The Journey
As many of you know, I have just returned from a month of traveling. It was the most amazing trip with my family and for a few glorious weeks some dear friends. The memories made during those travels are priceless and the new perspective I bring back with me every time I journey out of my own country is such a gift to me. I feel richer emotionally than when I left and so appreciative for all that I have seen, experienced and learned. My hope is that I can bring this into the pictures that I take.
For this set of photos, one of my new arrivals Ms. Splendid Jordan has just returned from a journey of her own. I wish I had her luggage…..
Model , clothing and accessories: Fashion Royalty Splendid Jordan
Trunk: Barbie Convention gift 2012
LV Purse: La Boutique
LV makeup case: Fashion Royalty
Martini glass: Facets by Marcia
“All of life is a journey which paths we take, what we look back on, and what we look forward to is up to us. We determine our destination, what kind of road we will take to get there, and how happy we are when we get there.”
Wishing everyone a safe and happy journey today 
Neutral Ground
I am constantly amazed and inspired by my fellow doll collector community bloggers. A recent blog post by Shuga-Shug got me thinking about a new arrival in a whole new way so it was time to do a redress.
Shug…Thank you for your love of neutrals and your fantastic modern styling . This post was completely inspired by you and what you do.
Model: The Young Sophisticate Poppy Parker
Dress: City Shopper™ Barbie® Doll – Brunette
Shoes: Mattel
Purse: La Boutique
Scarf: New York Yorkie™ Barbie® Accessory Pack
Jewelry and Luggage: Integrity Toys
Buenos Aires Victoire
It would appear that most if not all who wanted to obtain this fabulous Victoire, were able to do so. I had expressed a concern that she would be hard to obtain and I am happy to be wrong. Many collectors are pointing to an almost eerie evocation of Evita Peron in Chris Stoekel’s design. After receiving her, I can totally relate. More often than not, I open a highly anticipated doll and am a bit underwhelmed. Promotional shots are designed to show off the best side of a product and it is almost certain that there are times where the promo shots oversell an item. In the case of Ms. Buenos Aires, I am happy to report that the promo shots simply did not do her justice. She is even prettier in person. I always love when that happens. Of course this is only my opinion so take that into consideration.
Here are her “window” shots. 
Model: Buenos Aires Victoire Roux
ITFDS is finally back online!!
Hello loyal readers. First off..I have to say I am sorry. I had every intention of posting every Friday but did not factor in how unreliable my Wi-Fi would be while traveling. In retrospect, I should have hung my “Gone Fishing” sign up and left it at that. Live, Learn. Happily I was able to post travel photos to my Flickr while we traveled ( it was a slow and painful process though) so for those who followed along on that, I am happy you enjoyed them. Thank you for all your comments! They were much appreciated.
We had the most amazing time journeying through Europe and my mind is absolutely bursting with new diorama ideas. I will be working on those in the coming months along with some new doll related business ventures ( more info to come….). For now, I will post some of the photos I had lined up to share while I was traveling.
Model: Spicy in Spain Poppy Parker
Dress, hat: Bogue’s Vogues
Jewelry: Spicy in Spain Poppy Parker
Shoes: Silkstone Barbie
Model: Sweet in Switzerland Poppy Parker
Dress: Bogue’s Vogues
Hat: Fashion Royalty
My fascination with Black and White’s continues….
Model: Fascination Monogram
Dress: Cocktail Dress Silkstone Barbie
India in Hot Pink
I received another amazing Bogue’s Vogues recently and had to share it 
Model: Irresistible in India Poppy Parker
Gown and Hat: Bogue’s Vogues (http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues)
Adore this color on her!!
Imogene Gets a Boater Ensemble
It was no surprise that when Integrity Toys released their Funny Face line of dolls, I was all over them. My particular favorite was “Think Pink!”. I also have a particular fondness for suits so it was time to put these two favorites together for a photo shoot. Also, as Imogene dons her “boater ensemble” and takes some time to perhaps jet off to some glamorous destination, Inside The Fashion Doll Studio will be posting a little less for a bit as this blogger/photographer takes some time to do a few other things. Doll posts should continue every Friday but don’t expect much more than that. 
