Inside the Fashion Doll Studio

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It’s a Nice Day for a Picnic in Paris

I am still feeling the inspiration from my recent trip to Paris ( hope that sticks around for a while too). That coupled with the recent sunshine and Spring temperatures had me feeling like a Picnic….and here it is.

Model: OOAK Debut Silkstone ( no she isn’t the Paris doll festival Debut but doesn’t she look like one!!) I rerooted a caucasian Debut and repainted the eyebrows.

Dress: Bellissima Couture ( http://bellissimacouturefashions.wordpress.com/)

Hat: Bogue’s Vogues ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues)

Shoes, Gloves and Jewelry: Mattel

**The photos above were made possible by the following talented artists who were willing to share their amazing photoshop brushes on deviantart: Blazter(JavierZhx) and deseratedeceit. **

Miss Debut here represents my one and ONLY attempt at rerooting a Silkstone. That process is not for a first timer folks. I was lucky to have fingers when I was done and it took about a month LOL! I now have a completely new level of respect for anyone who reroots these Silkies.

Posted by raberry65 | April 18, 2013 | Categories: Barbie, OOAK Barbie, Silkstone | Tags: Bellissima Couture, Bogue's Vogues, Debut Silkstone Barbie, Doll Diorama, Doll Photography, Inside the fashion doll studio, ITFDS, OOAK Silkstone Barbie, Rebecca Berry Photography, rerooting Silkstones | 20 Comments

The Blogging Blues

We all have them. Those times when we just can’t seem to summon the energy to get things done. I find myself in this state of ennui from time to time.

That is where I feel I have been for the last week. Yesterday, however, the sun came out and I decided to do some redressing and get with the program. I grabbed my trusty point and shoot and had some fun with the sunshine. Hope you like Smile

Model: Victoire Roux Place Vendome

Gloves: Victoire Roux Place Vendome

Suit and hat: Bellissima Couture (http://bellissimacouturefashions.wordpress.com/)

Shoes and Jewelry: Mattel

Model ,Gloves and Jewelry: Think Pink! Imogen

Gown: Victoire Roux Place Vendome

And…behind the scenes.

Posted by raberry65 | April 17, 2013 | Categories: Fashion Royalty, Imogen, Victoire Roux | Tags: "Think Pink" Imogen, Bellissima Couture, Funny Face dolls, Inside the fashion doll studio, Integrity Toys, Integrity Toys 2013, ITFDS, Rebecca Berry Photography, Victoire Roux, Victoire Roux Place Vendome | 9 Comments

Mermaid Gown Arrives..and Bewitches ITFDS!

When news and promotional photos were shared of this one, I was beside myself with excitement. I mean come on…she was all in pink! I have been waiting patiently for this one to arrive and my lovely Barbie Collector dealer Claudia of Pink Ponytail made sure my Ms. Mermaid Gown was shipped promptly to me. Typically, I will photograph a doll upon receipt in what’s come to be known as ( yes, Rogier…you have named it) putting her in THE WINDOW. I like to take photos of a new doll in natural light without enhancing anything ( no Photoshop!) up against a soft white window sill so people can get a good idea of the actual coloring of a doll. These are the photos I took of Ms. Mermaid Gown just after she came in the door.

Her gown is the softest crepe de chine in a dusty pink. Her skin tone is “Silkstone peace” which means she is very, very pale. I am not sure what the back of her hairdo was “supposed” to look like but I had to do some reconstructive surgery to get mine to look something other than a hot mess. It wasn’t difficult but it did take some work and some hair gel….just sayin’.

I am very, very happy with her though. She is a beautiful addition to the 2013 Silkstone Atelier line. And now…the studio shots!

And…because Rebecca was having WAY too much fun with Photoshop today…. Kind of had a Bewitched moment didn’t I?! I almost looked for a witch on a broomstick outline to put in the sky…

…almost . Smile

Posted by raberry65 | April 7, 2013 | Categories: Barbie, Silkstone | Tags: BFMC 2013, BFMC Atelier collection, Doll Diorama, Doll Photography, Inside the fashion doll studio, Mermaid Gown Barbie, Rebecca Berry Photography, Robert Best, Silkstone Atelier Collection 2013, Silkstone Barbie 2013, Silkstone Baribe | 9 Comments

Fashion Royalty Classic

That is the name given the Fashion Royalty collection shared with WClub members this past Saturday in their second webinar of the year. Vaughn Sawyer shared some of the inspiration for the name and collection stating that Jason Wu, captain of the Integrity Toys fashion doll design team, wanted to “ keep it classic but new”. This years FR Classic collection,according to Vaughn, is an homage to the original classic FR styling. He shared that they were trying to get back to the roots of FR..back to retro glam like the early FR dolls. Vaughn also shared that this years classic collection was a chance for many of the newer characters to get a classic FR styling…and he wasn’t kidding…as you will see.

