Elise Jolie Styled in the Roaring 20’s
I was so looking forward to the Hope Diamond Barbie. I loved the promo pictures of the red haired siren with the gorgeous 20’s inspired gown and jewelry. I received her a couple of weeks ago and must say..I was underwhelmed. I adore the gown and jewelry. The doll…Meh. I guess the biggest disappointment was her hair. It was nothing like the promo’s . In reality..it was a big hot mess. I am fairly confident with fixing doll hair. This…was beyond my expertise. I am hoping that it was just my doll who had bad hair and that others received dolls with better hair. Pictures from toy fair showed this lady with promo prefect hair. I did not receive one of those. So, time to make some lemonade out of this lemon. I chose to repurpose the gown and jewelry right away. The gown was a tight fit on an FR2 body but I managed to make it work….just barely.
Model: FR2 “Dark Swan” Elise Jolie
Gown and jewelry: Hope Diamond Barbie
Set: My white shelves set at an angle. Statues I found at a small shop in Snohomish ( my favorite place to find props!). Background is a graduated black to white background and I added a black acrylic floor. I use this floor a lot because I adore the dramatic reflection it gives. There is a blue spot on the black background. It is a small portable LED light that produced a white/blue light so it has colored the black background blue.
Here Comes The Bride….Poppy Parker–Part 1
About this time of year I seem to always have a letch to do a wedding photo shoot. Last year it was Dark Swan Elise who became my muse.
This year Sweet Confection Poppy Parker continues to be my inspiration.
Model: Sweet Confection Poppy Parker
Gown and Veil: Grace Kelly Silkstone Bride Barbie
Bouquet: Marie Therese Silkstone Bride Barbie
Set: Cake Candelabra repainted in silver. Both have been set upon candlesticks of varying heights. Greenery found at local craft store with miniature paper roses added.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Red is the color we associate with this holiday so I have put Air Apparent Veronique in this lovely color to celebrate the day.
Model and jewelry: Fashion Royalty “Air Apparent” Veronique
Gown: T.D. Fashions ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/T-D-FASHIONS-DOLL-FASHIONROYALTY-SILK-STONE-/180605975443?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a0cf47b93 )
Fur: Dimitha
Hit Single Darla Daley gets a redress.
In a recent post about up and coming 2012 dolls Debbiefs in Australia pointed out that we were not sharing enough love of Darla Daley. She is right so …. Debbiefs….this one’s for you.
The original face sculpt of this lady was …okay.
At the Fashion Royalty convention we learned that the face mold had been redone and I am happy to say…I LOVE the new and improved Darla.
Model: Hit Single Darla Daley
Gown: T.D. Fashions ( http://stores.ebay.com/t-d-fashiondolls70 )
Jewelry: Facets by Marcia ( http://www.facetsbymarcia.com/jewelry/detail/flair.htm )
set: Fence is by Buyers Choice. Small urn is holiday ornament. Candelabras are repainted cake candelabra candle holders on top of silver candle holders. Flooring is miniature flooring paper.
Dania Zarr..a Real Star!
I have to admit, it took me a while to warm up to this face mold. The very cut angles of her face can give her a masculine feel in my opinion but the latest iteration Integrity Toys did of her is..in a word…STUNNING. Thanks to a really great doll friend, I was able to get a ticket to purchase Bare Essentials “Day” Dania Zarr at the Fashion Royalty Convention this past year. I love her face, hair and new body ( a vampire doll body I believe…not as busty as the Fashion Royalty line). She is a dream to restyle and I had to pull out the macro lens for this beauty as her face really is something else. Added to this beautiful doll, I was able to procure a white Joe Tai gown off of ebay. I am also excited about finally purchasing a De-Zyns by Joy jewelry set ( after drooling over her things for quite a while…finally broke down and bought). Oh..and the chairs!! LOVE them. Found them on ebay..see my source list for the link.
Models: Bare Essentials “ Day” Dania Zarr and 007 James Bond Ken
Gown: Joe Tai
Jewelry: De-Zyns by Joy ( http://de-zynsbyjoy.com/ )
Set: Wall panel by me. Flooring is miniature flooring paper. Candelabra…now that is a story…pewter candlestick with a new find. It’s called a cake candelabra. I need to spray paint it silver but I was so excited to use the thing I just threw it in there ‘as is’ LOL! I think the scale works well here. They are approx. $8.99 on various sites. Chairs are from Ebay ( http://stores.ebay.com/The-DIY-Dollhouse-Center?_rdc=1). They sell a number of different 1:6 scale items. All shipped very fast and well packaged.