Model: Funny Face “Think Pink!” Imogene
Suit, hat and shoes: Boater Ensemble Barbie® Doll
Christmas in July Take 4
Is anyone else feeling Jem and The Holograms fatigue? I know I am. That being said, for those who love this show and the resulting products inspired by it, Integrity Toys and their collaboration with Hasbro gives another infusion with…The Stingers.
Item #14036
Rory "RIOT" Llewelyn™
The JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™ Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $119.00
Estimated Ship Date: September 2013
Item #14037
Ingrid "MINX" Kruger™
The JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™ Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $119.00
Estimated Ship Date: September 2013
Item #14038
Phoebe "RAPTURE" Ashe™
The JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™ Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $119.00
Estimated Ship Date: September 2013
As Jem and the Holograms go…and I am not a collector of this line…I would have to say this bunch is the most interesting to me. Even though I have no plans to purchase, I can at least appreciate the detail that Integrity went to to reproduce these characters.
If you are interested in purchasing these, contact an Integrity Toys Dealer.
Christmas in July Take 3
The highlight in my opinion of Integrity’s mini collection releases yesterday was the Victoire Roux offering. As luck would have it…it’s another Lottery. I am not feeling super confident about this one as there are only 600 and it will be an IT Directly lottery open to all not just WClub members. That’s right folks, you don’t have to be a WClub member to enter the lottery for this. You will have from today until July 29th at Noon EDT to enter this lottery. Winners will be selected at random, notified by the W Club Liaisons and then have until August 5th, 2013 at 5:00 PM EDT to pay. You can find more information about this lottery on Integrity Toy’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Integrity-Toys/200208326656019 . The link to get one of the lottery tickets is
https://www.integritytoys.com/shop20/product.php?productid=1303
Item #76007
Buenos Aires
Victoire Roux™ Dressed Doll
2013 IT Direct Exclusive Lottery Doll
Special "Christmas in July" Event Price: US $99.00 US
Limited Edition of 600 Dolls
Estimated Delivery Date: Early August 2013
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Pale Blond
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
I am in LOVE! From the top of her cream colored hat to the tips of this Dior “new look” inspired outfit, I am in LOVE! According to Integrity Toys, the umbrella is not functional…who cares! It’s adorable workable or not. This offering exemplifies everything that I love to collect so I am extremely hopeful that I will win the right to purchase. If not, I will be begging…oh yes, I will be begging and avidly searching the secondary market for a chance to purchase.
Christmas in July Take 2
Integrity Toys in collaboration with Paramount pictures delights Poppy Parker fans with two new giftsets inspired by the Neil Simon adapted play Barefoot in the Park.
Item # 14019
Barefoot in the Park™
Poppy Parker™ as Corie Bratter
Dressed Doll Gift Set
Limited edition size of 800 Gift Sets
Suggested Retail Price: $160.00
Estimated Ship Date: Late September 2013
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Reddish
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
( Source: Integrity Toys)
From the movie that inspired the designs…..
Item # 14020
The Bratter Lovers
Barefoot in the Park™
Poppy Parker™ and Chip Farnsworth III™ as Corie and Paul Bratter
Two-Doll Gift Set
Limited edition size of 800 Gift Sets
Suggested Retail Price: $180.00
Estimated Ship Date: Late September 2013
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Red (Corie) and Golden Blond (Paul)
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
(Source: Integrity Toys)
So cute! I adore the play, and love the movie. If you are at all interested in these giftsets, I would advise contacting an Integrity Toys Dealer ASAP. These won’t last long.
Christmas In July Take 1
Integrity Toys announced 4 new mini collections to it’s WClub members on Thursday and titled it “Christmas in July”. A word to the wise…when you talk up an event and label it “Christmas”, you better be sure to deliver. I’m not sure Integrity Toys hit their mark on that one. I know I was expecting something in the Nu.Face lineup and possibly something from the Homme line as well. Integrity offered nothing from either line and that has left many die hard Fashion Royalty fans feeling like they got up Christmas morning with high expectations only to receive Ralphie’s infamous pink bunny suit from “A Christmas Story”. Not a good thing.
