The Doll Room Goes On Display: Part II
Yesterday I explained why things have been a little crazy at Inside The Fashion Doll Studio. I have been working well over a month and a half ( since Fashion Royalty convention really) to get our house ready for a charity holiday tour that included the doll room. The same weekend the tour happened, I was also contracted to photograph my daughter’s dance schools dress rehearsal of The Nutcracker. We also needed to attend her performances. I also hosted a ladies holiday tea for about 50 ladies and to top it off…it was my birthday in there somewhere. There was LOTS going on the weekend of December 6 – 8th.
I left off in part one of this post explaining my anxiety at opening up the doll room to the public for this holiday walk. I was anxious to see what people would think. I was fully prepared to answer a few questions and field comments like “Are you crazy?’. What I was not prepared for was to be fully occupied the three hours Deanna, Hilda and I proctored the doll room area with comments, questions and exclamations of joy and wonder. I called the evening “better living through Barbie”. I think the thing I heard the most as people came up the stairs to the doll room area was their surprised gasps of “ OH MY GOD!!” upon seeing some of the collection for the first time. It was an exclamation of an unexpected positive experience.
The collection was not what people were expecting and the look of amazement when they looked around warmed my heart. When I questioned people “ Not what you were expecting was it? You were expecting the Barbies you see at Target right?” They would reply every single time “ Yes!” with a wide-eyed expression. I received thank you upon thank you for sharing the collection. There were lines to get up to the doll room area. At some points during the day, there were lines just to get into the house let alone the doll area. The Assistance League of the Eastside had told people that there would be some Barbie experts on hand from the hours of 4-7pm to answer questions. People came back! They came back and brought their mothers, their daughters, their sisters and some even brought back their husbands. I think that was the biggest surprise of the evening for me. These husbands not only came into the doll area but they spent time looking AND ASKED QUESTIONS! I was completely amazed and overwhelmed at the outpouring of interest. I enjoyed hearing the rich tapestry of stories and Barbie memories that unfolded throughout the evening. Sisters recounted playtime memories with each other, Grandmothers and mothers remembered sewing or crocheting for Barbie and the granddaughters and daughters remembered learning how to sew through Barbie. Many remembered the first experiences of self expression through cutting their Barbie’s hair.
The fashion was another big topic of discussion. There were many conversations about particular designer influences and most everyone enjoyed the 1/6 scale purse tree in the actual doll room itself. I had a buyer for Federated Department Stores come up to me and say how much she loved how everything was displayed.
The most common questions of the evening were:
1. How long have you been collecting? Since my daughter was 3 so a little over 10 years.
2. Why did you start collecting? My daughter received a collector Barbie when she was 3 and my first thought was “ Great! who gives a 3 yr old a collector Barbie? She is going to trash it!” But she didn’t so I thought maybe collector Barbies would be something we could do together…you know…something for Christmas and birthdays. I started to do some research on collector Barbies and started looking at Barbiecollector.com and was blown away by the collector doll offerings. I essentially went down the rabbit hole at that point….and have not come out yet.
3. How many dolls do you have? I currently have around 600 and that is most likely as big as it will get. I am maximized right now which means…if something comes in…something has to go out.
4. What is the most expensive doll? I never really answered that question…instead I would point to some of the rarer items that are in the collection. I have a BFMC display case that is a treasure in my collection and I managed to procure a City Smart Silkstone Barbie through a great doll friend a couple years ago. I also have a set of 1/6 Bespaq bedroom furniture that is very rare and I treasure that as well.
Some of the new displays for this year are as follows:
I adored the garden scene I shot so much that it became a permanent display in the doll room
I also picked up some amazing 1/6 scale furniture pieces in Paris this past year.
Elizabeth Taylor joined the work room display
and the nightclub scene
New Fashion Royalty convention additions
And a new treasure added for the walk. A stunning pink silk and French lace gown by Hilda of Bellissima Couture. She made me this for my birthday…and I just about cried when I saw it. Stunningly beautiful beyond words!! Love ya Hilda…Mwah!
The entire day of participating in this home tour and showing this collection was a completely amazing experience and the fact that it helped raise money to support local and very necessary programs made it that much more meaningful. In this season of giving, I am so very grateful to all the people who opened their hearts, minds and pocketbooks to support the Assistance League of the Eastside. I also want to thank those who came up to me and personally commented on the collection. As an avid collector, It was a complete joy to see the love of this doll expressed and for some rekindled.
The Doll Room Goes On Display
At the end of August of this year, just as my family and I were home from a long vacation abroad, I was approached by the fabulous ladies of the Assistance League of the Eastside. They hold a holiday home tour fundraiser every year that raises money to fund programs that support families in need in our community. They typically have 5- 6 homes on the tour every year and these homes open their doors to roughly 1200 visitors for a day to show off their holiday décor. The tour runs from 10AM in the morning until 7PM at night. This year, they had a house that had to pull out of the tour and the Assistance League approached me to help out. The main reason they came to me…..the doll room.