LOVE Her face!!
Darya enjoys a winter concert.
Model: Darya Silkstone Barbie
Jewelry: Darya Silkstone Barbie
Gown and Coat: Winter Concert Barbie
Ken: James Bond 007 Ken
Set: Gold console table found on Ebay. Leopard shade lamp – Marann Roy furniture ( http://maryannroy.wordpress.com/) Ornate wall panel made by me. Flooring is wood parquet floor paper.
Empress of Emeralds Elise
Had an idea for a photo shoot when I saw Jon Copeland dress one of his beatiful creations in this gorgeous gown. I think the Royal Jewel Collection by Mattel resulted in some of the most amazing jewelry for fashion dolls. I only have Empress of Emeralds but if this is any indication of the quality of jewels in the other dolls of that series….I think I will be searching for them.
Model: Dark Swan Elise Jolie FR2
Gown and Jewelry: Empress of Emeralds Barbie
Bracelet: Fashion Royalty
And…just because I can’t resist adding more drama to a shot….
Poppy Photo Shoot 2011/2012 Resort Wear Final Look Hot Pink!
Well…you knew it had to end ( I can hear some of you applauding in the background) For her final look on this photo shoot, Poppy is wearing a new addition from this years Barbie Basic swimsuit line and the color is HOT. No, I did not pump up the saturation levels on these photos. The color of this swimsuit is really that vivid…and happens to be one of my favorites…hot pink.
Model: Sweet Confection Poppy Parker
Swimsuit ,bracelet, shoes and gold bag: Barbie Basics Collection 003 model 04 http://www.barbiecollector.com/shop/doll/model-no-04-collection-003-w3328
Earrings: BFMC Debut Barbie
Sunglasses: Fashion Royalty
Hat: Barbie Basics Collection 003 Look No. 01 http://www.barbiecollector.com/shop/doll/look-no-01-collection-003-w3338
Set: Refer to Poppy Photo Shoot Day 1 blog post
Poppy Photo Shoot 2011/2012 Resort Wear 4
Are you sick of Poppy yet? Well I’m not so here is more Poppy spam. Today Poppy is showing us a more muted and refined South Beach look. Robert Best designed a number of dolls from 2006-2007 called “On Location” Barbies. The swimsuit in these shots is from “On Location South Beach” Barbie. All the dolls in that series were fabulous and I still have them. They came with a swimsuit, sophisticated evening outfit and a more casual day wear look. What more could you have asked for in a set? Sadly, he only did four and that was it. The set was worth it for the clothing alone but the dolls themselves are gorgeous as well. Here is the link to their photos at the Barbie Collector website:
http://www.barbiecollector.com/showcase/category/fashions#BestModels
Model: Sweet Confection Poppy Parker
Swimsuit: On Location South Beach Barbie
Shoes: Barbie
Earings: BFMC Debut Silkstone Barbie
Bracelet: Barbie Basics Collection 03 – Look 01
http://www.barbiecollector.com/shop/doll/look-no-01-collection-003-w3338
set: Please refer to Poppy photo shoot day 1
I am really appreciating these sunny shots today. We have about 6 inches of snow on the ground with more on the way tonight. This is unusual for the Pacific Northwest in the United States. We don’t typically get this much snow so close to the ocean. I’m glad that Poppy is enjoying her time in the sun. 
Poppy Photo Shoot 2011/2012 Resort Wear 3
Today Poppy is gracing the patio with some Palm Beach style. Beautiful Tan, vivid color and a touch of bling…or maybe more than a touch.