For collectors who love 16 inch Poppy, Poppy Parker , Jem and the Holograms and Victoire Roux, this was worth the time you took off work to incessantly check and recheck your emails.
First up was a new set of lovelies from the 16 inch Poppy Parker Fashion Teen line. Per Alain Tremblay of Integrity Toys, each doll in this mini collection was inspired by a season.
First up is Spring:
Item #84001
The Glad Game
Poppy Parker Fashion Teen™ Dressed Doll
Limited Edition of 300 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: $140.00 US
Estimated Shipping Date: October 2013
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Dewdrop Blonde
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
(Photo source: Integrity Toys)
Second up is Summer:
Item #84002
One Fine Day
Poppy Parker Fashion Teen™ Dressed Doll
Limited Edition of 300 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: $140.00 US
Estimated Shipping Date: October 2013
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Hot Blonde
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
(Photo Source: Integrity Toys)
Third up is Fall:
Item #84003
Magic Moment
Poppy Parker Fashion Teen™ Dressed Doll
Limited Edition of 300 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: $140.00 US
Estimated Shipping Date: October 2013
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Autumn Red
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
(Photo Source: Integrity Toys)
Last is winter:
Item #84004
Winter Wowzers!
Poppy Parker Fashion Teen™ Dressed Doll
Limited Edition of 300 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: $140.00 US
Estimated Shipping Date: October 2013
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Raven
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
(Photo Source: Integrity Toys)
I don’t collect the larger scale dolls simply because I barely have enough room for the 1/6 scale ladies as it is but I am sorely tempted by these fabulous 16 inch Poppys. Also, confirmed by Alain, Tulabelle’s and Poppy’s clothing is interchangeable. In other words, they can wear each others clothing so lots and mix and match options for this larger scale offerings from Integrity.
If you are interested in purchasing any one of these beautiful ladies, go to an Integrity Toys Dealer.
Bye Bye FR:Monograms
Integrity Toys announced this past week in a post they called “An exciting evolution!” that they would be discontinuing their FR:Monogram line in a move to help focus and unify the other lines. Per the email from Integrity, the final Monograms will make an appearance at convention and then will forever “Requiescat in pace” R.I.P. The FR: FR2 line will be merged with the FR classic line and a new updated FR/FR2 body will be introduced and used for all future Fashion Royalty offerings. Nu.Face and FR: Homme will get an update in 2014. Exciting news for sure.
My guess is that the classic styling that was the bread and butter of the Monogram line will now be serviced by their Victoire product. Not surprising. Many in the collecting community were expecting this but it still makes me sad. The Monograms were a particular favorite of mine and some of my personal favorite photos were produced with this line. That being the case, I thought I would do a little retrospective with this fabulous line. I am happy to have these dolls in my collection and don’t plan on selling them. It is also interesting to see how my photography has changed over the past couple of years 
IFDC 2013–Horror High Vegas!!!
The International Fashion Doll Convention was held this weekend in Las Vegas. The theme was Horror High Vegas and the exclusive dolls that were offered and given at the convention did not disappoint attendees.
As has become standard with Integrity Toys and its relationship with IFDC, all of the dolls come from the Integrity Toys NU Fantasy line. This is a realm where fantasy, drama and high couture fashion mix for an interesting and edgy look and feel.
Photos are courtesy of Integrity Toys, Inc.
Convention Exclusive
Item #91321
Dark Fable
Horror High Vegas!!!
2013 IFDC IT DIRECT Exclusive Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $150.00 US
Limited Edition of 300 Dolls
Head Sculpt: Imogen™
Body Type: Fashion Royalty®
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Duo-Toned Black and Red
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
The Convention Doll
Item #91320
Glam Vamp
Horror High Vegas!!!
2013 IFDC Exclusive Convention Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $175.00 US
Limited Edition of 300 Dolls
Head Sculpt: Anja™
Body Type: Fashion Royalty®
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Raven
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
The Convention Companion Doll
Item #91322
Blood Lines
Horror High Vegas!!!