Apparently news of the doll room is out and about in my local community. I have to admit, I am always a little nervous talking to non collectors about having a doll room. You get the gamut of responses from people when you tell them that you…as an adult…collect Barbie. Some will take an uncomfortable step back and look at you as if you just said you were schizophrenic…and off meds. Some will immediately downgrade their opinion of you and lump you in with the sad individuals they recently saw on a “Hoarders” episode. You can understand that making the decision to open up the doll room for viewing did not come without a great deal of anxiety. I wondered what people would think. I know that my fellow collectors love the doll room but I was really unsure about what a non collector would think of it. Then I had a moment of clarity….I came back to the reason why I collect in the first place….because I enjoy it. When anyone collects anything, it typically is because they enjoy doing it. If they like it enough to hook into a group of other collectors who enjoy collecting the same thing, they REALLY enjoy it. I decided I was not going to be worried about possibly being labeled the crazy “Barbie” lady and just enjoy showing off something that I truly love to collect. There would be people who get it…and people who didn’t…and that was okay.
To me, and I am finding to many many others, Barbie is a touchstone of sorts. Most woman you talk with today have a Barbie experience to share. I have found that when you put a group of woman together and give them this touchstone, it creates an amazing bonding experience. You can have a group of woman from all different backgrounds, ages, professions and all of the sudden you are all connected through this one toy. You all have an experience to share and that connects you. There are multiple points of connection too. Sometimes it isn’t about the doll but about the fashion and the discussion that promotes. My greatest joys in sharing this doll room through the blog and with friends and family are the sharing of those stories and memories and the connection it creates. It is just plain fun.
If I was going to do this, open up the doll room to roughly 1200 people, I decided I needed to call in some fellow doll experts for the event. I enlisted the help of my dear friends Hilda and Deanna. They graciously agreed to donate their time and expertise to help me show off the collection. I could not have done this without them…from the bottom of my heart “Thank You!” We had told the Assistance League that we would proctor the doll room and landing during the evening hours of the holiday tour. If people had questions, they could come back during those hours and “ask the experts” so to speak.
So…what was the response?? Tune in tomorrow for more pictures and The Doll Room Goes On Display: Part II.
The Last WClub doll of 2013
Helloooooooo subscribers! No, I did not fall into a hole although it kind of feels like I did. I have multiple blog post devoted to what I have been up to coming up in the next week and there will be pictures. Suffice it to say…things have been a little crazy Inside The Fashion Doll Studio for the past two months.
Now that I have given you that little teaser, I need to share the photos and information that Integrity Toys released about the last WClub doll for 2013. They saved a beauty for the last one. If you are WClub member and have not purchased this one yet, you need to be quick. Your window of opportunity closes tomorrow December, 16th at 11:00AM EST.
A Touch of Frost
Eugenia Perrin Frost Dressed Doll
2013 W Club Fashion Royalty® Exclusive
Limited Edition Size: TBA
Special W Club Suggested Retail Price: $120.00
Estimated Shipping Date: Approximately Late Spring 2014
Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type FR 2013 (revamped FR2 body)
Quick Switch Feature No
Skin Tone Japan
Hair Color Raven
Eyelashes Yes, Hand Applied
Package Dimensions 6" X 16" X 3"
Image source: Integrity Toys
Image source: Integrity Toys
Image source: Integrity Toys
Image source: Integrity Toys
I love the facial screening on this one. It is very neutral and soft…definitely my preference. I adore the accessories, especially the shoes. The dress…well…I will add my comments to what some of my fellow bloggers have already said and say it gives off a very generic pink label Barbie feel. Maybe it will improve upon in hand inspection but I am just not feeling it. I think I would have been much happier with a hemline that wasn’t asymmetrical and tricked out in ruffles and tulle. To me, this lady calls for something way more sophisticated and classic. Just my humble opinion. Does it mean I am not purchasing this one? Oh please….now what do you think? LOL! I believe the key word here will be REDRESS.
Bellissima Couture is having a Holiday Event!
Here are some of the offerings.
photo credit: Bellissima Couture
Grab them quick folks…these are going like hotcakes 
.
The Barbie Look for 2014
The news out of Mattel is Bill Greening has some new Barbie Look’s for us. The news from retailers is that these “The Barbie Look” offerings will be available in December and will go for roughly $29.99 each. Many shops are offering up these beauties for presale so if you like them, put your order in with your favorite Barbie retailer.
There is a pink gowned one so she will be on my Christmas list for sure 
I adore the applied lashes on these beauties! I am thinking the gold gowned Diana Ross inspired number may have to come live with me too. I am really loving the edgy earrings of the blue pant suited blond and I like the coloring of the doll wearing the more casual blue dress. Oh heck…who am I kidding…I will probably just get all of them LOL!
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year !
This week, holiday decorating is in full swing at Casa Berry. I have been decorating nonstop since returning from the Integrity toys convention so today was a time to reload with fresh ideas…that meant a trip to Snohomish with one of my best buddies Jane.
First Stop was Sweet Bee http://www.sweetbeebyrachael.com/
I fell in love with these white glitter dear with embellished recycled fur collars.
