A Picnic in Paris
Now that Integrity Toys has announced their collections and all of our collector wallets are sad and limping, I thought it was time to return to Paris for some fun. If I was returning to Paris, Ms. Poppy was going to join me. This new “Ooh La La” Poppy Parker is my current muse and I am loving the giftset mix and match options.
You have to love rement!
-Rebecca
Procrastination and … a Poppy Parker
So, I may not be the queen of procrastination but I believe I would be voted onto the court of princesses of procrastination. I kind of like the sound of that…”Princess of Procrastination”. Anywhoo, I am supposed to be finishing up my presentation for this years NBDCC. I am supposed to be putting the finishing touches on it, wrapping it up and putting it to bed so I can start getting packed for the flight I am taking in a little over 36 hours from now. Am I doing any of that? Noooooooo. Instead, today I received a couple new Poppy Parker’s and I am playing instead. Guess this means I am finishing up the presentation on the airplane.
Love the lavender eyes!! Everything about this set that was promised…was delivered. She is adorable and the little poodle is to die for. Well done David!! I will have to come up with a suitable Paris themed set when I get back from convention.
Now…back to the presentation. If you are attending the NBDCC and are interested in learning more about the photography that I do here on the blog, I will be presenting on Thursday, July 28th at 5 pm in one of the Riverfront rooms at the Hyatt Jacksonville. The time had to be changed from original schedule due to scheduling conflicts.
-Rebecca
Elyse Likes A Party
Or at least she likes a party in Paris…but then who wouldn’t. I received this beautiful J’adore la Fête Elyse right before leaving for vacation and while I don’t advocate working while you go on vacation, I do have to say that my office view has improved with travel…this is what I am looking at while I write this post.
Now on to the doll photos. I borrowed netted fascinator from Blue Flame Vanessa.
She is a beauty! I love the dark locks and flame red lips on her. The jewelry is really stepped up and the presentation of this giftset in the red suitcase appeals to this collector in a big way. It’s just plain classy. I can’t wait to photograph this Elyse in the suit.
–Rebecca
Eden Wears It Better
No disrespect to the fine talents of Mr. Best and Mattel but…I think Eden from Integrity Toys wears this one better.
And yes people…this silkstone’s shoes will fit the Nu.Face model here….barely but it works. I am still trying to figure out if I like the swirl curl bang thing on her forehead. 
-Rebecca
Chinoiserie
Ok…so many of you readers realize I am a little obsessed with my new Jon Copeland-Childers Poppy Parker repaint right? Another thing I was recently obsessed with was this pink chinoiserie backdrop I did. The apple green eyes of this lovely model inspired this setting and the chance to use this amazing backdrop. Hope you enjoy!
Model: Lash Out Poppy Parker repainted by Jon Copeland-Childers
* Poppy Parker has been re-bodied on an FR2 “FR White” body*’
Gown: Joe Tai
Jewelry: Integrity Toys Rare Appearance Dania
Backdrop: Chinoiserie wrapping paper I found ages ago
Chaise Lounge: Petit Luxury Couch ( repainted in silver/gold)
Flooring: marble contact paper
miniatures: Rement
Miniature Maltese: AnnaRyasnova on Etsy
-Rebecca
A New Muse
Last week, Integrity Toys and David Buttry gave us an amazing Poppy Collection. In the same week I received, from SeloJSpa, my latest repaint from Jon Copeland-Childers. The second I opened this one up, I knew I was going to be obsessed for a while. Jon, I don’t know how you do it, but you continue to surprise, delight and amazing me. Since David Buttry left me dreaming of Poppy Parker in Paris, I simply couldn’t wait to take her there.
Model: Lash Out!, Poppy Parker repainted by Jon Copeland-Childers
* note* Poppy has been rebodied onto a FR2 FR white body
Gloves: Poppy Parker black gloved hands
Suit and purse: Fashions by Shane
Jewelry:Traveling Incognito Poppy Parker
Beret: Integrity Toys Monogram “Escapade”
Shoes: Idol Worship Kyori
Dog: Randall Craig poodle
The eyes in this image are almost reptilian. I took the shot and just went whoah…that’s a cover.