** Photos are property of Integrity Toys, Inc.**

Nostalgia
Dania Zarr™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 600
Estimated Ship Date: Late June / Early July 2013

Are we feeling the nostalgia here? Oh I think so! I adore the beaded color on this simple 50’s inspired shirtwaist. The makeup on all of these classic offerings are inspired by the original Fashion Royalty dolls. I am not a big fan of the lower lashes and no defining eyeliner on the bottom but I figure I can always have that added on after if it bugs me that much.

Smile

Splendid
Jordan™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 400
Estimated Ship Date: Late June / Early July 2013

Ummmmm…my mind is blown on this one! Holy fashionista! My first thought was..”and they only made 400 of this one?? Integrity!…you came in WAY too low on that number.” I know that in reality the AA dolls don’t tend to sell as well but this offering is flying off the shelves in early sales. From the tops of her auburn locks to the black tips of her olive/black spectators, she is class personified and aptly named with “Spendid”.

Captivating
Anja™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 800
Estimated Ship Date: Late June / Early July 2013

Okay…smell those lilacs and roses?? That was a huge wave of femininity that just wafted in with these pictures. The pictures of this doll flashed on the screen and all I could hear in my head was “ Come to me!” This one is a complete no brainer for me and I am sure you are all shocked. LOVE everything about her. According to Vaughn, this lovely lady was a nod to Paradise Veronique…one of my first Fashion Royalty dolls. Here is my money Integrity…I’m captivated.

Ambitious
Kesenia™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 700
Estimated Ship Date: Late June / Early July 2013

If Anja was all about femininity, Kesenia is all about strength. I love the coloring and styling on this one. I adore the Veronica Lake hairstyle she is rocking too…with those red lips, dress and nails she establishes a sexy and stylish presence in this classic lineup. How cool are these shoes and clutch I ask you??!!

Polished
Korinne™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 700
Estimated Ship Date: Late June / Early July 2013

Are you smelling those lilacs and roses again? Yep, uber feminine is continued in this one. Am I seeing this right? Did they bring back “Dressing The Part” Agnes’s skirt? I always loved that one and the coral pink top they put it with is divine! I am enjoying the enamel jewelry she wears as well.

And…last but not least…the Integrity Toys WClub Event Doll. This is a doll that is only available to the WClub and has to be ordered within 48 hours of the webinar.

Irresistible
Dania Zarr™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
2013 W Club Online Event Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US
Limited Edition Size: TBA
Estimated Ship Date: Mid to Late Summer 2013

I am not sure how to feel about this one. I think I really like the tan and platinum doll but the outfit is just not doing it for me on this doll. I think this may be another one of those separate it into pieces and look at it that way kind of experiences. I adore the doll and accessories. The jacket has potential…just not feeling it on this doll. Will have to see when I have her in hand. Many were surprised that we have two blond Dania’s in this Classic lineup and I have to say…I’m a bit surprised as well but by no means upset. I love these bite sized morsels Integrity is handing to us this year with the smaller, multiple webinars. I particularly love the increased production sizes so hopefully all who want this product can get it. Also, all of these dolls in the classic line are on the standard Fashion Royalty body.

Many collectors were left after this webinar asking “ Where are Veronique, Vanessa, Kyori..ect”. The response from Integrity was essentially ”Keep watching, much more in store as the year plays out.”

One last note for those of us concerned about the skin tone issues turning up on many of the tanned dolls. Namely..their hands are turning a different color than the body. I experienced this with a couple of my Poppys this past year see pics here http://www.flickr.com/photos/42498300@N07/8273380052/in/set-72157623521603942

According to Vaughn, they have worked with their engineers in China and believe they have fixed the problem. Yippeee! Thank you for addressing the issue and putting the effort forth to come up with a solution!!

** as of the time of this posting, Kesenia, Anja and Korinne still available at www.windycitydolls.com**

Posted by raberry65 | April 1, 2013 | Categories: Fashion Royalty | Tags: Ambitious Kesenia, Captivating Anja, Integrity Toys 2013, Integrity Toys 2013 Product Reveal, Irresistible Dania Zarr, Nostalgia Dania Zarr, Polished Korinne, Splendid Jordan, WClub, WClub exclusive | 10 Comments

Integrity Toys offers up The Misfits

I was in college when Jem and the Holograms entered the pop culture of the late 1980’s so I missed out on what was obviously a well loved show. Jem and her friends have big fans at Integrity and they are pouring that enthusiasm into their collaboration with Hasbro in the Jem and the Hologram line. In this last Integrity Toys Webinar, “The Misfits” were unveiled. There is a jaw dropping edition size of 1200 for each doll ….