These silver snowflakes were a big hit too 
After Sweet Bee, we headed down the street to Faded Elegance http://FadedEleganceStyle.blogspot.com
An afternoon of shopping deserved a reward.
Delphine Poppy
I had a few moments to shoot some photos before I left for convention so I have some new material to share. This particular Poppy has been a muse for me many times and I knew this shade of blue would look fabulous on her.
Model: The Happening Poppy parker
Gown: Delphine Silkstone Barbie
I am using a slightly different lighting formula on this one. I have been looking for a small spotlight that was inexpensive and easy to use. I found some really great mini spot lights with magnetic feet that snap right onto my photo tent…the problem was…they are LED lights and turn everything pretty much blue. How do I get a LED light to look like a warm soft box light? Easy…add a filter.
The only thing tinged blue on this shoot was la tour Eiffel behind Miss Poppy….and that was on purpose.
2013 IT Convention Thoughts and Reflections
Now that the dust has settled…just a bit…and the bags have been unpacked (still waiting on boxes though), I am sitting back and reflecting with my cup of morning coffee. What did I think of this year’s convention? First and foremost, I think I need to say a huge “Thank You!” to the Newsum family and the staff at Integrity Toys for an incredible experience. Integrity Toys is owned and run by the Percy Newsum but it looks like the entire family comes to help out at these conventions. The family-owned and run business is a dying breed in our fast-paced eBay-buying, Amazon-downloading world of consumerism. All of the designers are also present and mingling with people. IT Marketing Director Alain Tremblay and Carol Roth who are often the voice and face of Integrity — especially during the company webinars — are ever-present emceeing the events and working the crowd. I can’t even quantify how lovely it is to interact with the people who actually help bring this wonderful product to our homes. It is a connection that makes me feel good about buying the product and that is just not something you can buy in this world market. It is carefully cultivated and, in my opinion, it is smart business. You leave these conventions feeling like you are a very valued customer and an honored guest. I have to give a shout out to table 22 here as well. This lovely group of ladies and one gentleman hosted by the fabulous Hilda made my daughter and I feel like honored guests too. A big “Thank you” from the bottom of my heart for making my daughter’s first IT convention super special and fun. Words cannot express how wonderful you were to her {sniff, sniff} and that means more to this Mom than you know.
I also want to thank my readers..many of whom came up to me at convention and gave me a verbal and actual hug when they said how much they enjoyed the blog, flickr photos and/or youtube videos. I really appreciated and loved the comments from people as I posted and I will endeavor to be better about responding to blog comments in the future.
My college degree is in business and finance so the evolution of this business is infinitely fascinating to me. It is the Disney model of business: bring people in, give them a happy and fun experience and they will open their pocket books. Give them an exceptional experience and that pocket book opens wider. This event was extremely well organized. This convention, in my opinion, had one of the strongest convention collections I have seen. There was something for just about everyone. The looks were elegant, strong, edgy in places and sublimely vintage couture in others. The accessories…jewelry, shoes etc…were excellent as well. The shoes in particular were a big bonus because every exquisite pair was another choice of shoe the FR2 body foot could wear. Collectors of the FR2 line have long lamented the need for more shoes for this body type. Because there was an extra meal event this year, most conventioneers had the opportunity to purchase at least two centerpieces…some even had the chance to purchase three. Three out of the four events had an absolutely beautiful gift doll given as a gift. I realize that this year was special being the 10 year anniversary and this kind of swag is not de rigueur for conventions going forward but WOW was it nice to receive. The quality of these gifts was really exceptional. This was not your average convention, folks. I think we all walked away with that feeling. My only negative comment and it is a minor one, was the discovery that the “Black Orchid” Vanessa’s dress is not easily removable. This was a centerpiece doll for the final dinner and she was dressed in a Jason Wu runway design. It works out great if you want to leave her in this dress…not so great for us redressers. Hilda was able to snip a strap and fashion a fix for me. The only way to remove the dress without snipping a strap is to take the doll’s head off. I was just too chicken to do that with this doll (afraid I would mess up the amazing updo).