Model: Sweet Confection Poppy Parker
Swimsuit and cover up: Mattel BFMC Palm Beach Swimsuit Barbie
Earrings: Mattel BFMC Debut Barbie
Sunglasses: Mattel Barbie Basics Look 01- Collection 003 ( http://www.barbiecollector.com/shop/doll/look-no-01-collection-003-w3338)
Shoes: Barbie ( have no idea what set these orange slides came from )
Set: refer to Poppy Photo Shoot 1 blog post
Poppy Photo Shoot–2011/2012 Resort Wear 2
Yipeee!! Color profile fiasco problem from yesterday has been fixed..and can I just say I HATE it when a program I use almost every day decides to up and change a color profile on me…out of the blue. Naughty, naughty Adobe Lightroom. I sent it to it’s room without dinner. Great…watch it get all cranky on me and really rebel. Alright, I really do digress…on to the photos.
Today Poppy is showing us her second look for lounging by the pool. A definite Italian flare here.
Model: Sweet Confection Poppy Parker
Swimsuit: On Location Barcelona Barbie
Shoes and hat: Look 01 Barbie Basics collection 03 ( http://www.barbiecollector.com/shop/doll/look-no-01-collection-003-w3338)
Sunglasses: Fashion Royalty
Earrings: Sweet Confection Poppy Parker
Poppy Photo Shoot–2011/2012 Resort Wear 1
As many of my fellow collector enthusiasts and photographers know, building miniature sets for photo shoots is not the easiest thing to do. It can be incredibly frustrating if the picture in your head does not match the diorama that is unfolding in front of you( not to mention everything falls over with the slightest movement…I wish I could tell you how many times I had to reset the Re-ment pieces on the table….lost count after 5). There have been countless times where I had to scrap an idea and come up with something completely different because it just would not come together. Then…other times it just comes together so easily…a piece here, a piece there..oh I think I have this and it would look great there…kind of thing. I love it when everything just kind of comes together. Also, and I don’t know if anyone else does this but, when I set up a diorama for a photo shoot there is a story in my head as I build the scene. The more elaborate the diorama, the more elaborate the story in my head.
Typically, as day after day runs the seemingly unending gauntlet of rain, rain and more rain during January in the Pacific Northwest, my mind will stray towards sunnier places and luxurious vacation spots. That was definitely the thought process behind this set and the next couple of sets of photos. The story in my head had Poppy vacationing in the beautiful south of France. She is on a patio of some palatial villa overlooking the stunning unique blue of the Mediterranean Sea. There is a pool just off camera and Poppy is relaxing in the sun just before breakfast. Oh the life! And that is one of the beauties behind the photos for me and one of the reasons I enjoy photographing these miniature diva’s so much. I will most likely never vacation in a palatial villa in the south of France….but Miss Poppy can….and that is better than nothing. 
Okay guys….no more musings from “How Rebecca beats the winter time blah’s” On to the photos……….
Model : Sweet Confection Poppy Parker and her amazing tan!
Swimsuit: Dressmaker Details “ Aloha Kalakoa” ( available here http://www.pinkponytail.com/Products_Dressmaker.htm )
Sunglasses: Mattel Barbie Basics 3.0 swimsuit accessory set
Earings: Sweet Confection Poppy Parker
Set: Table is stone urn found at local shop with acrylic circle on top. Chase lounge is gift given at 2011 GAW..found this one at Barbiecon 2011. Little table next to chase is white Ikea vase with small acrylic disk on top. Pink orchid is a magnet ( back is flat but you can never see it from photos). Food and serving pieces on the table are all Re-ment. White chairs are from a Barbie set from years ago…forget name. Railing is Buyer’s Choice. Umbrella is battenburg lace doll umbrella..found at a doll show. Stone urn umbrella is in found at flea market. Greenery is from all over really. Patio flooring is miniature paper flooring. Towels and water bottle on table are from Silkstone Spa set. Bracelet on table is Ms. Poppy’s original one. Magazines on table came with new Barbie Basics swimsuit accessory set. Pink pillows on chairs were made by the talented Maryann Roy ( http://maryannroy.wordpress.com/)
2011/2012 Resort Wear continued tomorrow……
Grace Kelly Barbie and Bellissima Couture
Model: Grace Kelly Bride Silkstone
Gown: Bellissima Couture (http://bellissimacouturefashions.wordpress.com/)
Shoes: Louboutin shoe pack by Mattel
Poodle: Randall Craig
Chair: Pure Dream ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-6-Barbie-Furniture-Uphostered-Pink-Chair-Armchair-Sofa-SL004-/250944194504?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a6d7087c8)
Bottle Brush Tree: Bethany Lowe trees
**note** tree is sitting on stone urn. Urn does not come with the tree. I found that at a little craft shop close to my house.
