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2016 Inspirations-The Year Ahead

So…I am sitting here this morning with my morning cup of java ( hating the fact that its non fat creamer because I am doing that “lets do a diet” to start the year off right thing) and getting inspiration for the year of blogging ahead. I finally have some free time ahead of me and really want to devote more time to this blog that I love and the collection that is such a hobby of joy for me to photograph and talk about. As I was sinking my teeth into the first few screens of Pinterest and Instagram images for the morning, I stumbled upon a number of images that just took flight in my head and had me thinking about dioramas and lots of yummy content for the blog. I just have to share.

I don’t know about you guys but I love illustrations. I particularly enjoy fashion illustrations which is why I have a number of limited prints by Robert Best. If you follow the Barbie Instagram account, you might have already enjoyed this woman’s work. I have to admit, I’m a newbie to her lovely illustrations but I am already a huge fan. Her name is Kerrie Hess

And the next couple I am including for my sister Hilda Winking smile

Aren’t these scrumptious!!! Now…to figure out how to percolate some of these illustrations and ideas into background and diorama ideas for our 1/6 ladies. Oh yes, Rebecca is inspired now.

-Rebecca

Posted by raberry65 | January 17, 2016 | Categories: Fashion, Fashion Illustration | Tags: Doll Diorama, Kerrie Hess | 13 Comments

2016 BFMC Articulated Silkstone Sneaked

This is not an official sneak from Mattel but it is all over the internet and social media so I am going to share it here. This was first reported by my very fine friend and fellow blogger Rogier of Dutch Barbie World. Zlatan Zukanovic posted some amazing and beautiful photos on his Instagram account a few days ago of what appear to be the first articulated Silkstone. Her face is adorable!!

Gorgeous right?!! Then…this afternoon…guess what shows up on Ebay!

Original listing is here. Not a word from Mattel, not a sneak, not a whisper. I find this very interesting and I also question the sales hype of the BFC where they tout that the club is “a passionate collecting community with unparalleled access to the world of Barbie”. Yes, the collecting community is unparalleled in this arena but I am no longer sure how much of that is due to Mattel. It seems that more and more we are finding and receiving information from sources other than Mattel. Perhaps this is just the way things go with social media being the way it is or…perhaps this is just a marketing team that doesn’t really seem to know what they are doing. Either way, it looks like reaching out and watching things like Instagram, Ebay and Facebook are the way to get information going forward. Love the photos that Zlatan did so it is not a chore to look at his lovely photos whenever he posts. Bonus!

When this beauty is available….I’m buying!! Smile

Posted by raberry65 | January 12, 2016 | Categories: Silkstone | Tags: Articulated Silkstone Barbie, Barbie Fashion Model Collection, BFMC 2016, BFMC Sneek Peak, Dutch Barbie World, Robert Best, Rogier Corbeau, Zlatan Zukanovik | 10 Comments

2016 BFC Membership Renewal Open to Current Members…

…and I am honestly conflicted about it. I went ahead and purchased a membership ( and had difficulties doing it see story below) but I am conflicted as to whether this is something I would really recommend to a new or even seasoned collector at this point.

Here is what I am liking about this years club.

1) AA Silkstone in a blue suit looks scrumptious!! She will be a BFC exclusive so only available to the club. This may be worth the $25 alone and is perhaps the main reason I signed back up this year. Mr. Best, you get my vote…your tech department does not.

2) Soda Shop Barbie ( part of the Willows, WI line) is ADORABLE. Love the poodle skirt and love where Bill Greening has taken and seems to be taking this line. Well done Mr. Greening.

3) The Free gift is a chair! And it seems to be the same pattern as the gilt chairs in the dioramas we all love so much from BFMC. But…it’s black and not gold or gilt. Hmmmmm… see more on this below.

Here is what I am not liking about this years club:

1) The chair is black and not gilt or gold. I mean we can spray paint…no problem … but there is some work involved with that one. You need to make sure it’s the right gold…and does that white seat cover come off? Is it cloth or is it plastic? It’s totally doable…just wish they had sprung the extra buck and had them sprayed gold is all. I was kind of primed for the gold based on what was said in the promotional video about the articulated silkstone’s. But…free is free so guess I really can’t complain. Will take it and say “Thank you!”