…so I am thinking there will be plenty to go around..

** Photos are property of Integrity Toys, Inc.**

Roxanne “ROXY” Pelligrini™
The JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™ Collection
Limited Edition of 1200 Dolls Only
Suggested Retail Price: $119.00 US
Estimated Ship Date: May 2013

Phyllis “PIZZAZZ” Gabor™
The JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™ Collection
Limited Edition of 1200 Dolls Only
Suggested Retail Price: $119.00 US
Estimated Ship Date: May 2013

Mary “STORMER” Phillips™
The JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™ Collection
Limited Edition of 1200 Dolls Only
Suggested Retail Price: $119.00 US
Estimated Ship Date: May 2013

I am hearing that these are all readily available at dealers for preorder. It doesn’t get more 1980’s than this folks.

Posted by raberry65 | April 1, 2013 | Categories: Fashion Royalty, Jem and the Holograms | Tags: Integrity Toys 2013, Jem and the Holograms, Mary STORMER Phillips, Phyllis PIZZAZZ Gabor, Roxanne ROXY Pelligrini, The Misfits | 5 Comments

Poppy Parker At The 1965 International Fair!

This past Saturday marked another goodie filled webinar from the talented folks at Integrity Toys. At this event, David Buttry unveiled a 5 doll Poppy Parker collection that evoked a “Dolls of the World” feel. While I am not necessarily a dolls of the world collector in Barbieland…in Poppyland, stamp my passport and call me a happy camper. You will see why. Smile

** Photos are property of Integrity Toys, Inc.**

First Stop on the International tour is….India

Irresistible in India
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
Limited Edition of 750 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: $89.00 US
Estimated Shipping Date: June 2013

She has a Latino skin tone ( no clarification on what that is at the time of this blog post….will follow up). She also has the Bergdorf facial screening. YES! She is also sporting an intricate 60’s hairstyle. Irresistable?? Absolutely!!

Next, our plane stops off in…Spain

Spicy in Spain
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
Limited Edition of 750 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: $89.00 US
Estimated Shipping Date: June 2013

News alert! Brand new facial screening on this beauty folks. She is also sporting the Caucasian skin tone, bright red luscious lips and a fabulous embroidered purse. Add a fantastic hat and we are off to the bull fights…”Toro!” Definitely time to spice it up in the doll room.

Third on our list of international destinations is …. Switzerland

Sweet in Switzerland
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
Limited Edition of 750 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: $89.00 US
Estimated Shipping Date: June 2013

Holy Sonja Henie Batman!! She has flippin’ ice skates??!! I think this was the first words that flew out of my mouth when I saw her photo…” Look at the ice skates!!”. I ADORE THEM! She has the Japan skin tone and shares, according to Mr. Buttry, the facial screening of Photo Fab. The fact that she is a redhead and all the exquisite details on this one ( flippin’ pom poms on the hat I tell you…pom poms!!) Sweet in Switzerland will be sweeter in the doll room come June.

Our journey continues with some down time in the tropics….Polynesia

Pretty in Polynesia
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
Limited Edition of 750 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: $89.00 US
Estimated Shipping Date: June 2013

Somebody bring me a Mai Tai!! I have to say I am absolutely thrilled with this one. My family and I vacation in Hawaii every other year and Miss Poppy looks like she would be right at home on the beaches of Kauai…right down to the flower in her ear which is appropriately placed over her right ear to signify she is single. The sarong is removable to show a fun one piece underneath. Lots of pieces to mix and match on this one. The beaded necklace is, according to the webinar, one of the most intricate they have done. Poppy is sporting original Poppy Parker facial screening here with applied lashes. She has sweet and sultry brown eyes that have not been done before according to Mr. Buttry. She has the same skin tone as Hot Dots…so a bit of a tan…as one would expect in the tropics.

Traveling west across the international date line, we end our international Poppy journey in…Japan.

Joyful in Japan
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
Limited Edition of 750 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: $89.00 US
Estimated Shipping Date: June 2013

Wowzers! The facial screening on this lovely lady is new for this year just like Miss Spain. She has..of course..the Japan skin tone and a stunning pair of violet eyes. Joyful in Japan..not as joyful as I will be when June gets here and all these Poppy’s arrive. It will be Christmas in June for sure inside the fashion doll studio.

