The Elyse Chronicles: La Vie en Rose
The first doll released from the Jason Wu 10th Anniversary collection was the La Vie en Bleu Elyse. The option to purchase her was given to each 2016 Integrity Toys Convention attendee.
So in keeping with the theme I started, since she came to us originally in an evening look, I thought to put her in a daywear look. I looked no further than a new uber chic suit I received from Etsy designer and seller HoangAnhKhoi.
And what blog post called “La Vie en Rose” could not include a link to this…
Mademoiselle Papillon Rouge
Giselle has been restyled as Miss Red Butterfly for today’s blog post. I have been inspired by some beautiful images coming from Dior’s Spring Couture collection and the new captain at it’s helm Maria Grazia Chiuri (formerly of Valentino). She had unicorn’s lining the walk into the collection venue! Ok, Ok, they were not real unicorns but still….very whimsical. She had a park like setting and I supposed that has helped influence the backdrop for this shoot as well.
Model: Integrity Toys AKA Gigi Giselle
Dress: Rimdoll
Hat: Integrity Toys “Love The One” Kyori Sato ( I embellished with flower and butterfly)
Gloved hands: Integrity Toys “Royal Treatment” Véronique giftset
Earrings: Integrity Toys “Admiration” Monogram
Purse: Bogue’s Vogues
-Rebecca
A Little Glamour
Or a lot of glamour depending on your definition. I received a treasure trove of new outfits from the talented designer Hoang Anh Khoi on Etsy. I showcased one of them in a recent blog post with NuFace Totally Betty Ayumi. Today, a favorite FR2 Elise is wearing the fashion. The day before yesterday, I gave a sneak peak of my mood board for this shoot.
I also shared a couple of images along the way in this shoot on my Instagram story. If you are interested in seeing some of the process as I shoot these, feel free to sign up for my Instagram feed. The link for this is to the right on the sidebar of this page.
Model: FR2 Midnight Star Elise by Integrity Toys
Dress: Hoang Anh Khoi on Etsy
Fur: Dimitha on Ebay
Shoes: FR2
Hat: Bogue’s Vogues on Etsy
Gloves: Mattel
Purse: Lovetones Bonjour Baby Lena
Set: Clock was purchased from little gift shop on Rue du Rivoli in Paris. Bombe chest was a repaint by friend and artist Carolyn Grentz.
-Rebecca
A Romantic Era Concludes
All good things must come to an end. Or…in my case…all sunny days in the garden eventually give way to rain. I managed to get three separate photo shoots completed before the rain started so I am happy with that. For the last installment of this romantic garden series I paired a favorite embroidered sheath from Bellissima Couture and a yummier than yummy coat from Lovetones. The hat is a story. It originally came from Bogue’s Vogues and I have to admit…I got creative with the Russian netting on this one. Hope you all enjoy.
Model: Lovtones Romantic Era Roxy
Dress: Bellissima Couture
Coat : Lovetones Timeless Show Roxy
Hat: Bogues vogues
Shoes: Lovetones Romantic Era Roxy
Purse: Integrity Toys AKA Gigi Giselle
Accessories: the box, macaron and bag were all done by me. The boxwood trees in planters were from Pier One. The bench was found on Ebay.
-Rebecca
Lilith the Muse
Many collectors have face mold favorites. Many photographers have favorite models. For me as a collector and photographer, I can honestly say there are some dolls that seem to draw the lens and some that don’t. Great Pretender Lilith was and continues to be one of my favorite models. As collectors we also have those dolls that we go back and forth on as to whether we should purchase. I knew I loved the face on this doll. Her outfit was not my cup of tea though. I decided to go ahead and get her because I loved the soft makeup palette. I am so glad I made that purchase. I decided to put her hair up in a simple updo. She has such a regal high fashion look with the hair change. I adore it.
source: www.integritytoys.com
source: www.integritytoys.com
And…lest you think I only dress this doll in hot pink…here are some non pink shots.