2) The free gift doesn’t come until March? Why the three month delay? Yes, I say three months because I suspect this puppy won’t be mailed until late March. Oh and read the fine print people…in order to get said chair, you need to have signed up by 03/31/16.

3) NOT liking the troubles I experienced on the “improved” website. I had to sign in multiple times to get my account to recognize me as a BFC member and therefore allowed to purchase a membership today. Once that hurdle was jumped, I experienced the “waiting room” and once I made it out of the waiting room and had the item in my cart, I attempted to actually pay for my membership. Here is what I got

What!! My response to the screen was “ You have got to be kidding me! This was supposed to be the “improved system”. Do you want my business and money or not Mattel?!!

After about 4 minutes, I went back in and was able to re-enter all my payment info and successfully complete my transaction but for 4 minutes I contemplated whether or not it was worth it. This BC website is seriously affecting my love of Barbie and my collecting mojo. I am just not feeling the love from Mattel when stuff like this happens and the more it happens, it makes me question why I am giving my money to them. I hate to say it but there it is. Just expressing my concern and sadness. Oh and the graphic you see above…the nice one with the pictures and explanation of the club…it’s only visible if you sign out of your membership account and are looking at the BC site as a non -member. What?!! So members were not able to actually see the free gift chair on the product page when they paid for their membership but people who are thinking about signing up for the first time can see it? Can someone please, please explain this one to me?!!

So…here I am….conflicted because I am in essence advertising the Barbie Fan Club and including links in this blog post for people if they are interested and yet…I am really disappointed at how the roll out of this club has played out. Is this a harbinger for tough times ahead? Will I continually have problems purchasing? Will I have to log in and out of the website to see content that I am interested in? Will I ever be able to search the BC website and find what I am looking for? I remain hopeful but guarded. Mattel, are you hearing any of this?

I guess what I will leave potential buyers with is a big fat CAVEAT EMPTOR .

Caveat Emptor – let the buyer beware

If you are a current BFC member, you can sign up for the club now. If you are a new member, you can start signing up a week from now on 1/19/2016.

Posted by raberry65 | January 12, 2016 | Categories: Barbie, Barbie Fan Club | Tags: 2016 BFMC exclusive, 50th Anniversary of Francie, Barbie Fan Club, Barbie Fan Club 2016, BFC, BFC 2016, Black and White Barbie, Carlyle Nuera, Chiffon Ball Gown Barbie, collector club, Doll club, Mattel, Mattel 2016, Platinum label Barbie, Soda Shop Barbie | 31 Comments

2016 Golden Globes: Pass the Ketchup and the Mustard

Weird title right? Let me explain.. While there were many colors on the red carpet last night, I was surprised at the number of ketchup reds ( almost orange ) and mustard yellows. Some of my favorite looks of the evening fell into these two favorite American condiment colors so I decided to go with it in the title. It was quirky and fun.

Pass the ketchup please!:

Jennifer Lawrence in a fabulous Dior with a stunning diamond choker. Loved the cutouts in this gown. One of my favorite looks of the night.

_{source: www.eonline.com}

Amy Adams in Versace. Loved the detailing around the waist and down the side.

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Emmy Rossum in Armani Prive. Elegant and accessorized to perfection.

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Ketchup has expired!! :

Natalie Dormer in J. Mendel. Ummmmm… time to lose the oxen like yoke around the throat. Wrong, just plain wrong.

_{source: www.eonline.com}

A little Mustard goes a long way:

Jennifer Lopez in Giambattista Valli. This was the only mustard I was satisfied with last night. Ms. Lopez rocked this one. Let’s face it folks, not everyone can wear this color and you need a certain amount of attitude to do it. She can and did it.

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And…extra snaps to Ms. Lopez as she managed to make this dress look WAY better than it did on the runway for 2015 Fall Couture.

_{source: www.vogue.com}

Too much mustard!!!

America Ferrera in Jenny Packham. First of all, if the sales lady said this color looked good on you Ferrera…she was on commission. Secondly, if you wanted to pull off matronly, this cut and style nailed it. Not sure that was what she was going for.