As a whole, I have to say I am very happy with this Poppy offering from Mr. Buttry and Integrity. I am most happy with the low price point on these beauties and the higher edition size that will hopefully allow most if not all who want these a chance at them. Given that, if you are interested in any of these, you should contact a dealer ASAP. The supply of these dolls will not last long.

**I was just informed by my fabulous dealer Barb that she has some Joyful in Japan left so feel free to contact her through http://www.windycitydolls.com/**

Posted by raberry65 | April 1, 2013 | Categories: Poppy Parker | Tags: At the 1965 International Fair, Integrity Toys 2013, Irresistable in Inda Poppy Parker, Joyful in Japan Poppy Parker, Poppy Parker, Pretty in Polynesia Poppy Parker, Spicy in Spain Poppy Parker, Sweet in Switzerland Poppy Parker | 4 Comments

In Her Easter Bonnet

With all the frills upon it. Easter is upon us so I thought I would showcase a couple of favorites from the Paris trip.

Model: Paris Luncheon Ensemble

Dress: Spring Bouquet: Grass by Bellissima Couture( http://bellissimacouturefashions.wordpress.com/2013/03/26/more-spring-fashions/)

Hat: Market Day Silkstone ( modified with new hat band and flowers)

She’ll be the grandest lady in the Easter parade.

Posted by raberry65 | March 30, 2013 | Categories: Barbie, Silkstone | Tags: Bellissima Couture, Doll Diorama, Doll Photography, ITFDS, Paris Fashion Doll Festival 2013, Paris Luncheon Ensemble Silkstone, Rebecca Berry Photography, Silkstone Barbie, Silkstone Barbie 2013 | 8 Comments

Paris Fashion Doll Festival 2013

Paris sightseeing aside…it was time to attend the event that brought us all to Paris…The Paris Fashion Doll Festival. This year, the Barbie event was held on a boat so we needed to make our way from the convention hotel over to the Seine River and the lovely Eiffel Tower that stood in majestic splendor over our point of departure. It was a frigid morning at the Tour Eiffel but we still managed to take some photos and enjoy our time…and enjoyed stopping at a café for some chaud chocolate or thé au citron afterwards.

Our intrepid group…Dan, Carole, me and Hilda. Many thanks to the lovely Spanish couple who took this photo for us.

After a quick stroll through the Eiffel Tower’s surrounding grounds and neighborhood….

We arrived at the Bateaux Parisiens for our most fabulous Barbie luncheon on the Seine.

The weather albeit cold was not rainy so it was possible to enjoy the sights of Paris as we cruised down the Seine River sipping Kir au vin blanc and eating foie gras…heaven! We all had the opportunity to see these sights. I, however, was having way too much fun talking to new Barbie friends so I did not pay attention to the beautiful sights passing by me. I had the extreme pleasure of sitting with not only my Barbie buds pictured above but also the lovely Rebecca from Paris. Folks, if you liked the “updo” tutorial I did on this blog, you should be thanking this woman. She was the one who inspired me to do it. When I grow up, I want to be as chic and lovely as Rebecca from Paris…that’s my goal.

Photo credit: Photo generously taken and shared by the fabulous Carole (Yes, I am still lusting after your phone camera )

One of my best buddies ever…the person I played endless hours of Barbie with as a girl..my sister from another mother…Carole. This trip was so much more than another Barbie experience. It was a trip to celebrate life and the living of that life to the fullest. So happy to have this experience with you my sister. { Sniff, Sniff …okay on with the program}

Photo credit: taken by my new Barbie buddy Rogier

I also had the opportunity to meet and visit with a fellow blogger and new collector Rogier. Meeting Rogier and his partner Ruben was one of the highlights of my trip. We had conversed about various Barbie things via email for the past couple of months so it was an extreme pleasure to meet him and get to know him and Ruben better.

Ruben and Rogier

Rogier also writes a fabulous blog with a fresh and very interesting look into Barbie..particularly Silkstone..collecting. If you love Silkstone, I highly encourage you to visit his blog. I simply love how he shows us his love of this hobby through his photos and words. It’s infectious… in a very, very good way. http://dutchbarbieworld.wordpress.com/

I also want to say a big “Thank You!!” “ Un Grand Merci!” to all my readers who came up to say hello. It was so very lovely to hear that people are enjoying the blog and I very much appreciate you taking the time and making the effort to come and tell me that. I am humbled and completely honored. These wonderful French collectors also get extra credit for standing there and listening while I butchered their beautiful language with my pitiful attempts at it. I have decided that I simply need to come to France more often so I can practice and get better at it….yes, that is my plan.