But those were the only ones…then found some more hot pink shots. Too funny.
But that was the only one…then found some more hot pink shots. Too funny.
-Rebecca
Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi
Since I am getting back into the swing of things blog wise again, I thought it was well past time to do a Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi. In the past couple of years, I have been approached a few times to submit photos to publishers to help them pitch a book for production. I was approached last year to submit some photos for a book being considered to highlight James Bogue’s work. While the book idea may have not come to fruition this time around, James’ inspiring work is most definitely worthy of it. Here were some of my submissions.
James sells his fashions on his Etsy site at Bogues Vogues originals.
Reverence for the Repaint…Part II
Here is the third and final repaint I received from from the amazing repaint artist Jon Copeland. She was originally a Suite Retreat™ Barbie® Doll.
source: www.Barbiecollector.com
This is what Jon Copeland did with her. STUNNING!
Gown and Hat: Bogue’s Vogues
Gloves, shoes and jewelry: Mattel
Fur: Dimitha
-Rebecca
Redressed Principessa
I am happy to have received this one and shared some much needed photographs. I love the fact that when Mattel fails to come through with information or images, the collector community steps forward and supplies what it can. Case in point, it looks like those of us who have received this doll first, are posting photos for those who are hungry for more information. Kudo’s to the collector community for “marketing” this doll.
For those of you interested in what this lady looks like redressed and what is happening under that veil…here you go.
Model: Principessa™ Barbie®
dress: Bogue’s Vogues
The braid is not too bad. I am not real happy with how it is left on the side of her face without being tucked in somewhere. I wish it went all the way over and under the other side. That would have been a cleaner look in my opinion. As it stands though it is not horrific…just could be better. You can tuck the little end of the braid into the surrounding hair but you will still see the bulky rubber band that secures the braid at the end. Solution….photograph from the left….or..you could just do away with the braid all together. I think I might do that at some point in the future. For today, however, I just put on my big girl pants and dealt with it.
I thought the hairstyle of this one was perfect for a 1950’s shirtwaist from Mr Bogue. I put holes in her ears ( nope..she does not come with predrilled holes) and inserted some pearl studs. Now she looks finished.
Unexcused Absence…
I have been tardy from the blog and I admit it. There are good reasons for it , I promise. For the past three weeks, I have been busy prototyping some items that I am hoping to sell at Barbie convention and through the blog (Etsy shop still being set up) as well. While I can’t show many of the items yet, they are all in stages of doneness in my laundry room…I offer up some sneak peeks at the end of this post. In the meantime, I decided to put Miss Poppy in the window for a photoshoot inspired by the beautiful spring green color that is popping up(LOL! pun intended) all around the Pacific Northwest right now. Spring has sprung in the garden…and in the studio as well.
Model: I Love How You Love Me Poppy Parker
Dress: Bogue’s Vouges ( https://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues)
Here are a few sneaks of what I am working on….
The piece above was repainted by a very talented artist I am proud to call a friend. There will be more about her and her work in a future post.
–Rebecca
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
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!!
Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi
It was definitely time for another BVV! I pulled these images from my stock pile of candid shots to share today.
Model: Walking Suit Barbie® Doll
Gown and hat: Bogue’s Vogues
It’s Two for Tea at ITFDS
I really should have released this blog post at around 3 or 4 PMish for tea time right? I have been saving these photos for a couple weeks to share here because I knew I would be tied up with dance recital photos this week and too busy to do anything in the doll studio. I had WAY too much fun with the conservatory diorama and decided to set up afternoon tea for a couple of Silkies. I hope you enjoy.
Models: City Smart ( yes {gasp!} she is deboxed) and Showgirl Silkstone Barbies
Gowns: Luncheon Ensemble Silkstone – City Smart and Bogue’s Vogues (http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues) – Showgirl
Diorama: Furniture is from MiniCHAIR(http://www.etsy.com/shop/miniCHAIR?ref=top_trail). Pastries and little macarons are by Mio Designs (http://www.etsy.com/shop/MIOdesigns). Both of the lovely hats brought to the tea were gifts from dear doll friends. Many “Thanks!” . Cake and tea set are Rement.