_{source: www.eonline.com}

Lola Kirke in Marchesa. Does Grecian draping ever work in mustard yellow? I’m not sure it does. I love Lola Kirke and I adore the show Mozart in the Jungle ( my favorite new show and so happy they won last night!!!) but this color and styling fell short on her. Also, the shoes with pearl ankle straps does NOT belong in this picture.

_{source: www.eonline.com}

Leaving the condiments behind, lets talk about the sequin love affair going on at last nights Golden Globes.

Brie Larson in Calvin Klein. Congrats to Ms. Larson on her win for best actress last night. She was Miss Golden Globe embodied in this gown. If I had abs like her, I would want to show them off in a dress like this too. I loved that she kept the hair and jewelry to a minimum. The dress is bling enough..she didn’t need anything more.

_{source: www.eonline.com}

Portia Doubleday in Naeem Khan. Forget having to go to the disco, this lady brought the disco ball with her…in fact…she wore it to the party. The cut was ok on this one but the overall shiny ( as in…can be seen from space) effect of the gown turned me off.

_{source: Jason Merritt/Getty Images}

Kate Bosworth in Dolce and Gabbanna. I like pink…but pink sequins?…to this extent?…not so much. There is just way too much going on with this dress. And let’s just state the obvious here people, this woman NEEDS a cheeseburger.

_{source: www.eonline.com}

Julianne Moore in Tom Ford. Can sequins look matronly? Apparently Tom Ford can make that happen. Was not feeling this look at all.

_{source: www.eonline.com}

Bryce Dylan Howard in Jenny Packham. And….apparently Jenny Packham can make sequins look matronly too!! Tom, meet Jenny….Jenny, meet Tom. Bryce is not 50 but she is kind of channeling it here.

_{source: www.eonline.com}

Regina King in Krikor Jabotain. I give you “Panic at the Disco”!! They may be a band but this picture embodies that phrase. What on earth?!! Is she channeling a super hero with the cape? To the designer: Did you feel the cape would somehow elevate this sequined gone amuck sheath? To the stylist: What did Regina ever do to you to have you do this to her? To Regina: Did you at least get to feel like a superhero in this getup? In the indomitable words of one of my mentors…Edna Mode…”NO CAPES!”

_{source: www.eonline.com}

While sequins and plunging necklines were prevalent on the red carpet last night, The remainder of my picks and pans fell into the more understated category. For example

When YSL works…

Saorise Ronan in Yves Saint Laurent Couture. Stunning on her! She looked so elegant and regal compared to the disco walking down the carpet. I loved that the hair, makeup and jewelry were very simple and elegant as well. Nice work stylist!!

_{source: www.vogue.com}

When YSL doesn’t work….

Jane Fonda in Yves Saint Laurent . And the cape/founce/16th century ruff/ ode to Mexican tile roofing around her neck was a good idea?? I believe the queens bed skirt that Helena Bonham Carter usually wears to awards shows was repurposed for this ensemble last night. I refer to a comment made earlier…”NO CAPES!”

_{source: www.eonline.com}

Jada Pinkett Smith in Versace. LOVED this look on her from head to toe. Gorgeous!

_{source: www.eonline.com}

Laverne Cox in Elizabeth Kennedy. New Designer Alert!!! Elizabeth Kennedy folks. She had two very strong looks walking the red carpet last night. We will be seeing this woman’s work again on the red carpet I am sure.

_{source: www.eonline.com}

Lady Gaga in Versace. Well hello Ms. Monroe!! Didn’t think the hips needed to be exaggerated that much but a small negative in the overall beauty of this look. Beautifully styled and worn by the talented Ms. Gaga.

_{source: www.eonline.com}

Lily James in Marchesa. A lovely ode to a Grecian urn and another example of how less is definitely more sometimes. The stylist showed restraint and the overall look is better for it .

_{source: www.eonline.com}

Can’t wait to see what the rest of awards season with bring down the carpet. Winking smile

Posted by raberry65 | January 11, 2016 | Categories: Red Carpet | Tags: 2016 Award show, 2016 Golden Globe fashion picks and pans, 2016 Golden Globes, Armani Prive, Calvin Klein, Dolce and Gabbana, Elizabeth Kennedy, Fashion, Giambattista Vali, Golden Globe Awards, J. Mendel, Jenny Packham, Krikor Jabotain, Marchesa, Naeem Khan, The Golden Globes, Tom Ford, Versace, Versace Atelier, YSL, Yves Saint Laurent | 5 Comments

Ending the Year with a WClub BANG!!