2013 IFDC Exclusive Companion Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $150.00 US
Limited Edition of 300 Dolls
Head Sculpt: Tatiana™ (V 1.0)
Body Type: Fashion Royalty®
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Japan
Hair Color: Jet Black with White Streaks
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
If you are a WClub member, a small number of all of these beauties will be up for lottery purchase. For more in depth reporting and photos from this convention, feel free to visit Shuga’s excellent blog Shuga Shug’s Blog
A Sweet and Swiss Grand Entrance
I had yet another blue gown I had to put Sweet in Switzerland in before I was done.
Model: Sweet in Switzerland Poppy Parker
Gown: Grand Entrance™ Barbie® Doll
And since I am having fun playing with a new set of filters in Adobe Lightroom 
And what one of these shots would look like as a gothic romance novel cover {Snort!} Yes, I DO need a self help program for those who have become obsessed with their Photoshop brushes. 
“Begin at the Beginning…”
“..and go on till you come to the end: then stop.” — King of Hearts Alice in Wonderland.
Since I mentioned “Alice Blue” and how it reminded me of Alice in Wonderland, I had to do a shoot inspired by Mr. Carroll’s classic work of fiction.
Model: Sweet in Switzerland Poppy Parker
Dress : BFMC™ Accessory Pack
Tea set: Re-ment Princess Tea set
“What is the use of a book, without pictures or conversations?”
— Alice Alice in Wonderland
“We are all mad here.” –Cheshire Cat Alice in Wonderland
Joyful to Love the One
Continuing on the Poppy Parker redressing theme, I decided to combine two new additions to the doll room today. I deboxed the fabulous Joyful in Japan Poppy Parker that arrived last week and dressed her in the WClub exclusive “Love The One” Kyori outfit. The pink of the little caplet matched her eye makeup and lip color. I finished the outfit with a Bogue’s Vogue hat that incorporated all of the colors already going on in the scene.
Model: Joyful in Japan Poppy Parker
Dress and shoes: WClub exclusive Love the One Kyori
Hat: Bogues Vogues
It looks like Integrity got some inspiration on this outfit…
Sweet,Swiss and Provencale
The title of this post sounds like a new bistro sandwich LOL! The earlier gowns of the BFMC Barbie line are the favorites of many. This gown from a Barbie called “Provencale” with it’s delicate blue and white pattern was originally worn by a short haired redhead.
(source Barbiecollector.com)
(source Barbiecollector.com)
I have never warmed to that particular doll in that dress. I love the dress and I love the doll…just not together. This dress, since it entered my collection, has graced the form of French Maid Barbie.
For a time last week, this gown was beautifully worn by the newly released red haired Poppy Parker. Hope you like the photos.
Model: Sweet in Switzerland Poppy Parker
Gown and Jewelry: Provencale™ Barbie® Doll
And just in case you needed even more drama in these photos….
The Sweetness of Alice Blue
I am on a Poppy Parker high at the moment with the arrival of all of the International Fair Poppys. I am also on a bit of a color kick and apparently it is specifically a blue color kick. After spending an entire post on the color Tiffany Blue and it’s origin and meaning, I found myself wondering about the origin of “Alice Blue”. That was the first thought I had when I saw this red haired beauty in her adorable skating outfit. It brought to mind thoughts of Alice in Wonderland (as I recall, colorized illustrations typically had her in blue) or the shade of blue favored by the Queen Mother (a factoid I am particularly proud of knowing because it allowed me to win a point in trivial pursuit against my husband…something I NEVER get to do). I digress. Anywhoo… It got me to wondering where did this term of “Alice Blue” come from. Here is the answer according to Wikipedia
“Alice blue is a pale tint of azure that was favored by Alice Roosevelt Longworth, daughter of Theodore Roosevelt and which sparked a fashion sensation in the United States.
The hit song "Alice Blue Gown", inspired by Longworth’s signature gown, premiered in Harry Tierney’s 1919 Broadway musical Irene. The musical was made into a film in 1940 starring Anna Neagle and Ray Milland.