So what was the total take away swag you might ask…well…. the doll haul from this event broke down like this. **Note: The list below does not include style lab dolls. I don’t collect these dolls so I did not attend the style lab. Sorry 😦 **
The Doll Haul
$ – denotes you had to spend money above what you spent on convention package
25 possible Dolls, two outfits, one shoe pack
Convention collection –$ (dolls that you were able to purchase as an attendee)
October Issue Agnes
Paparazzi Darling Adèle
Bittersweet Eugenia
Breathless Véronique
Brazen Beauty Natalia
Bewitching Véronique
Star in the Making Poppy Parker
IT Direct Hard Metal Lilith
IT Direct Anja
IT Direct Tricks up her Sleeve Poppy
IT Direct Tulabelle
IT Shoe Pack
Centerpiece Dolls –$ (dolls you were able to purchase via lottery)
After Tonight Eugenia Perrin-Frost™
Elegant Evening Poppy Parker™
Bellissima Natalia Fatalé
Story Of My Life Victoire Roux™
Black Orchid Vanessa Perrin™
Workshop Dolls –$ (dolls purchased as part of workshop package)
Victorious Glamour Victoire Roux™
Poppy’s Makeup Makeover Poppy Parker™
Shining Star FR: Monogram™
W Cosmetics Hair Care Fashion Royalty®
Convention gifts (dolls that were given as gifts)
Interlude FR: Monogram
Nightfall Agnes Von Weiss™
Especially For You Poppy Parker™
Dangerous To Know Kyori Sato™
Night at Ciro’s Victoire Roux™ ** outfit**
Completist FR: Monogram™ Accessory Pack **outfit**
Midnight Star Elise Jolie Convention Doll
Not a bad haul eh? About this time, many collectors complain about the steep markup many of these dolls sell for in the secondary market (eBay or doll boards etc.) Keep in mind that conventioneers paid around $425-450 a ticket to get in. Many if not most also had hotel and airline/travel cost in addition to this. There is also the issue of time spent standing in line to get into the sales room for extras and money spent shipping or incurring extra luggage fees getting all this loot home. I think it is just downright silly to expect conventioneers to sell convention items for the convention purchase price. The simple price of the centerpiece doll they purchased is not the total out of pocket cost for that doll. If you think the markup is too high, don’t buy it. Just sayin’
I also just have to add that when it came time to figure out how to get all of this loot home, Integrity was all over it. What I could not fit in my luggage, I had to ship. I flew out later in the afternoon Sunday so I went down to Integrity Toys’ shipping center around mid-morning. I had three boxes to ship (Hey!…no judging!!) and I was in and out of that shipping room in 10 minutes. A professional UPS store could not have done any better. It was fantastic!!
“So which ones are your favorites Rebecca?” {said in a television interviewer voice}…..
…Well…that is a really tough question. I would have to put Kyori high up on the list as well as the workshop and convention Elises. I am also a huge fan of the new FR2 body but am NOT a fan of the funky stands they come with. I am glad I have a large supply of stands from previous years.
Integrity Toys “The Premiere” Convention Day 3
And on the third day there was rest. Well…kind of. The hectic daily pattern that is convention slowed down on Saturday to basically two events. The WClub luncheon and the final dinner. I managed to get myself out of bed early enough to finish up the blog posts for the previous day and then all my good intentions of being on top of blogging went out the window. I am now home and finishing up LOL!
The WClub Luncheon
The WClub luncheon is an event that you sign up for separately and have to be a member of the WClub for. This year, it was announced that it would be a Victoire Roux event. In years past it has been a FR2 event. For this event, it is a sit wherever you want. Our table of 10 quickly filled up with some great people that I was not able to see at some of the other events.
The centerpiece was STUNNING! And…even better… we all had a chance to purchase her!
Story Of My Life
Victoire Roux™ Dressed Doll
2013 Convention Exclusive
Photo source: Integrity Toys, Inc.
We also received a Victoire outfit as a gift with our meal.
Night at Ciro’s
Victoire Roux™ Fashion
2013 Convention Exclusive
Photo source: Integrity Toys, Inc.
Chris Stoeckel talked about his love for 1950’s fashion and how it inspired his designs for Victoire. He also shared a sneak peak photo of the next Victoire coming down the pipe.
It says IT Direct so get ready for the possibility of a lottery people.
Once the luncheon was over, it was time to go upstairs, rest and attempt to start boxing up the insane amount of loot accumulating from this convention. Integrity Toys really spoiled us this time around.
The Red Carpet Gala with Jason Wu
By this point in the convention many conventioneers realize “ Hey wait….we get a convention doll too!!”. Somehow, I always get to Saturday afternoon and I realize that the big reveal is yet to come LOL! It ALWAYS sneaks up on me then I spend the afternoon hours thinking “ I wonder who she will be?” We were so overloaded with amazing swag at this point that anything was going to be complete gravy on a plate of steak, lobster and chocolate decadence.
We walked into the ball room and were hit with a very edgy Jason Wu designed dress on a beautiful Vanessa. This one was a straight of the runway design by Jason.
Black Orchid
Vanessa Perrin™ Dressed Doll
2013 Convention Exclusive Centerpiece
Photo source: Integrity Toys, Inc.
We also received a completer outfit for our convention Monogram gift doll
Completist
FR: Monogram™ Accessory Pack Giveaway
2013 Convention Exclusive
Photo source: Integrity Toys, Inc.
The competition winners were announced and the winner of the Advanced Design competition will have their design produced! Congrats Lisa Ramsammy!!
Jason Wu also made a special call out to my fellow blogger Shuga Shug . It was very deserving recognition for an amazing and inspirational doll blog. Shug, you rock it girlfriend…every post and every picture are an inspiration and I thank you.
Finally, the big moment of the evening had come and the convention doll was revealed. It was another straight off the runway gown by Jason Wu and apparently a particular favorite of Jason’s.
Midnight Star
Elise Jolie Dressed Doll
2013 Official Convention Doll
Photo source: Integrity Toys, Inc.