The Integrity Toys WClub may have had members playing the incessant waiting game this year with slow deliveries and slower than usual information releases but when they finally ship the product or give the information…it’s worth the wait. On Thursday, they released information and purchase specifics for the last WClub exclusive. Get ready folks and secure your jaws.

J’Adore La Fête
Elyse Jolie™ Dressed Doll Gift Set
The Fashion Royalty™ Collection
2015 W Club Exclusive
Limited Edition Size: TBA
Estimated Ship Date: Late Spring / Early Summer 2016
Regular W Club Price: $225.00 + Shipping, Handling and Applicable Sales Tax*.
Special W Club 10th Anniversary Price: $175.00 + Shipping, Handling and Applicable Sales Tax*.

Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpts: Elyse Jolie
Body Type: FR2013
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Colors: Raven
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied

And…for this 10th anniversary edition, they are pulling out one often longed for luxury of giftsets past…a gorgeous case to put it in. This harkens back to the Haute Luxuries sets of the first years of Fashion Royalty dolls. Classy and so very much appreciated.

So the whole package comes to you like this…

The gown bears a striking resemblance to a couture Dior worn by Charlise Theron at the 2014 Oscars ( one of my picks that year for favorite gown of the Oscars)

^{source: www.huffingtonpost.com}

While the doll loves the party, I am loving the entire giftset!! When I first saw this offering from the WClub, my thought was “Now THAT is a gift set!!!” If they wanted to leave the WClub members happy after a year of fairly large product delivery delays, this will do it. Hopefully we won’t have to wait too long for this one. I adore that this is a raven haired Elyse ( even though we received another brunette Elyse offering at convention but poor girl suffers from hydrocephalic hairstyle **see previous blog post**so there you have it). I love the makeup and hair and the gown, while still a little too close to black for me, is gorgeous. I am really loving the jewelry in this offering as well.

WClub members have a generous 2 and a half weeks to decide if they want to preorder this beauty. Deadline to order is Tuesday, January 5th, 2016 at Noon Eastern Time (New York Time).

Are WClub members excited about this offering?? Oh, I think so. Winking smile

Posted by raberry65 | December 18, 2015 | Categories: Elise Jolie, Elyse Jolie, Fashion Royalty | Tags: Elise Jolie, Elyse Jolie, Fashion Royalty 2015, FR White, FR2 2015, Integrity Toys, Integrity Toys 2015, Integrity Toys Inc., J'Adore La Fête, J'Adore La Fête Elyse Jolie, WClub, WClub 2015, WClub exclusive | 5 Comments

Integrity Toys 2015 Convention “Cinematic” Part II–Convention Exclusives

Let me start out by defining “convention exclusives”. Convention exclusives are dolls or items that are available for purchase only to convention attendees. These are not the freebies or gifts given to attendees these are simply items that were available for purchase to convention attendees. I am not including the Grace Kelly Eugenia in this list because she was available to WClub members. This was the first year that Integrity Toys gave this option ( and a good one in my opinion) so we have a whole other category of “convention exclusives available to WClub”. The groups of dolls that fall into this category are

1) I.T. Sales room exclusives

2) Centerpiece dolls

3) Workshop dolls

4) WClub luncheon and Welcome cocktail dolls

I.T. Sales Room Exclusives

Idol Worship Kyori Sato™ Dressed Doll
(Sales Room Exclusive)
Cinematic: The 2015 Integrity Toys Convention Collection
Limited Edition of 600 Dolls

Well hello Elizabeth Taylor!! That was the general consensus of the inspiration for this beauty. Perhaps one of her Butterfield 8 outfits was the clothing inspiration for this one. That would be my guess as it has an obvious nod to a lingerie look. Loved this look and the hairstyle on the Kyori is to die for. The shoes on this one have a weird fit to them…as in they almost don’t fit. As long as she is standing stationary, no problem but if you pick this one up and off the stand…look for the shoes on the floor. Other than that, this ones fabulous

First Blush
Ayumi N.™ Dressed Doll (Sales Room Exclusive)
Cinematic: The 2015 Integrity Toys Convention Collection
Limited Edition of 600 Dolls

I am not sure of the “cinematic” tie in on this one other than it looks like something a current starlet would wear to a movie premier. The shoes and accessories are to die for. That purse!! This is a perfect look for the NuFace line. Edgy, modern and chic. Don’t know if I will be keeping the doll but I certainly have plans for the fashion and accessories.