-Rebecca
Agnes at the Palazzo
For those of you following my Instagram, you have seen a little taste of this shoot. If you don’t follow, here is a little backstory. It all started with this amazing dress which I found on Etsy by the talented duo AquatalisBoutique . You may have seen some of their work over on Rogier’s Blog this week. It took a while for this gown to get to me because the first one was lost in the vast quagmire of postal services between Vietnam and my home. Aquatalis was great about it and after we waited a reasonable time without the dress showing up, they promptly made and mailed another one. Excellent customer service and kept me informed the whole time. When I saw this gown I immediately thought of Dolce & Gabbana and their 2012 and 2013 collections. Such vibrant color and opulence. I needed an appropriate backdrop. Nothing I had was doing it for me. So….time for a new one and I went to the Dutch still life masters to find inspiration. I had seen a wall covering recently that I was obsessed with and wanted to do something similar…this set was what came from all that brainstorming.
Inspiration room photo…
source: https://www.pinterest.com/explore/flower-mural/
The beginnings of a new background
The headdress is the necklace from Fiorella Silkstone Barbie. The flowers have been digitally altered to match the dress.
The detail on this dress is really something!
The minis in these shots are Orcara miniatures. These items are from their red wine set. Above are miniature paper sunflowers found at local craft store.
And the perfect photo to express the Agnes attitude.
-Rebecca
The Black and White Ball Gown
I had the hardest time coming up with a title for this post. Usually, something comes to me right away and that is what I go with. For these set of photos, nothing was jumping out at me so I asked myself “ What are these pictures about?”. The answer that came back to me was…the dress. These photos are primarily about this amazing black and white ball gown made by Eifeldolldress .
Model: Mood Changer Poppy Parker repainted and hair redone by Jon Copeland-Childers of SeloJSpa
Gown: Eifeldolldress
Necklace: made by me
Gloves: Integrity Toys
Portrait of a Lady
My husband, daughter and I recently traveled to NYC. We were there to see my daughter perform at Carnegie Hall. It was one of those epic moments for a parent and she had a solo (which she nailed!) in one of the pieces they played so it was a piece of cake with major frosting kind of afternoon. While in NYC, my husband and I were encouraged by a friend ( Thank you Hilda!) to visit the Frick Museum. What a joy that was! While there, we saw this amazing portrait and the moment I saw it, I had a picture idea pop into my head. A visit to their gift shop provided the supplies and this is the result.
Model: Rare Appearance Dania Zarr with gloved hands that came with her
Jewelry: Rare Appearance Dania Zarr
Suit: Integrity Toys “In Good Form” from 2007
Shoes: Cold Shoulder Eugenia
If you are ever in NYC and have an afternoon to see some lovely paintings housed in an amazing mansion, I highly recommend visiting The Frick Museum.
Classic Cocktail Dress Arrives
My trusted dealer Barb of Windy City Dolls sent one of these lovelies out as soon as she received them. She isn’t even up on the BC website yet. It looks like she will retail for $100.00
So what am I thinking?? Hmmmm. Well, I like the gown and the little pearl embellishments are delightful. Her face is sweet and I like the silvery lilac eye shadow. The lashes seem a bit spikey to me but not a huge problem. I love the little pearl drop earrings. The hair on mine was a bit of a fixer upper. The curls on top are soft so when you remove the hairnet, you will get some flyaway hair. Not super crisp curls but not a deal breaker in my opinion.
The dress is a strapless gown with a little crop top overlay that snaps in the back. She comes with a white slip underneath too. Considering the quality of some of the other outfits we have seen from BFMC lately, this one is pretty good. I mean we get earrings, pantyhose, a slip and a fairly well constructed dress. It’s up to you as collectors to decide if that is worth the price. I have to be honest and say, I am not a fan of this new body. The flexibility ( or lack thereof) in the wrist joint is a major problem. I do, however, love the elegant pose of the hand. I just wish it bent so I could comfortably put her hand on her waist. My other issue with this doll are the very flimsy shoes. The heal is very pliable so it bends under the weight of the doll when she is on her stand.