I feel the need for some macarons now 
Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi
Yes!! Finally another installment of Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi. I have been remiss on this for a while and it was well past time to reinstitute this favorite blog segment. James recently sent me two outfits so beautiful, I had to share. Normally, I pull out the silkies for these but felt it was Integrity Toys turn to get some love.
Models: Place Vendome Victoire Roux and Think Pink Imogen
Couture: Bogue’s Vogues ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues)
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.
The Lady in Red: Part Three
A change of models, couture and hats. I have had this hat for a year and on this model for almost as long but just have not gotten around to photographing her…bad me. I am a big fan of the Integrity Toys FR2 Fashion Royalty line. The high couture slimmer articulated body makes for great poseability. I just wish their feet were the same size as the others…it can be a bit of a pain to find the right pair of shoes because the choices are limited. Integrity Toys is trying, in my opinion, to make up for that a bit by gifting us with some amazing shoe sets at their convention every year. Now, if they could make a shoe set available to the WClub each year {hint, hint}, that would be fantastic!
I would have to say that of all the FR2 characters, Elise is my “go to” girl. I feel she has an eastern European look and to me that epitomizes high fashion in all the fashion magazines right now. I think it’s the cheekbones…she has KILLER cheekbones. I guess you could take away from this blog that it’s all about 1) the hat and 2) the cheekbones LOL!
Model and Shoes: FR2 “Engaging” Elise Jolie
Dress: Bogue’s Vogues(http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues)
Hat: Alyrenee(http://alyrenee.blogspot.com/)
Music is a huge part of my life. Both of my kids play an instrument or in my son’s case, multiple instruments ( amazing to me because he has significant hearing loss…a regular Beethoven that kid). There is always music of some kind playing at my house…so I wanted to share some of the music that influences the blog posts or the music that is playing during the photoshoots. For this one, it was “This is Love” by Will.i.am …a big thanks to my daughter for pointing me to this song. 
Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi…In Celebration of Fall
It has been a while since I did a Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi so I thought I would pull this one out. I keep some photos that I take in reserve for special projects. I took this photo a while ago and it was included in the Inside the Fashion Doll Studio Daily Planner for 2013 that I sold at Barbie Convention this year. Since we are enjoying the fabulous days and colors of the Autumn season, I thought I would share this fall inspired set of photos. Hope you enjoy!
Model: Stunning in the Spotlight Silkstone Barbie
Hat and gown: Bogue’s Vogues (http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues)
I Got The Blues for my Party Dress
I adored the dress that she came in originally so it was difficult for me to take it off of her…but I managed…for none other than a Bogue’s Vogues.
Model: Party Dress Silkstone Barbie
Gown: Bogue’s Vogues ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues)
The Birth and Upkeep of a Diorama…..
I love to build dioramas. I don’t seem to make much time to do it though. Most of my inspiration goes in fits and spurts. Once I start a project, I tend to finish it but it’s the getting it started that is my main hurdle. When Robert Best did “Shop girl” I knew I needed to do a shop for her. After thinking about it for a while and doing some research, I finally had an idea in my head and put a plan into action. When shop girl arrived, a new home was ready for her. Belles Choses, as it came to be known as, had it’s grand opening.
I was so happy with how it turned out that I decided to move it to a larger venue so the vintage fashion shop was packed up and “Belles Choses” moved in to the newer and bigger space.
When I originally did the back wall of the diorama, I used a beautiful soft blue paper and used spray adhesive to fix it to foam core to give it a nice smooth finish – like wallpaper. What I did not take into account was that this type of adhesive will lose it’s hold over time. So..fast forward a year later…and you have this
The heavy picture frame I was using for the inset display case was pulling the paper away from the backing and I was seeing these big voids…like the one above this frame. YIKES! I knew if I left it as is, the frame would eventually pull away and fall taking the paper with it…not good. So, I went about trying to come up with a fix.