Holy Shitake mushrooms people!!! Now THAT’S a convention doll. We filed out of the ballroom happy little campers with our loot and wonderful convention memories. The real work began upon returning to our rooms….how the heck were we going to get all this convention swag home??!!!
Convention…The aftermath, and final thoughts coming up tomorrow 
Integrity Toys “The Premiere” Convention Day 2 Part III
The Fashion Royalty Feud Game Show Dinner with Mark Tinkey
Well put the blame on Mame honey!! If you love Rita Hayworth, you will love this one. This is the centerpiece that greeted us upon entering the ballroom for Day two’s dinner event.
Bellissima
Natalia Fatalé
2013 Convention Exclusive Centerpiece
And if a visit from Rita Hayworth wasn’t enough, all the conventioneers were gifted with this lovely lady.
Dangerous To Know
Kyori Sato™ Dressed Doll
2013 Convention Exclusive Giveaway
Gorgeous!!
The evening wrapped up with a fairly humorous and at times groan worthy game of Family Fued in which two teams(picked at random from the audience) battled for points while answering Fashion Royalty questions. I learned that I can’t remember any names from previous years collections and am not able to name more that two convention dolls. Scary.
Integrity Toys “The Premiere” Convention Day 2 Part II
Raffles and Workshops
I spent the afternoon looking at amazing raffle items competition entries. There are so many creative and talented collectors at this convention.
Competition entries for diorama:
Competition entries for design:
My favorite, a beautiful creation by my dear friend Hilda of Bellissima Couture
Incredible OOAK Raffle items:
Where all my raffle tickets went….. An amazing OOAK Victoire by Chris Stoekel.
My daughter and I also took an informative and hands on workshop with Matt Sutton where we all learned how to repaint Poppy’s face.
Many of us ( myself included) decided to just practice on paper instead of the doll. I had the pleasure of sitting next to the witty and talented John P. in this class.
When the workshop was over, it was time to get ready for dinner and another fabulous centerpiece doll to drool over…… Day Two, Part III coming up shortly.
Integrity Toys “The Premiere” Convention Day 2 Part I
The Poppy Parker Luncheon
For many of us who collect Barbie and Fashion Royalty, Poppy Parker is perhaps the perfect in-between road between the two. Many Barbie collectors have come into Fashion Royalty collecting through Poppy Parker so it can come as no surprise that the Poppy Parker luncheon is a highly anticipated event. We expected a stunning centerpiece and boy oh boy did Integrity deliver.
Elegant Evening
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
2013 Convention Exclusive Centerpiece
photo source: Integrity Toys, Inc.
After a somewhat eclectic and interesting buffet lunch, Integrity Toys went above and beyond by gifting everyone with an absolutely stunning Poppy Parker doll.
Especially For You
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
2013 Convention Exclusive Giveaway
Thank you David Buttry and Integrity Toys!!!!
Integrity Toys “The Premiere” Convention Day 1 Part III
Welcome Dinner
The first night of the convention fell on Halloween night this year so of course there had to be a Halloween party. Many people dressed up for this…including myself and my daughter. 
Yes…we went as Edith Head and a 1940’s starlet that she was designing for. Here are a few more snapshots of friends and tablemates. ( Barb , Valeska, Rich, Judy, Barb and Bev)
And the amazing Norma Desmond done by Rebecca V.
It was interesting because Edith Head designed the costumes for Sunset Boulevard so we decided to do a 1940’s style picture together and I LOVE IT!! A HUGE “Thank You!” to Bev B. for taking this photo and adding the b/w filter.
Needless to say ( but I will say it anyway), we had the best time. I had not dressed up for Halloween in ages so it was fun to do it. Now…on to the dolls
The centerpiece doll for the evening was a beautiful Eugenia!
After Tonight
Eugenia Perrin-Frost™ Dressed Doll
2013 Convention Exclusive Centerpiece
After dinner, we all received this beautiful Agnes….you should have heard the squeals of delight in the ballroom.
Nightfall
Agnes Von Weiss™ Dressed Doll
2013 Convention Exclusive Giveaway
Day Two coverage coming up in a bit. I hope to catch up today.
Integrity Toys “The Premiere” Convention Day 1 Part II
The Convention Collection
This year, Integrity tried out something different for the sales room. They gave you a number based on when you signed up for convention. Those who signed up early, received a lower number and this allowed you to get into the sales room at specific times. It was done to cut down on the HUGE wait line that conventioneers had experienced in years past. Groups of about 50 were allowed in at a time depending on your registration number. It worked like a dream. I have to say it was the most pleasant shopping experience I have at in IT’s convention sales room. You had room to browse, take pictures and buy. Fabulous job Integrity Toys!
![10600152015_e1db5fa380_z_thumb[2]](https://insidethefashiondollstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/10600152015_e1db5fa380_z_thumb2.jpg "10600152015_e1db5fa380_z_thumb[2]")
The Convention Collection was showcased in the center of the room.