Evening Blossom
Dominique Makéda™ Dressed Doll (Sales Room Exclusive)
Cinematic: The 2015 Integrity Toys Convention Collection
Limited Edition of 600 Dolls

Grab your umbrella’s folks ( yes, I had the song playing as I type this) Miss Rihanna is in the HOUSE.

I am rapidly becoming a big fan of the Dominique face mold. This one has absolute attitude and even though she does not fit in with what I normally collect…I purchased. She is just so…well…bad ass. The body suit will be sold or repurposed. This Dominique is destined for a queen of the board room photo shoot.

Traveling Incognito
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll (Sales Room Exclusive)
Cinematic: The 2015 Integrity Toys Convention Collection
Limited Edition of 600 Dolls

Poppy stuck with Valley of the Dolls for this convention. Not a bad place to be either. This is a titian haired Poppy with an animal print coat. Umm…no brainer…she was in my shopping cart with the Marilyn Monroe Vanessa ( another animal print couture item) first. Thank you David!!

Come Live With Me
Nigel North™ Dressed Doll (Sales Room Exclusive)
Cinematic: The 2015 Integrity Toys Convention Collection
Limited Edition of 600 Dolls

Was not into this one. Can’t give you any specific reason why but he just didn’t speak to me at convention and as I am looking at these pictures again…Nope…still not speaking to me.

Centerpiece Dolls:

The convention has 2 evening meal events and one luncheon event plus an extra WClub luncheon if you purchase a ticket. For each of these meal events there is a centerpiece doll. Typically 5-7 people get the opportunity to purchase a centerpiece doll. They are highly collectible because their issue numbers are very low. Here are the centerpiece dolls for this year

Time and Again
Adèle Makéda® Dressed Doll (Thursday Dinner Centerpiece)
Cinematic: The 2015 Integrity Toys Convention Collection
Limited Edition of 450 Dolls

Some were thinking ( and I would include myself in this group) this did not have the “Wow” factor that many have come to expect from centerpiece dolls of the past. I did not get a clear “cinematic” vibe from this one. It was the first event centerpiece too so as far as pacing of the events, it gave off a ho hum feel. You want to start the first event off with a bang…you know…get people excited about the convention. This one didn’t do it in my opinion. It made me feel like Chanel fashion club luncheon. Don’t get me wrong, I love Chanel and I adored this fashion and doll…just not as a centerpiece. I did purchase this one as my number was selected. I am not sure if she is a keeper for me though.

Love and Let Love
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll (Centerpiece)
Cinematic: The 2015 Integrity Toys Convention Collection
Limited Edition of 450 Dolls

I never seem to win the right to purchase the Poppy parker centerpiece…it’s my lot in life and I accept it. This year however, I had some dear friends who helped me out and I was able to purchase this beauty. (Thank you Cynthia and Marcello {Hugs})

Stage Presence
Véronique Perrin® Dressed Doll (W Club Luncheon Centerpiece)
Cinematic: The 2015 Integrity Toys Convention Collection
Limited Edition of 450 Dolls

The WClub luncheon is a little different than other centerpieces. For the past couple of years, the centerpiece at the WClub luncheon is available for everyone at the table to purchase. I like this idea because it is a nice perk for the WClub members.

Clearly we have an homage to the “Blonde bombshell” herself Jean Harlow.

Loved the classic platinum tresses, dramatic eyeliner and bold red lips on this one. This centerpiece would also have been an amazing choice as the convention doll for this year.