The color is specified by the United States Navy for use in insignia and trim on vessels named for Theodore Roosevelt.[citation needed] "AliceBlue" is also one of the original 1987 X11 color names which became the basis for color description in web authoring. The name "Alice Blue" was trademarked in 2001 by a costume company called "Alice Blue Fancy Dress & Costume" in the U.K. but the livery color chosen by them was not the correct Alice Blue shade, but instead a rich royal blue.
This particular shade of blue is also referred as white-blue (or blue-white) and ice/icy blue, due to its very pale coloration.” (source Wikipedia)
Here is Miss Sweet in Switzerland Poppy Parker fresh out of the box in her first photo shoot for Inside The Fashion Doll Studio..in her Alice Blue outfit.
And since it was too warm to be wearing the fur hat, muff, skates and tights for long…
You may be noticing some different color profiles coming from me in the coming blog posts. I have entered the sticky wicket world of Photoshop filters…and it’s a bit like Alice going down the rabbit hole. Who knows where I will end up LOL!
“It would be so nice if something would make sense for a change.” –Alice
To Sir, With Love
This song practically screams 1965 to me and apparently many others because it is listed in the top 5 songs of 1965. Love the movie, love the song and loved playing it while I shot these.
Model: Irresistible in India Poppy Parker
Gown and earrings: Palm Beach Coral Silkstone Barbie
This outfit by Robert Best for the Silkstone Barbie line looks to be inspired by vintage 1960’s Valentino. Beautiful and so appropriate for Ms. 1965 Poppy! Those nails though…Yipes!!
source: ganzomag.com
I hope you have enjoyed this walk through the mid 1960’s with Ms. Irresistible in India Poppy Parker. This is not a style I photograph that often so it was fun to pop in some oldies but goodies and revisit the 60’s for a bit.
So Happy Together…
My next installment of Poppy Parker was done to the music of the Turtles
This was listed as one of the top 10 songs of 1965 so very appropriate for the 1965 International Fair Poppys.
Model: Irresistible in India Poppy Parker
Swimsuit and coverup: The Barbie Look Poolside™ Barbie® Fashion
Earings: Palm Beach Breeze™ Barbie® Doll
**Source: Photo above was enhanced with PS brushes by Nureen-REstock on Deviantart. Thank you for making them available for use!**
Poppy is California Dreamin’
I know I have said this before, but I will reiterate. I always listen to music while I shoot photos. It’s just something I have always done with doll photos. I have two musicians in the house so if I am not playing music, it’s being played somewhere around me. While typing this blog post, my daughter is hard at work on a violin piece called Gavotte in D Major by Bach…but I digress. While shooting this series of photos, it seems only right that I go to the time that David Buttry used as inspiration for this his International Fair Poppy series. When it comes to late 60’s, there is one stand out favorite for me…California Dreamin’ by the Mamas and the Papas, and that is where I went for some mood music for this next set of photos.
Model: Irresistible in India Poppy Parker
Swimsuit and coverup: Barbie Basics
Jewelry: Irresistible in India Poppy Parker
While looking at some inspirations photos for this shoot, I ran across this one from 1967. The hair!!
She is Irresistible
It’s official… “Irresistible in India Poppy Parker” is indeed…irresistible. Okay, so I freely admit to playing Desi Girl while opening this one up. If you have not had the pleasure of hearing this Bollywood favorite, I recommend it( it’s at the bottom of this post). I waited for the sun to rise this morning, then it was up to the doll room and out came the camera. I did an entire series on this fabulous new Poppy with a nod to the time Mr Buttry has given us as his inspiration…1965. I will be posting a new set of photos every day for the next couple of days.
Her intricate hair style is sooooo late 1960’s. Absolutely fabulous!!
What’s coming up….
Tiffany Blue
“Tiffany Blue is the colloquial name for the light medium robin egg blue color associated with Tiffany & Co., the New York City jewelry company. The color was used on the cover of Tiffany’s Blue Book, first published in 1845.[1] Since then Tiffany & Co. has used the color extensively on promotional materials, including boxes and bags.