**All photos below are courtesy of Integrity Toys, Inc.**
October Issue
Agnes Von Weiss™ Dressed Doll
2013 Convention Collection Exclusive
Soooo sophisticated and haughty. Isn’t this Agnes’ general state of being? When I first saw her displayed in the sales room, she had the sunglasses on and I could not see her face so I was not impressed…
Then the glasses came off and I was a goner.
Paparazzi Darling
Adèle Makéda™ Dressed Doll
2013 Convention Collection Exclusive
Loved, loved the pink top on this one. This was also a much softer look for Ms. Adele.
Bittersweet
Eugenia Perrin-Frost™ Dressed Doll
2013 Convention Collection Exclusive
This was a redhead in a green dress….a no brainer for me. Ka-ching!
Breathless
Véronique Perrin™ Dressed Doll
2013 Convention Collection Exclusive
Oh My Word!! I love suits and I absolutely adored this one. Put an exotic looking Veronique with a hat in it and it’s a winner in my book.
Brazen Beauty
Natalia Fatalé™ Dressed Doll
2013 Convention Collection Exclusive
Subtle, golden and elegant.
Bewitching
Véronique Perrin™ Dressed Doll
2013 Convention Collection Exclusive
In my opinion, this lady embodied the theme of the convention collection the most. She is pure Hollywood premiere glamour. Adore her.
Star in the Making
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
2013 Convention Collection Exclusive
{Thud!} Someone help Rebecca up off the floor again. I don’t think I could get my ticket out of my wallet fast enough to purchase this beauty. If you wanted a glamorous Poppy, this one will do it.
There were also a few Integrity Toys Direct products unveiled that were exclusive to the convention. Each conventioneer was given coupons to purchase 3 or 4 items from the line. The choices were:
A Fashion Royalty Shoe Pack
Tricks Up Her Sleeve Poppy Parker
ITBE In Sequins Anja
ITBE In Sequins Lilith
Fashion Creature Tulabelle
Let’s just say a few of these ladies came out of the sales room with me. 
More photos are available on my Flickr feed. Feel free to have a look.
Part III of Day 1 coming up shortly…..
Integrity Toys “The Premiere” Convention Day 1 Part I
REGISTRATION
As many of you know who follow my convention reports, I always start out with a photo of command central. This is where I spend a chunk of my time late each night and early every morning.
This year since Hilda and I were selling at an event on the first day of convention, my reports are not as timely as I would have liked. So…on to the first days festivities.
Registration ran smoothly…mostly. What we experienced was that most conventioneers last names start with letters from A to K. The A-K line was HUGE. The K-Z line was a breeze! Once we got there, we received our packet of information and an absolutely beautiful Monogram doll.
Interlude
FR: Monogram™ Welcome Doll
2013 Convention Exclusive
Photo Source: Integrity Toys Inc.
I adore her!! After registration, we headed over to pick up our workshop dolls.
Victorious Glamour
Victoire Roux™ Workshop Doll
2013 Convention Exclusive
Photo Source: Integrity Toys Inc.
Poppy’s Makeup Makeover
Poppy Parker™ Workshop Doll
2013 Convention Collection Exclusive
Photo Source: Integrity Toys Inc.
Shining Star
FR: Monogram™ Workshop Doll
2013 Convention Exclusive
Photo Source: Integrity Toys Inc.
The promo shots really do not do this one justice. In person, she is gorgeous. That’s why I included my crappy point and shoot shot to show you her face. Gorgeous!
W Cosmetics Hair Care
Fashion Royalty® Workshop Doll
2013 Convention Exclusive
Photo Source: Integrity Toys Inc.
She has the Elise face sculpt and her green eyes are absolutely incredible. Score one for Rebecca getting this one. I was really on the fence getting this one because all we were told was that it would be an Fashion Royalty doll. She is stunning!
Day 1: The Convention Collection coming up in a few hours 
Flying By The Seat Of My Pants
I try to be an organized person…I really do. Usually I succeed but lately, I have just taken on WAY too many projects and unfortunately, the blog has suffered for it. My apologies to everyone who follows the blog for my unusually long absence these past couple of weeks. Hopefully, things will be a bit more orderly and consistent in the weeks ahead….but I can’t make any promises.
In the past month, I have started two new businesses and volunteered ( yes, volunteered…I know…I am stupid) my home for an large annual Holiday Walk. So, in the next month I will be decorating like a mad woman getting my house ready for roughly 1,200 visitors to walk through it. I must have been drunk when I agreed LOL! It is for charity and helps to support many good causes in our community so I can’t complain. I did volunteer.
Today, in a few hours, I will be flying south to the sunny streets of Los Angeles for the Integrity Toys Fashion Royalty Convention. I am soooooo excited.
The people at Integrity always know how to throw a party and as this year they are celebrating 10 years in business, it is sure to be something special. I will be updating my Flickr daily and hopefully blogging daily as well. Feel free to follow my Flickr feed by clicking on the Flickr button to the right.