Starlet Elyse Jolie™ Dressed Doll (Gala Dinner Centerpiece)
Cinematic: The 2015 Integrity Toys Convention Collection
Limited Edition of 450 Dolls

Is it Elyse or Elise??? Lets make up our minds. I have yet to see a designer or movie influence for this one. I guess you could say that the hairstyle is reminiscent of The Coneheads. Seriously!! This is the mother of all bitch bumps for Integrity Toy’s hairstyles. Not sure how to tone it down even a little. I think I may have to just take this one down. I’m all for a great updo but come on people. This went past “updo” and went straight to hydrocephalic. On the positive, I like the pockets on this gown. This is also my favorite face mold and my number was called. Had to buy her.

Workshop dolls:

Lash Out!
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll (Workshop Kit)
Cinematic: The 2015 Integrity Toys Convention Collection
Limited Edition of 450 Dolls

Loved the minty fresh greenness of this platinum Poppy. Nice work David!! Sadly, I had to miss the amazing lash workshop offered by Matt Sutton due to sales room setup.

Up All Night
Lillith™ Dressed Doll (Workshop Doll)
Cinematic: The 2015 Integrity Toys Convention Collection
Limited Edition of 450 Dolls

A workshop doll?!!!! Are you kidding me?!!! This could have easily been a convention exclusive doll and it would have sold out the first day. She is Edgy enough for Nu.Face and classy enough for F.R. Complete package head to toe and the fact that she is one of the twins didn’t hurt either. Super glad I decided to purchase the doll for this one. Nice work Integrity!

Director’s Cut
Ace McFly Dressed Figure (Workshop Doll)
Cinematic: The 2015 Integrity Toys Convention Collection
Limited Edition of 450 Fashion Figures

LOTS of platinum hair going on for this convention. He is super cute though and love the white leather bomber jacket.

WClub Luncheon and Welcome Cocktail Party Dolls:

Last but not least…the WClub luncheon doll. This was a doll that you purchased with the price of your lunch. The ticket for lunch cost $125.00 therefore, I take exception to the description “giveaway souvenir”. Souvenir certainly…giveaway…not even close. And lest my grasp of the English language is not as secure as I thought it was, I consulted Webster on this one too.

give·a·way

[ˈɡivəˌwā]

NOUN

a thing that is given free, especially for promotional purposes:

Again I state…giveaway??? not even close.

Sneak Peek Eden™ Dressed Doll (Giveaway Souvenir)
Cinematic: The 2015 Integrity Toys Convention Collection
Limited Edition of 600 Dolls

So…what do I think of our “souvenir”? First of all I also take exception to the description “dressed doll”. She is an Eden so I am inclined to love her. My first thought when I saw her though was…AND? As in, And…where are her clothes? It isn’t as if I don’t have a gazillion things to put her in but still, a little wrap dress?, swim suit cover up?, sarong?…hell, I would have settled for a Bjork like swan dress….SOMETHING ( and it would have satisfied the whole cinematic theme as she work that to the Oscars LOL). I am not upset by her per se…just thinking a better descriptor would have been “lingerie doll”.

As an addendum to this this years convention exclusives, attendees had the option of also purchasing a special “early bird” cocktail party ticket. The ticket included a doll. There were two versions available and you had to sign up ahead of time for the version you wanted. Of course, as with all things, one version was WAY more popular than the other and she became the hot ticket of the convention.

High Frequency
Welcome Cocktail Dressed Doll A
The ITBE Collection
Limited Edition of 215 Dolls

Head Sculpt: Kumi
Body Type: Monogram
Skin Tone: Miami
Applied Eyelashes: Yes
Quickswitch: No
Hair Color: Sandy Blond

Poor Natalia was trampled in everyone’s haste to get the desired Kumi.

Heart Stopper
Welcome Cocktail Dressed Doll B
The ITBE Collection
Limited Edition of 215 Dolls

Head Sculpt: Natalia Fatalé 1.0
Body Type: Monogram
Skin Tone: Miami
Applied Eyelashes: Yes
Quickswitch: No
Hair Color: Chocolate Brown

Natalia may still be available on the website as they put all extras up for sale a couple weeks after convention.