The Tiffany Blue color is protected as a color trademark by Tiffany & Co. in some jurisdictions including the U.S.[2][3]
The color is produced as a private custom color by Pantone, with PMS number 1837, the number deriving from the year of Tiffany’s foundation. As a trademarked color, it is not publicly available and is not printed in the Pantone Matching System swatch books.” (source: Wikipedia)
Just say the name “Tiffany Blue” and instantly people know exactly what color you are talking about. When I think of this color, I have an almost visceral response. It has come to mean not just “Oh I’m getting something really special if it’s in a box like that” but indicative of the upper echelon of beauty, style and elegance. If something is presented in that color, I’m going to spend time looking at it. It’s the reason why I stand transfixed when a Korean Air commercial comes on….it uses that color. Only one other color approaches this kind of power in my life…Barbie pink of course. So, it can come as no surprise that when Matisse had a dress of this color for sale, I went after it like a shark after a chum boat.
Miss “The Happening” Poppy Parker is wearing a Mattise outfit with matching hat and clutch. Shoes are by Mattel. The faux fur wrap is also by Mattise and Poppy’s pearl earrings were borrowed from a sister Poppy whose name escapes me at this time.
I was all set to type this blog post up and call it a day…and then the sun came out in the doll room…and I had to take some more shots. I also think its important to note the difference between studio lighting and actual daylight. while I strive to be as color accurate as I can when I photograph things in the tabletop studio, invariably there will be color variation. Both settings also have a different and distinct feeling. Most of what I do, is in the studio. I like the look and feel of it. I am branching out to more natural light shoots but I only anticipate being able to do that in the summer months. I have noticed that outdoor shots of dolls is enjoying a renaissance on the doll boards. It is really beautiful and inspiring to see.
Brenda…I think I like the dress. 
I adore your work!!
Take Me To The Fair
This past week marked the arrival of the 2013 WClub upgrade dolls. Since the Poppy Parker “To the Fair” promotional shots were shown, anticipation for this one has been high. The promotional shots did not exaggerate David Buttry’s fabulous work…this one’s a stunner. Here is what we were expecting.
Source: Integrity Toys, Inc
And here is what arrived.
Feeling like a winner for choosing to preorder this one. 
Excellent work David!
A Lazy Afternoon and A Camera
I love my studio. Most days, I have more ideas than I know what to do with. Some days,however, are for photos outside of the studio. Some days are just made for grabbing the camera, no tripod, no light boxes, just beautiful natural sunshine and something fun to photograph. That is what this Saturday was for me. I just finished a new diorama in the doll room and I needed some unstructured camera playtime before I brought the serious lights in to set up a shoot for the diorama. I am a big advocate of the philosophy that you don’t need the best camera or the expensive professional lighting to take a really good photo. I also have to admit that you don’t NEED a really good camera but…I can’t lie…it does help. Case in point: Here is a photo with my point and shoot Canon PowerShot SX130IS.
It is a fine picture. On macro mode it is a fairly crisp shot for a hand held “no tripod” photo. The direct sunlight coming into the room made that possible. Now…here is what I can get with my Canon 40D DSLR and an f/2.8 macro lens.
Same light, no tripod. This is the difference between a point and shoot and a DSLR. You will just get more.
It is also important to note that while a good camera gives you more, the most expensive camera does not necessarily give you the most. My lovely husband surprised me this Mother’s Day with my dream camera. I had that baby unpacked and in my camera bag ready for the next days photo shoot as fast as my little fingers could manage it. While it is amazing and works like a dream in low light performance and theater shooting, it is not the best to use for doll photography. I still prefer my tried and true Canon 40D for my doll photography and I really don’t see that changing any time soon.
Silkstone and Fashion Royalty Repaints both done by Jon Copeland. Silkstone is wearing A little Moonlight by Randall Craig. Repainted FR Anja is wearing “Serenade in Satin” by Mattel. The hat was made by me.
Inside the Fashion Doll Studio 