I am going to try my best to post from convention but this year things will be a bit different as I am selling some things for the first time. One of the businesses I have recently opened is a miniature furniture line. The Fashion Royalty convention is the first time I will be showing these items and I will be selling at an event with the lovely and talented Hilda Westervelt of Bellissima Couture. If you are going to be at the convention, please stop by! We won’t have a room number until we check in later so check the boards by the registration desk for a pamphlet with the room number.
Information on how to purchase these furniture pieces will be forthcoming. Here are some more shots from the set of photos 
Note: Chandelier photoshop brush is from midnightstouch on deviantart.com. Thank you so much for letting me use your beautiful brushes!
Haunted Beauty
Last year Mattel and Bill Greening helped collectors celebrate Halloween with the direct exclusive Haunted Beauty Ghost™ Barbie® Doll.
Photo credit: Mattel, Inc
This year, Mattel and Mr. Greening serve up another helping of gorgeous gothic splendor with Haunted Beauty Vampire™ Barbie® Doll. She looks to be all decked out in a very close representation of an Alexander McQueen cloak over a deliciously gothic gown. If I were into vampire or gothic design dolls, I would be all over this one. While I may not be in the market to purchase this one, I can certainly admire the artistry of her design. Another win for you Mr. Greening.
Haunted Beauty Vampire™ Barbie® Doll
Retail: $100.00 ( this is a BC direct exclusive. Only available at Barbiecollector.com)
Photo credit: Mattel, Inc.
Photo credit: Mattel, Inc.
Photo credit: Mattel, Inc.
Photo credit: Mattel, Inc.
And the inspiration and much photographed cloak by the late Alexander McQueen…
Photo credit: Vanity Fair
Photo credit: Harpers Bazaar
Even Integrity Toys has done this one.
Happy New Year!!
No…Rebecca has not been hitting the bottle nor does she have her dates wrong. Mattel just announced that the highly anticipated next installment for their Holiday Hostess line will be up for sale Wednesday, October 9th. She is Happy New Year Barbie and she is a BFC exclusive.
There has been much speculation today as to what type of doll this is. Namely, collectors were asking “ Is she Silkstone or vinyl?”. A Mattel representative finally answered conclusively that this fabulous lady, though she looks very much like Silkstone, is in fact vinyl….just like every other doll in this very popular line. She may be residing currently in the category of Silkstones on the Barbiecollector website but that is an error and they are working to fix it. If you watched the video of Bill Greening I posted a few weeks ago, you saw quick photos of this one. If not, the promo shots are finally available to the public.
Retail: $75.00
Available to BFC members only at Barbiecollector.com beginning 10/09/2013 at 9:00AM PST
The chatter on this one would indicate she will sell out quickly. I know what I will be doing next Wednesday.
The 2013 Emmy Awards Fashion Picks and Pans
I just had a chance to look through the 2013 Emmy red carpet looks and felt like doing a post…so here goes.
In and amongst the plethora of strapless column dresses on the red carpet last night there were a number that stood out for me. There were good “stand outs” and a few “Oh My Word!” stand outs.
What had me hitting the thumbs up button:
More than like…LOVE Sophia Vergara in her red Vera Wang and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry. Wow! Okay Santa, I want to look like that in a red dress for Christmas. Hey…a girl can dream.
Photo credit: Huffington Post
Julie Bowen in Zac Posen….that even rhymes LOL! This whole outfit had me clapping with joy. So feminine and soft with the structured lines that only Zac Posen can accomplish. Beautiful. I loved the simple jewelry with this. The gown is so complicated, it did not need anything else. The purse is forgettable so the date should have just carried that LOL!
Photo credit: Huffington Post
Zooey Deschanel in…Chanel of course. I love this shade of blue on her and apparently so does her stylist. I believe we have seen her on the red carpet in this very shade of blue a couple of times now. For this outfit, I adore the purse. The whole styling package from head to foot says elegance, grace and couture. Now, if we could get the young woman with the deer caught in headlights look photoshopped out of this picture, we would have a winner.
Photo credit: Huffington Post
Jewel in…well I have not sleuthed that out yet but whoever it is, I love it. It works perfectly on her too. With so many of these ensembles, it is the little details that really bring it together. For me, the exclamation point on this beautiful outfit is the flower ring she has on the index finger. Sooooo cute.
Photo credit: Huffington Post
What had me hitting the thumbs down:
Heide Klum in Versace. There is no doubt that Heidi Klum is a beautiful woman and accomplished woman. She can now add Heidi the Glamazon action figure to her list of accomplishments. This outfit just didn’t do it for me on her. It just came off as way too…”industrial” and rigid. Also, I want to know if this gown came with a choking hazard warning.
Photo credit: Huffington Post
BEWARE OF RETINAL SEERAGE!! Anna Ferris in Monique L’huillier. I love the style of this gown and I love it on her….I just can’t get past the color….I am tearing up just typing this with the photo on the screen. Somebody put a coat on it before it does permanent damage!!
But wait..there is more…yes this dress does in fact glow in the dark.
Photo credit: Huffington Post
Ummmm….Julianne….I see London I see France girl. Julianne Hough in Jenny Packham. What happened? Usually Julianne is impeccable on the red carpet but apparently this year, the stylist let her leave without most of the skirt. Just a thought here but…wouldn’t you feel cold? The mother in me wants to run over and throw a coat over her before her mother sees it.