Next up will be Color Infusion and OOAK Lottery dolls

Posted by raberry65 | November 20, 2015 | Categories: 2015 Fashion Royalty Convention Cinematic, Fashion Royalty, Nu.Face | Tags: 2015 Cinematic Convention Centerpiece dolls, 2015 Cinematic Convention workshop dolls, 2015 IT Convention, Centerpiece dolls, Cinematic Convention, Come Live With Me Nigel North, Convention Exclusives, Director's Cut Ace McFly, doll convention, Evening Blossom Dominique Makéda, First Blush Ayumi N., Heart Stopper Natalia, High Frequency Kumi, Idol Worship Kyori Sato, Integrity Toys 2015, Integrity Toys sales room exclusives, Integrity Toys Workshop dolls, ITBE, Lash Out! Poppy Parker, Love and Let Love Poppy Parker, Nu.Face, Sneak Peek Eden, Stage Presence Véronique Perrin, Starlet Elyse Jolie, Time and Again Adèle Makéda, Traveling Incognito Poppy Parker, Up All Night Lillith, Welcome Cocktail Party doll, Workshop Poppy Parker | 5 Comments

Integrity Toys 2015 Convention “Cinematic” Part 1- The Convention Collection

I was thrilled to attend this years Integrity Toys convention. It was held in Long Beach, CA and the hotel was situated directly across from the water overlooking the Queen Mary. There were many, many fun places to eat and shop and a bonus for me was the opportunity to be treated and taken to a lovely brunch on the Queen Mary by some amazing and generous friends. { Hugs to Jim and Brian! }

This years convention was not marked with the drama of “delayed in customs” containers. The convention collection was a mixture of old and new Hollywood glamour that held mostly true to the “Cinematic” theme.

Sparkle, Poppy, Sparkle!
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
Cinematic: The 2015 Integrity Toys Convention Collection
Limited Edition 600 Dolls

Very Sharon Tate in Valley of the Dolls.

The Beautiful People
Chip Farnsworth III™ Fashion Figure
Cinematic: The 2015 Integrity Toys Convention Collection
Limited Edition 600 Fashion Figures

Going back to Valley of the Dolls movie for Chip as well.

Feminine Perspective
Agnes Von Weiss™ Dressed Doll Mini-Giftset
Cinematic: The 2015 Integrity Toys Convention Collection
Limited Edition of 600 Dolls

This one is straight up Marlene Dietrich

But wait…there was more! This one was a “giftset” folks so we also received this…

Amazing right?!! In hindsight, and in my humble opinion, this should have been the convention doll. You will understand this more when you see photos of the actual convention doll. It was a giftset, it was Agnes, and it was an anniversary year for Integrity Toys ( 20 years in business). This would have been a convention doll worthy of the theme and company that produced it. Again…just my opinion.

Star Power
Vanessa Perrin™ Dressed Doll
Cinematic: The 2015 Integrity Toys Convention Collection
Limited Edition of 600 Dolls

Star power indeed!! The inspiration for this one is none other than Marilyn Monroe from “Gentleman Prefer Blondes”.

A gorgeous adaptation! Wish they had done the hat and muff too.

Inner Spark Natalia Fatalé™ Dressed Doll
Cinematic: The 2015 Integrity Toys Convention Collection
Limited Edition of 600 Dolls

Not sure who the inspiration was for this one. I have seriously OD’d on ladies in black gowns from Integrity Toys so I gave this one a pass.

Perfectly Suited
Giselle Diefendorf™ Dressed Doll
Cinematic: The 2015 Integrity Toys Convention Collection
Limited Edition of 600 Dolls

Not sure if there is a movie tie in to this one…perhaps Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct? That was my first thought when seeing her but who knows. The accessories are glorious and the sleek short hair works on this Giselle. Nice to see Nu Face making an appearance too.

In Rouges Erin S.™ Dressed Doll
Cinematic: The 2015 Integrity Toys Convention Collection
Limited Edition of 600 Dolls

Cinematic? Yep, I wasn’t seeing the tie-in either. The dress was very cute though and this Erin’s face is beautiful. The accessories had me thinking about purchasing but in the end…she was a pass.