I was having so much fun, I almost…almost forgot that we were going to get a doll at this event. A special Silkstone Barbie was given to all attendees and she is a beauty. Her name is “Paris Luncheon Ensemble”

Photo credit: Mattel

Ahhhh!! She is in pink!!!

Photo credit: The lovely Carole again…with the lust inducing phone camera..I’m not bitter..really.

It was another great day in Paris.

Posted by raberry65 | March 29, 2013 | Categories: Paris Fashion Doll Festival 2013, Travel | Tags: Eiffel Tower, Paris Fashion Doll Festival 2013, Paris Luncheon Ensemble, Travel in Paris | 17 Comments

Opéra Garnier

I could have labeled this blog post with any number of titles. I mulled over a few different options but ultimately, I titled this post with what was most impressive that day…the Palais Garnier. In the number of times I have visited Paris, I have never made it to the Opéra Garnier. Shocking! It was always on my list of things to do but somehow always manged to get pushed to the back of priorities for the day of sightseeing. For this trip, our intrepid trio rose early and made the walk down the Avenue De L’Opera and arrived at Opéra Garnier just as they opened for the day. I was prepared for opulent. I was not prepared for opulent plus, plus.

Oh my word!!! Chagall…a ceiling of Chagall!!

If you are ever in Paris, DON’T miss this one. You don’t even have to be a fan of Phantom of the Opera to appreciate the pure beauty of this place…although it enhances it. You know I was humming “Masquerade” as I ascended that staircase right?? Yeah, I figured you did.

Oh and I have to give a hand to my little Canon PowerShot SX130IS here. This little “scrappy doo” of a camera can handle low light/no flash like no other point and shoot that I have ever owned. To my Canon PowerShot…I salute you. It’s not a Canon 5D Mark III…but it will do for a grab and go camera and I was extremely pleased with it on this trip.

Posted by raberry65 | March 24, 2013 | Categories: Travel | Tags: Canon Powershot SX130IS, Opéra Garnier, Palais Garnier, Paris, travel in france, Travel in Paris | 14 Comments

A Day at the Palace of Versailles

I have visited Versailles a number of times. It has mostly been during the high tourist season of summer . In that season, you steel yourself to the inevitable crush of humanity…wall to wall people, no chance for a photo without someone’s head getting in the shot and the 1 out of 3 blown shot because someone accidentally brushes your arm as you attempt to take a non flash photo in low light. Fun times. So…I was excited on this trip to attempt Versailles in low tourist season.

First of all..I would like to pass on to those who are thinking about going to Versailles and think they need the tour with a guide on a bus. YOU DON’T! Buy your ticket in advance ( approx. $25 Euros) and take the train (RER C) out to Versailles. Our group decided we wanted to see Versailles but not pay the over 100 Euros for a half day tour. We took a short walk across the Seine from our hotel to the Musée d’Orsay where you can catch the RER C train out to Versailles.

After a very peaceful 45 minute train ride out of Paris, we arrived in Versailles to sunny skies and cold temperatures. Perfect for touring Versailles…it gets really warm inside with all those people Smile . All in all the experience was so much better in low tourist season. Not the mad crush of people. Don’t get me wrong…there were a lot of people there…just not a HUGE crush of people. This photographer was extremely grateful.

And…if you are lucky enough to be living in this beautiful country, this is where you get to take field trips. Ohhhh man! All I ever got to do in Illinois was visit Lincoln’s tomb. NOT the same. NOT even in the same ballpark. {Long Sigh….} C’est la vie.

Since we were not on an organized tour and completely at our leisure, we toured the Palace, had a quick bite, then decided to brave the cold elements and walk the 30 minutes through the gardens to The Grand Trianon.

Oh my word!! All that pink marble and gold yumminess. And…best of all…hardly anyone was there!! The photographer in me was literally jumping with joy.

Many, Many thanks to my travel companions who were patient with me as I snapped a bazillion photos here. Never in a million years did I think I would be able to capture some photos of this outdoor space at The Grand Trianon without a dozen people in the shot. I had the place to myself and I was loving every single second of it.

It was another most excellent day!!

Posted by raberry65 | March 23, 2013 | Categories: Travel | Tags: Paris, The Grand Trianon, The palace of Versailles, travel in france, Versailles | 13 Comments

Inside the Fashion Doll Studio Barbie for big girls.

Latest

It’s a Nice Day for a Picnic in Paris

The Blogging Blues

Mermaid Gown Arrives..and Bewitches ITFDS!

Fashion Royalty Classic

Integrity Toys offers up The Misfits

Poppy Parker At The 1965 International Fair!

In Her Easter Bonnet

Paris Fashion Doll Festival 2013

Opéra Garnier

A Day at the Palace of Versailles

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