Photo credit: Huffington Post
Vera Farmiga in Theysken’s Theory. I think Vera Farmiga is an incredibly beautiful woman but this “Theory” did not pan out for her. It makes her look about 30 pounds heavier than what she really is. Now…I ask you…is that ever a good thing?
Photo credit: Huffington Post
Um…don’t think our attention could be more focused on this woman’s bust unless you painted a bulls eye on it. Zosia Mamet in Honor. Her expression seems to say “I’m not amused”…Yeah I wouldn’t be amused either if I was wearing a leather bralet on an evening gown. 
Photo credit: Huffington Post
Diorama Finds
I purchased a couple of things that I wanted to pass on to people. Halloween is just around the corner and I know many collectors are into that gothic look and feel. Someone on Doll Divas posted about a set of black gothic chairs a while back ( sorry I can’t find the original post) and I decided to check them out. I was a bit skeptical about the sizes but I gambled and won on this one. They are , in my opinion, the right scale for 1/6 fashion dolls.
You can find these beauties at the Victorian Trading Company. http://www.victoriantradingco.com/item/80-ha-8023219/100100104/gothic-arm-chairs-set-of-3
They cost $49.95 so that works to $16.65 per chair. I don’t feel that is exorbitant for three 1/6 scale chairs. They are made of resin so kind of heavy but not too bad. One of the kind of cool features is that they have a hanging hook on the back so you could put them on the wall. It’s kind of an interesting display idea don’t you think?! I may have to try that one. Also, it looks like these could be painted as well so there you go. A big “Thank You” to whoever posted this link on Doll Divas!
While I was perusing my recent Pottery Barn catalog I ran across something interesting. I am all about Christmas décor planning right now so I was looking at the new ornaments coming out. They had the most adorable bottle brush dogs as ornaments. I looked at the sizing and thought “Hey, I bet those could be really cute as diorama pets!”.
It’s an Airedale!! I Had to have it. http://www.potterybarn.com/products/bottlebrush-airdale-ornament-holiday-2013/?pkey=cornaments-trim-holiday&cm_src=ornaments-trim-holiday||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_–_-
And a Cocker Spaniel .. http://www.potterybarn.com/products/bottlebrush-cocker-spaniel-ornament-holiday-2013/?pkey=cornaments-trim-holiday&cm_src=ornaments-trim-holiday||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_–_-
They run from $8.50 to $10.50 a piece. I was really, really tempted to get the St. Bernard one too but you just have to stop somewhere. The beauty of these are, they will grace my Christmas tree during the holidays and then grace my dioramas and pictures for the rest of the year.
Happy Weekend!
Bill Greening is In The Spotlight!
And boy oh boy does he have some fun sneak peaks! This video popped up on my youtube subscriptions this morning so I had to share. If you are a vintage collector and love Barbie’s friends, you will want to watch this video! There is a fabulous sneak peek at the end. Also, it will give all you collectors who are not a member of the BFC, a chance to see the next holiday hostess doll. She is a stunner!
One other fun note, my good friend and fellow blogger Rogier with Dutch Barbie World had one of his questions answered in the video. How cool is that?!! Well done Rogier!
Hope you enjoy 
Hervé Léger Barbie® Update!!
Okay…so here we are an hour later than my last post and Mattel decides to give us some information. She will be available TOMORROW. They don’t specify a time but I am thinking around 9AM pacific time because that is when Barbiecollector.com historically make things available. There is no guarantee of that though. She retails for $150 and will be available here
http://www.barbiecollector.com/shop/doll/herve-leger-by-max-azria-barbie-doll-x8249
Photo credit: Barbiecollector.com
If you have a second, go to the link above and check out all the cool new photos of her which show the back of the dress and a 360 degree view of the doll. If you are at all interested in getting this doll, I would think about purchasing sooner rather than later. The buzz on this lady indicates a possible quick sell out.
It’s a Go!!
Finally we have more information on the Hervé Léger by Max Azria Barbie® doll. According to Dutch Barbie World ( Thanks for the information Rogier!!), this giftset will be available October 15 at BarbieCollector and at select Hervé Léger and Neiman Marcus stores. The price I am hearing most often is $150 smackers. Don’t quote me on that because this amount has not been confirmed by Mattel yet but I think the price will be around that. She was designed by Linda Kyaw in collaboration with Hervé Léger by Max Azria .
I know where I will be come October 15th. 
Photo source: Vogue Nederland
Well done Linda!! She is a beauty.
Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi
Oh yes…it is that time again. 
Ever since a dear Barbie friend helped me obtain this Milan Boater Silkstone, I have been looking for the perfect purple dress to photograph her in. Mr. Bogue was ,of course, obliging and I had to share.
Model and Earrings: IDC Milan Boater Silkstone Barbie
Gown: Bogue’s Vogues
Gloves and Shoes: Mattel
Inside the Fashion Doll Studio 