Will go into Convention exclusives in next post……

Posted by raberry65 | November 19, 2015 | Categories: 2015 Fashion Royalty Convention Cinematic, Convention, Fashion Royalty | Tags: 2015 Cinematic Convention, 2015 IT Convention, Cinematic Conventin Collection, Cinematic Convention, Convention Collection 2015, doll convention, Fashion Royalty, Feminine Perspective AgnesVon Weiss, In Rouges Erin S., Inner Spark Natalia Fatalé, Integrity Toys Convention 2015, Nu.Face, Perfectly Suited Giselle Diefendorf, Poppy, Sparkle, Sparkle! Poppy Parker, Star Power Vanessa Perrin, The Beautiful People Chip Farnsworth III | 3 Comments

Articulated Silkstones!

The speculation has finally ended for many collectors and has become fact. Mattel has formally announced ,beginning with the 2016 BFMC collection, Silkstone Barbie’s will be on articulated bodies. According to the new BC holiday catalogue, there will be articulation at knees, wrists, elbows and torso.

There is no information about what material is being used for these bodies. I am hoping that the quality will still be there for these bodies. I am all for articulation…as long as it is done correctly. I am excited for this new phase in Silkstone collecting. I am also hopeful that they will make bodies available so that collectors can re-body some of the older dolls. I am also wondering if the hands will be removable like the Integrity Toys dolls. This makes it very easy to redress. We will just have to wait and see.

I don’t know about you guys but I am loving the chic modern look of this new line for 2016. The black purse alone in the picture above is making me excited to see our first sneak peeks of the 2016 lineup. I am also loving the cateye liner of Miss Silkie. Looking forward to new reveals Mr. Best!

Also interesting to note…there is a new video available to BFC members where Robert Best talks about the 2015 collection. In that video both the photographer and the set builder for BFMC make very pointed comments about the gilt chairs. Something to the effect that “you can never have enough gilt chairs”. Is this a clue?!! Will we finally, after years of begging, be able to buy these chairs?!! Or…will they be a gift when signing up for the BFC next year. If I were putting things on my Christmas list, that would be at the very, very top.

Dear Santa,

I have been good. I would really, really like a pair of Barbie gilt chairs for Christmas. Thank you

–Rebecca

Never hurts to try right Winking smile

Posted by raberry65 | November 15, 2015 | Categories: Barbie, Silkstone | Tags: Articulated Barbie, Articulated Silkstone Barbie, BFMC, BFMC 2016, Mattel 2016, Robert Best, Silkstone Barbie | 8 Comments

Pre Convention Report Photo Shoot

I am the worst procrastinator…I really am. I have been sitting down to do post convention reports for the past week and somehow…I just get going on another project. I have no idea why I do this because the convention was AWESOME and all the reports will be fun. All I know is that today…when I had every intention of sitting down to do the convention write-up, I decided to do a photo shoot. Hopefully this posting will clear the logjam of post convention information gathering in my head and clear the way for future posts.

I recently took receipt of some amazing OOAK repaints by the amazing artist Jon Copeland (selojspa). I loved the Mood Changer Poppy Parker set we received through the WClub but wanted to see what Jon could do with the brunette and lavender haired heads. What I received blew my mind. Here is Miss brunette mood changer Poppy Parker enhanced by Jon.

Model: Brunette Mood Changer Poppy Parker

Outfit , Shoes and Jewelry: On Set ( gift fashion from 2015 I.T. Cinematic Convention)

Note** Miss Poppy has been upgraded to an FR2 body for these shots.**

Jon…many, many thanks and {hugs}

Posted by raberry65 | November 10, 2015 | Categories: Fashion Royalty, Poppy Parker | Tags: Inside the fashion doll studio, Integrity Toys, Integrity Toys 2015, IT convention, ITFDS, Jon Copeland, Mood Changer Poppy Parker, On Set Fashion Royalty, OOAK Jon Copeland, OOAK Poppy Parker, OOAK Selojspa, Poppy Parker, Poppy Parker 2015, Rebecca Berry Photography | 5 Comments

Cinematic!!

Am leaving in about 5 minutes for Integrity Toys convention. Will post pictures up to Flickr when I can and hopefully will blog…depends on whether or not WordPress has fixed it’s IPad issues.

—Rebecca

Posted by raberry65 | October 20, 2015 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: 2015 IT Convention, doll convention, Fashion royalty convention 2015 | 8 Comments

Inside the Fashion Doll Studio Barbie for big girls.

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