up for auction. They are gorgeous!!
If you want to check out the all of the Barbie related auctions, here is the link http://www.charitybuzz.com/search?keywords=barbie
Here are a few photos of other collaborations between Mattel and Charitybuzz.
Warning!! Severe Eye Candy below!!
Pink Diamond™ Barbie® doll
proceeds went to benefit MAC Aids Fund organization
Winter Bliss Barbie®
proceeds went to benefit 2011 Project Angel Food
Oh my!!! Gorgeous dolls and supporting our local communities!! That’s a solid win in my book. 
Imogen–Fame by Frame
Or…Frame by Frame as I called her initially and had to be corrected. Frame by Frame would have been the perfect title for this post as I decided to do some redressing and additional photo shoots for the 2012 Fashion Royalty Convention doll Imogen. I have to completely own up and say when I opened the box at the last nights convention dinner, I was underwhelmed. The outfits were very modern ( not my general thing) and two out of the three outfits were coral red. It was all a little one note for me. I would have preferred a gown or even a swimsuit but not two dresses in the same color. The doll just wasn’t doing anything for me in the box. When I flew back home from convention a few weeks ago, this lady was firmly on my “to sell” pile. Then, I started seeing photos on flickr that had me rethinking ( yes Shuga…I mean you!). I decided to debox and play. I found that my first impression was…WRONG. I am adoring this one and have endeavored to glam her up a bit for my shots.
Model: Fame by Frame Imogen
Jacket and gold top: Barbie Basics
Purse: FR Monogram
Jewelry: Fashion Royalty and Dynamite Girl
Shorts and Shoes: In the Trenches NuFace outfit
Okay..so who here bought this outfit below and could never find a doll that looked good in it?? {{Rebecca raises her hand emphatically}}. I adore this outfit but could never find anyone who looked good in it…until now. Apparently the trick is to find a model with a tan!!
Model: Fame By Frame Imogen
Outfit and shoes: “In the Trenches” NuFace outfit
And because I had to find the right evening look for this lady….I finally found someone who could wear the “Anemone” Christian Louboutin gown. The oompaloompa doll it came on had to go. Sorry folks. I don’t mean to be disrespectful and if you have that doll and adore her…my apologies…but..to me she just looked like a bad spray tanning accident. Ms. Imogen however, looked fabulous in it!!
If you want to see this lady shine in some urban chicness, you should visit Shuga’s blog at http://www.shugashug.com/2012/10/09/fame-by-frame/
Haunted Beauty Ghost™ Barbie® Doll
I may not be in the market for this one but it does not stop me from admiring her. Many, many collectors have been greatly anticipating this beauty and the pictures will show you why. Here is the write up from Mattel on this ghost….
“An ancient mansion sits beneath ink black skies. Midnight winds whisper through deserted rooms. Softly, the sound of clanging chains and supernatural murmurs rises and grows. From the darkness, an apparition appears, sheer and barely visible. Frightfully beautiful, she lives between this earthly life and an unknown world beyond. You are indeed fortunate that this sublime spirit has revealed herself to you!
Haunted Beauty Ghost™ Barbie® wears an ethereal, off-white gown featuring fitted bodice, bell sleeves, and full skirt with tattered hem. A silvery earthly chain wraps around her body. Her long, pale platinum hair and dramatic face paint take her far beyond the paranormal to extraordinary!” —From Barbiecollector.com
Oh my! She was designed by Mr. Bill Greening and is available only from Barbiecollector.com….just in time for Halloween too. Cool! Just click on her picture if you want to go to Barbiecollector.com to take a look at her.
** Photos are property of Mattel Inc**
If interest on the doll boards is a good gauge ( and I believe it is 
), then this is another one that may sell out sooner rather than later. Just an FYI.
The Agony of “Sold Out”
We have all been there. Something we really want sells out before we get a chance to buy it. In the doll collecting community, it seems to be happening more often lately. Case in point, two dolls that I wrote about previously have sold out rather quickly.