First, the space had to be vacated……so sad and lonely in there.
The displaced horde….LOTS of little pieces in this diorama….good excuse to dust everything
Let the repairs begin! I decided to swab behind the paper gaps with adhesive and see how it went. It’s not as smooth as the spray adhesive but…it may do. I shored up the heavy plaster frame with an equally heavy candlestick while it dried.
et voilà!
What did I learn? If you are using spray adhesive, you may also want to swab with some additional adhesive in key support points. I will be doing that from here on out. A big “Thank You” to all who commented on flickr and emotionally supported me through this weekend while I fixed it. It always helps if you know someone is pulling for you
Bogue’s Vogues…..Samedi
Okay okay….so I couldn’t get around to posting this yesterday so instead of doing my customary Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi (French for Friday)…I had to settle for a Bogue’s Vogues Samedi (French for Saturday). I have a new Bogue’s Vogues to share and I happen to have just received one of the most stunning dolls to model it for you. I have written before about my love and respect for One of A Kind ( OOAK ) artists. There are many, many talented OOAK artists in the fashion doll collecting arena. Jon Copeland is one whose work never fails to inspire and amaze me. I would say his largest body of work is within the Fashion Royalty repaint and retying category but occasionally he will work his magic on Barbie as well. I was fortunate enough to happen upon a picture of one of his Silkstone repaints for sale last month and it was love at first sight. I literally caught my breath as I opened the box with this lady. She is that stunning. Mr. Copeland….I tip my hat.
Model: OOAK Silkstone Barbie repaint and restyle by Jon Copeland ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/selojspa/ and http://www.facebook.com/SelojSpa) Note** sometimes flickr will filter his photos…there is nothing inappropriate about them so don’t know why flickr does that. Feel free to click through the filter and enjoy the eye candy of his work.
Dress: Bogue’s Vogues ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues)
It’s time for another Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi!
I feel like I have been neglecting my Silkstones for the past few months so it was time to bring em back and do it right. I joke with James Bogue all the time about the fact that I am such a “pinkophile” when it comes to his creations. If it’s in pink…I’m liking it. It came as a complete shock that I was drawn to a powder blue dress he had on his Etsy site and once I received it…I was in LOVE. I had the perfect lady to model it too. I had finally worked up the courage to cut and restyle a Preferably Pink Silkstone Barbie into the hairstyle I feel she should have originally came with…a shorter bob cut. I love it on her and I hope you do to.
Model: Restyled Preferably Pink Silkstone Barbie
Dress and Hat: Bogue’s Vogues ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues)
Shoes: Mattel
And because I am headed into dance recital season and things are about to get wayyyy stressful, I threw this in for fun. This needs to be my mantra for the next 4 weeks…should I take up yoga????
Preferably Pink for early Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi
Preferably pink refers to the doll in this photo but it really could be the gown as well. This was perhaps my favorite Bogue’s Vogues purchase of the year though choosing a favorite Bogue’s Vogue is like choosing my favorite child between my two kids….impossible. This delicious pink cotton pique number with rolled black velvet collar is paired with a black velvet hat with netting bow. TO DIE FOR! Once again Mr Bogue…that hat is off to you. Ms. Preferably Pink has had her hair restyled at the salon de Berry.
Model: Preferably Pink Silkstone Barbie
Gown and hat: Bogue’s Vogues (http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues)
Shoes: Mattel
Wall panel: made by me ( tutorial is available here…https://insidethefashiondollstudio.com/2011/03/19/the-wall-panel-background/)
Bottle Brush Tree: Bethany Lowe Pastel bottle brush tree
** tree is sitting on a miniature stone urn. The urn does not come with the tree**
Inside the Fashion Doll Studio 