Happy 2012!
Sweet Confection Poppy is ringing in the new year with a glass of bubbly and wishing you all a very happy and healthy 2012.
Model: Sweet Confection Poppy Parker
Gown: Monaeglow (http://stores.ebay.com/monaeglow)
bracelet: Mattel Trace of Lace Silkstone
Ehhh hmmmm!! Well Miss Poppy…what’s with the honkin’ rock you are wearing on that all important digit??!! Word is that Poppy’s boyfriend Chip will be making his debut in 2012. Perhaps it’s a bit more than “boyfriend”??? Will have to see about that.
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**
Black Diamonds Anyone?
One of the highlights of going to doll conventions for me is the opportunity to see, photograph and sometimes purchase a One of A Kind doll ( okay so that’s my favorite part LOL!). I feel extremely blessed to have some truly amazing OOAK works of art in my collection and they mean even more because I have come to know the artists behind the work. One of my all time favorite OOAK artists is Matt Sutton. This past summer at the Ft. Lauderdale Barbie Convention, I was able to add this beauty to my collection and have finally put her in front of the camera. It is always a joy to photograph something sooooo beautiful.
OOAK Silkstone “Black Diamond” by Matt Sutton (http://mattsutton.com/)
And…because the front shots don’t really give the full story of the detail that went into this lady…here are some closeups of more detail.
Happy Holidays! from Inside the Fashion Doll Studio
Hope you all have a blessed, happy and healthy holiday and new year!
I would like to thank Photoshop. For without it’s amazing ability I would not have been able to achieve the white, white background. I can’t tell you how long I have been trying to achieve this LOL!
P.S. Matty….I hope I did your beautiful gift justice with the photos 
Showgirl Enjoys the Holidays
I warned you that more photos would come with Christmas trees. I love these little bottle brush Christmas trees and the colors of this particular one fit in so well with the wall panel.
Model: The Showgirl Silkstone ( glitter removed from eyelids )
Dress: Bellissima Couture ( http://bellissimacouturefashions.wordpress.com/)
Shoes: Mattel
Console: Ebay find
Chair: Pullip Petite Luxury that has been repainted in gold
Cup/Saucer: Rement
Tiffany package: gift from a friend 
I was just pointed to another cool photo effects site called befunky ( www.befunky.com)
A big “Thank You!” to Mod-Girl on Flickr for sharing this site.
It allowed me to make this really cool charcoal drawing
And this stencil drawing…..
Rayna–Jet Set Diva
Yes…I know…her bump gives her a lightly cone head appearance. I like it though. Normally I don’t go for the “Snooky” bump in hairstyles but sometimes it works. I can’t say that “the bump” will stay because I have seen some stellar hair restyles of this lady ( take a look a Shuga Shug’s blog in my blogroll for pics ) and I may have to “de-bump” in the future. For now, it stays and I think she has such a haughty high fashion look as is. I love that aloof look. It’s as if she is saying “I will allow you to take my picture now”. I must say, I did not care for the original clothing she came in. I go for more of the classic clothing but I have to say the original outfit’s colors were fun and it was well made. I like her original boots…just not on her LOL! Anywhoo…it was commented recently that it would be nice to see the before pictures and then the restyle…excellent notion. Here is Ms. Rayna as she came originally.
**Picture is property of Integrity Toys**
And here is how I see her………….
Model: Fashion Royalty Rayna from Jet Set Convention Collection
Dress and coat: Bellissima Couture (http://bellissimacouturefashions.wordpress.com/)
Shoes: have no earthy idea honestly…think they are Randall Craig.
Earrings and pin: Mattel BFMC
Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi meets Alyrenee
Well it’s 11/11/11 and it’s long past time for another Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi but this time we have added a twist. I had the pleasure of stumbling upon a lovely lady selling 1/6 hats at the Fashion Royalty Convention this year. You know me and hats so of course I had to stop and take a look at what she had to offer. I walked away with three fantastic hats and the itching need to get them back to the studio and photograph them because they are that amazing. Her name is Alyrenee and her fabulous and entertaining blog is http://alyrenee.blogspot.com/ I decided to pair this fantastic hat with a gorgeous classically styled black 3/4 sleeve silk day dress with rolled velvet collar by James Bogue. Here is the result….
model: Forget Me Knot Poppy ( redhead )
Dress: Bogue’s Vogues ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues )
Shoes: Mattel
Hat: Alyrenee ( http://alyrenee.blogspot.com/ )
Ahhhhh! I LOVE this hat! Alyrenee, you are an artist.