** Photos are property of Mattel, Inc**
Many collectors, it would seem (if talk on the doll boards is a good gage of distress), were caught unaware. It got me to thinking…why does this seem to be happening more often lately? Is it because there are more collectors all of the sudden? More likely, it is the toy companies like Mattel and Integrity Toys figuring out that very tricky supply/demand line and managing it more prudently. Let me clarify that these “sold out” signs are coming up at Barbiecollector.com and not necessarily at all of the dealers and here is my thought. Perhaps Mattel is limiting the supply on their site so as to drive more traffic to their dealer sites. I think this would be a really good thing as I have always thought the dealers kind of get shafted when Mattel’s product is so readily available on the Barbiecollector site. What incentive do buyers have to go through a dealer if they can get it directly from Mattel? It never made sense to me why Mattel would undercut their own dealers. I really like to see the dealers getting some highly anticipated dolls in first..before Mattel’s Barbiecollector.com site. It makes sense to me that the dealers should get some perks and the customers who support these dealers should get it too. I love supporting the local dealer because it feels like you are supporting one of your “tribe”. Typically these local dealers are collectors just like us and it is not only a pleasure to get to know them but it just feels good to support their business.
Okay, my plug for the local dealer is done. 
On to other business…like the next possible “sold out” doll. Tomorrow Mattel will have this lovely lady on their site available for purchase and the news I am getting from various dealers is that she is flying off the shelves. She has been available from dealers for the past week. It was a bit surprising considering her whopping price tag but folks..as a silkie collector I have to say…she is a must have. I think sooner rather than later should be the mantra on this one…she may be gone before you know it.
Limited Edition of no more than 6500 worldwide.
Workshop Poppy Parker
One of the many benefits of going to convention is the opportunity to participate in a workshop. This year I learned how to do some minor face paint adjustments and restyle hair. I found the workshops both informative and just plain fun. One of the additional perks of the workshops is that you typically can purchase a special doll to use as practice in these workshops. I was able to secure a spot in the Poppy Parker hairstyle class with Matt Sutton so I was able to purchase one of the Poppy Parker workshop dolls and I ADORE her. I did not play with her hair in the class like many of the others because I just felt she was perfect as is. I liked how Integrity Toys handled the workshops this year as well. They set up the actual classroom spaces to be first come first serve but made 300 workshop dolls available to those who wished to just purchase the doll. It seemed like most people were happy with that…if they didn’t get into the class, they could at least get the doll. I believe most if not all of the extra workshop dolls were available for purchase in the sales room too. The Poppy Parker workshop dolls sold out first on sales room day ( you lucky dogs at the front of the line!) . The photos will tell you why 
Tropicalia workshop Poppy Parker and Dream Teen Poppy Parker in Envied and Passionate Monogram dresses. Chair was a gift to all convention attendees.
Note: You don’t need an elaborate background to have an interesting backdrop. Sometimes the boxes themselves can be interesting and fun.
Gala Gown…The Studio Shots
Gala Gown Silkstone Barbie: No more than 6500 worldwide. She retails for a whopping $150.00….and I paid it with gladness in my heart because I LOVE THIS DOLL.
The detail on the gown ( as you will see in the detail shots) are fabulous. The gown is a soft butter yellow and is so frothy every ‘girly’ tendency you have in your body will stand up and cheer. Her hair is a deep red like the platinum ‘Joyeux’ or ‘The Siren’. Her skin tone is pale like CC Debut. The outfit is completed with a pair of silver star rhinestone studded drop earrings , grey chiffon ruched gloves and soft grey strappy slingbacks. There is a hint of grey tulle under the butter yellow gown so it is full and flowing. The fabric on the gown is incredibly soft…LOVE!
Mr Best ……. 
The hair is set but not crusty clumped and caked. This is good because the hair is soft…the bad part is the hair can be messed up easily so take care with it.
Detail
And….Rebecca having fun with her macro lens AGAIN.
