Exceptional Tatyana
While the rest of the fashion world is focused on New York this weekend and the debut of designers 2014 spring ready to wear lines, ITFDS was focused on this fall. I love fall. I love the colors and the bite of cool temperatures that typically we awaken to in the Pacific Northwest this time of year. Another thing I love is to rediscover something I had put aside for a while and had not looked at. I do this a lot with dolls. I debox, photograph, then it is off to the next one. Even sweeter for me, is an opportunity to give a model their due. In other words, finally show or photograph something in a way that I have yet to be able to capture. I typically have something in my head that I want to capture when I photograph…but sometimes it just never transfers through the camera. That happened with this amazing Tatyana. Thanks to a very generous table mate at convention, I was able to purchase her and after deboxing, was never able to quite capture a set of photos I was happy with….until today.
Model ,jewelry and shoes: Exceptional Tatyana FR2 ( hair has been restyled slightly)
Shirt, pants and purse: Lead Singles Eden NuFace
What I am listening to in the studio this week:
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
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
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…
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
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
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!
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)
High Toned Hankie Chic
I stumbled upon another fantastic Etsy site the other day and just received my first item. The very talented Sylvia Bittner of Hankie Chic makes these wonderful ensembles out of vintage handkerchiefs. http://www.etsy.com/shop/HankieChic?ref=seller_info_count
(Photo credit: Sylvia Bittner)
How cute and inventive is this?!! I was so intrigued by this product, I had to ask Sylvia a few questions.
1. Where did you get the idea to do this?
I got the idea for making Barbie dresses from a book, Hankie Couture, by Marsha Greenberg. I found the book while I was trolling JoAnn Fabrics a year ago. It was love at first sight. I bought the book for inspiration and then directed my husband to the nearest antique mall to stock up on hankies. Since then, I’ve made close to 100 dresses, some from patterns I’ve drafted myself (such as the outfit you purchased) and some from patterns by others or commercial vintage patterns.
2. Are you a fashion doll collector and if so, what do you collect?
I didn’t own a Barbie at the time I bought the book, but I’ve made up for it since then. I started by collecting most of the Barbie Basics dolls, and then moved on to vintage reproductions, and now Silkstones. I currently have 70 or so, but I’m thinking about downsizing and selling some of the model muse dolls on eBay and just concentrating on Silkstones, since most people seem to want to purchase clothes that fit Silkstones.
3. Where do you find these glorious handkerchiefs that you use?
I look for hankies everywhere … Antique shops, EBay, Etsy … I travel frequently instate for my job, and out of state on vacations, so I’m always looking for antique shops wherever I go. All the hankies I use are vintage and I’ve been blessed to find some really beautiful ones. You can see my entire hankie collection on my Pinterest board, pinterest.com/sylviabittner/ on the board, my vintage hankies.
I want to extend a huge “Thank You!” to Sylvia for being willing to be interviewed for the blog and for doing such amazing and creative work. I love it! And folks…these beauties aren’t just for Silkstones .
Model: High Toned Rayna
Purse: Redefined Accessory Kit by Integrity Toys
Shoes: Gift from a friend ( love ya!)
Derby Days
Today is the Kentucky Derby(a big horse race in the US). I don’t really follow horse racing even though I live in the middle of the Pacific Northwest’s horse country. I do, however, follow this event….for the hats. It is one of the few events that American’s will break out the fancy millinery. I always admire the European fashion sense and flair for wearing hats. In the States, we just don’t wear hats like woman do in Europe. I am constantly lamenting with a Monty Python line “ People just don’t wear enough hats these days.” So…it was a complete pleasure to receive a fellow bloggers post in which she pointed her readers to the most amazing website for custom hats http://bvisayc556.wordpress.com/2013/05/03/hat-love/. I was immediately inspired. I had a few completely uninspired Barbie beach hats lying around so I decided to try my hand at “enhancing” them and am happy with how they turned out.
Given that the Kentucky Derby will be run today, I decided to show off the new hats on some girls I imagined were on there way to the race. Hope you enjoy.
Model: 2012 Integrity Workshop Poppy
Dress: Cynthia Rowley Barbie
Shoes: Mattel
Hat: Mattel enhanced by ITFDS
Model: Natalia Fatalé “Ready To Dare
Dress, Shoes, Jewelry: Natalia Fatalé “Ready To Dare
Belt: Mattel
Hat: Mattel enhanced by ITFDS
Platinum Violette
Okay…this one is for the Silkstone lovers. I could not let this diorama go without putting one of my favorite Silkstones within its shabby chic yumminess. Robert Best’s “Violette”, in my opinion, is one of the most feminine doll designs of his career at Mattel. She embodies gentility and spring to me. Perhaps it’s the lilac print on her gown, the large flowing design or the flowers in her hair…I don’t know…but put it all together and I feel the pull of springtime. It’s just so girly! She is also a platinum edition Silkstone which means she is not photographed often.
I have to give credit to my daughter Megan for this one. She took one look at the diorama I was working on and said “ Mom, you should put the doll in the purple gown in this one”. She was right!
What the set up looks like when I have to pull the big lights out. It’s a much more involved shoot…which is why you may see this diorama for a while. 
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.
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 .
Inside the Fashion Doll Studio 