The Holidays are Coming to the Studio….
I have always loved the holidays. Ever since I was little, this time of year never fails to fill me with excitement and joy. When my kids were younger, it was just mostly me and my husband doing the massive holiday decorating and while it was a huge task, I loved every moment. Now, my kids are older, and we all participate in “dressing up the house” for the holidays. I love that both my kids get excited when they see furniture being rearranged and spaces being made for the Christmas trees. My daughter was jumping up and down after ballet class ( her classes are all bar work right now so she is not real excited after class) yesterday as she knew we would be putting up the Christmas trees that evening. It makes me feel blessed that I could help to pass on the joy and excitement of the season to my kids.
The next three weeks will be filled with decorating for the holidays at Casa Berry. This activity culminates in a holiday tea that my friends and I hold for a group of about 60 ladies. A big part of the tea is a tour of the doll room and all the lovely stories and conversations that this room inspires. Most every person has a Barbie story or experience to share. There are usually fashion things to discuss as well and the “ If I were going out, I would wear that.” conversations. I will be sharing photos of the doll room as it gets dressed up for the holidays and will share a few photos of the holiday tea as well. For now, I will share the first few photos of holiday inspired themes.
Model: FR2 Most Wanted Elise ( Fashion Royalty Jet Set Convention Collection)
And my vision of this photo as a holiday card 
I love this Elise! She has a softer color palette than previous Elise’s. I also really love the direction Integrity Toys and their designers are taking in jewelry design. The necklace and earrings that came with this lady are fabulous.
Simply Simpatico Poppy and Darla
It took me a bit of time to warm up to this Fashion Royalty Convention collection gift set. My tastes in collecting do not run towards the mod era so the clothing for many of the convention collection offerings were not what I prefer. I decided to play around with this gift set and see what I could do as far as redressing and restyling. I just love it when I find a diamond in the rough with a doll. That is what this Poppy and Darla are for me. I restyled the bangs and dressed Ms. Poppy in a favorite Bogue’s Vogues and now I LOVE her. Ms. Darla took a trip to Boutique de Bogue as well and I am really appreciating the new face sculpt on her.
Model: Simply Simpatico Poppy
Dress: Bogue’s Vogues ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues)
Shoes: Mattel
Love, love, love the facial screening on her!!!
Model: Simply Simpatico Darla
Dress: Bogue’s Vogues ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues )
Shoes: Mattel
Vivid Impact Agnes
Many collectors panned this Agnes at convention. I suppose her hair was not what everyone was expecting. On one of the doll boards the hair was compared to Endora of Bewitched….ouch! When I first removed her from the box, I could see what some were saying. The curls did sit a bit too high on her head. I decided to try and tame it down some and I like the end result. I love me a high updo and you add red hair and curls to this and I’m a happy camper. I LOVE her. Oh and added bonus…the gown is purple…my daughters favorite color. 
The gown is simple and elegant and the jewelry is fabulous. A little tiara comes with the jewelry and while it was cute, I just didn’t think she needed it. I like the option of having it though.
Beautiful Beaux–Part Deux
I felt the need to photograph the new Fashion Royalty convention exclusive by Dressmaker Details on a Silkstone. I also wanted to photograph the adorable dress beneath the shrug….my previous photos really didn’t show off that. Also, the gloves are leather-like and fit really, really well on a silkie. LOVE them! I am starting to pull out the holiday stuff for photos so be prepared….Christmas trees will show up randomly from now through January LOL! I am also looking forward to photographing the Fashion Royalty Convention collection when it arrives ( taps foot impatiently while waiting 
). Oh and not to mention…but I will definitely mention…I have a couple of new hats by the talented Allyrenee to showcase in some upcoming photos.
Model: Restyled Silkstone Verushka
Ensemble: Dressmaker Details “Beautiful Beaux” ( available at www.windycitydolls.com )
Inside the Fashion Doll Studio 