And some fun with photoshop and Mattel’s promo shot. I think she is even better than Mattel’s promo shot and that just doesn’t happen that often. Please don’t reproduce this photo as It’s Mattel’s image on another background.
Gala Gown is Here!!!
It feels like I have been waiting for this lady for a year…it has been since February when sketches started to circulate within the collector crowd of a redhead in a divine yellow ball gown. Now she is “in da house!” and I could not be happier. She is better than the promo shots in my opinion folks. She feels like a return to the grand ball gowns of “In the Pink” and “Provençale”
Run don’t walk for this one! 
Here is a view inside the reveal. Claudia of Pink Ponytail always wraps your purchase so you feel like you are receiving a birthday present….LOVE IT and her. (www.pinkponytail.com)
Gasp!!
A word of caution when deboxing this lady….the hairstyle is set but moves easily ( doesn’t have hard caked on gel with this one) so be very, very careful removing the hairnet. I ended up carefully cutting the hair net off so as not to disturb the coiffure. She came out perfectly! And these are all taken with my quick point and shoot. Can’t wait to get her into the studio.
Tropicalia…The Inspiration
Every year after convention, there are a few of us ( myself included) who rouse ourselves from the post convention doll hangover and ask the question “ I wonder what fashions inspired this years collection?”. If you have asked yourself this question, you are in luck. I was strolling through Flickr the other day and happened upon a fashion super sleuth. Their Flickr ID is JL998 and they have graciously given me permission to republish their photos here. Thank you JL998!! ** for more information on how to see more of their photos see below in this post**
It would appear that this years Tropicalia convention Imogen gift set was inspired by Anthony Vaccarello’s 2012 Spring RTW show.
And Collette and Erin from the convention collection appear to have been inspired by Mr. Vacarello’s designs as well
It would also appear, according to JL988’s super detective work, that Prada’s 2012 Spring RTW line was another big influence in this years convention collection.
I need to spend more time figuring out how to turn my swimsuits into ball gowns 
It also occurs to me that I need to be paying more attention to this years just finished Spring RTW fashion shows! Perhaps the seeds of next years convention inspiration have already been sewn( pun intended). For more photos of JL889’s super fashion sleuthing visit their flickr at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/64796926@N06/with/8049519162/#photo_8049519162
Tropicalia Visits the Studio
The convention collection, convention doll and gift set doll are en route to Inside The Fashion Doll Studio but in the mean time…I did have a few dolls that came home with me and I was itching to pull out the camera and try out something the very talented photographer Deron Daniels shared with me at convention.
From left to right:
Place de Vendome Victoire
Saint Tropez Victoire
Lemon Crush Loni Lawrence
Escapism Elise Jolie FR2
Deck chair was gift given to convention attendees 
A Big “Thank You” !!!
I returned late yesterday from my “Tropicalia” adventure and besides an extreme case of dolly overload, I feel overwhelmed with an intense gratitude for the experience. Firstly, I am very grateful to the entire Newsom family and the Integrity Toys team for a most excellent convention. This is only my second Fashion Royalty convention and I was amazed again this year by the warmth and generosity of the people who run it. They make a point of greeting you by your name and making conversations. I was sitting in the hotel lobby waiting for my shuttle to the airport and one of the Newsom family made a point of coming up to me and asking if I had a good time and wished me safe travel. That’s some nice folks right there. I love that the designers are right in the middle of things. You see them everywhere at convention. Jason Wu is there at the last banquet and accessible while he chats with collectors and has pictures taken. It’s just way cool.
Secondly, I wanted to express how very touched and humbled I feel that people took the time to comment via flickr or blog, come up and greet me at convention and send emails. I just feel down right verklempt that so many are reading the blog and watching the flickr photos AND are willing to verbalize it. I am more grateful than you will ever know and it is a huge {Hug} for me. Just wanted to say that {Sniff, sniff}
Lastly I just wanted to express how very happy I was to meet some of my fellow bloggers, make new connections with other collectors and have the opportunity to meet some folks whose work I really, really admire.
Group {{Hug}} 
Inside the Fashion Doll Studio 