Is Miss Classic Cocktail Dress a keeper at ITFDS? Time will tell. I am anxious to see how she redresses then I will make my final decision.
-Rebecca
Who Says Redheads Can’t Wear Pink?!
This is a fashion rule somewhere right? The fact that redheads should not wear pink. Why do so many of us seem to have this rule stuck in our heads? Where did this come from? I am sure there are some circumstances in which redheads in pink don’t work out. Mustard yellow and I definitely don’t mix well…but that is a different story. I recently received a few items that my brain was telling me “don’t go together”, but my eyes were giving me a whole other input. I went with the eyes and told the brain to go have a glass of wine and relax.
This statement of a gown is another beauty in sequins from PonnePP you can find him and contact him via his Flickr site( www.flickr.com/ponne1984). I featured the red version in February. The other dazzlers in this shot are the amazing Silkstone repaint of Gala Gown by Jon Copeland-Childers of SeloJSpa and a princess tiara by CHATIARA2015.
This combination just had me seeing her as a princess.
I have to admit…I am a little obsessed with this tiara right now. It’s so detailed and exquisite. It’s an investment for sure (not cheap!) and in my opinion a good investment. I received my first crown and it was damaged, so they immediately sent me a new one and paid for the return shipping of the damaged crown. Fair and fast. A class operation. The shine and sparkle of this just can’t be captured adequately in my photos. The designer’s name is Chawalit Chommuang and you can find him on Facebook at God Diamonds. Really beautiful work. The link to find and purchase this crown is CHATIARA2015. **note: the crown might be a little big on some smaller heads or tight hairstyles. Just want to mention that. **
PonnePP’s gowns are just amazing. All those little elongated sequin tiles!
-Rebecca
Lavender Luxury
Easter weekend is upon us and everything is coming to life in the garden again. The trees are all blooming pink and white, the daffodils are up and the lilacs are on the way. Life is good. With this symphony of pastels booming in the yard, I had to do something in the studio to celebrate it. I had the perfect model in mind too. Recently, I sent the lavender haired Mood Changer Poppy Parker head over to Jon Copeland-Childers for a “spa” treatment and what he sent back to me had my jaw dropping.
Model: Integrity Toys WClub exclusive Mood Changer Poppy Parker repainted and restyled by Jon Copeland-Childers of SeloJSpa. Poppy has been re-bodied on FR2 body.
Suit, shoes and earrings: Integrity Toys Breathless Veronique
Fascinator hat: made by me with a scrapbook flower and a bit of birdcage veil
Fur: IT Le Smoking Adele
Luggage: Poppy Parker as Sabrina Most Sophisticated ( trim color has been altered via Photoshop)
Pin on suit: rhinestone fleur de lis purchased at Facets by Marcia
Here is what she looked like originally
There are spa treatments and then there are Jon treatments. I stand by the Jon treatment.
**Note** Before I get a gazillion questions, I have to declare here that the luggage I used is not OOAK. It is the set from the Poppy Parker Sabrina series but I have photo shopped the trim to lavender.
This suit is a favorite of mine. It is from the IT 2013 Premier Convention Collection. I was searching through some Edith Head sketches a couple months back and stumbled across what might have been the inspiration for this one.
-Rebecca
To The Manor Born
I never saw the BBC show of this name but am interested in the phrase. It is believed to be originally from Shakespeare’s Hamlet and the actual line is “To the manner born“. Language and time have morphed this line into today’s “to the manor born” which essentially means someone born into affluence. The well known phrase “being born with a silver spoon in your mouth” is another example of similar meaning. Now…why am I going into this? Excellent question. When I first saw promo photos of Black Tie Ball Vanessa, my first thought was “This is a party girl and she is inebriated.” She had the half-open eyes of someone who has imbibed just a bit too much. When I opened the box and saw her in real life, my opinion changed a bit. I still saw the party girl but I thought it would be fun to portray her as the trust fund baby party girl. I love the platinum tresses on this lady and while the sleepy eyes kind of bother me, it definitely set my imagination flying and produced some fun shots. I have nothing to complain about…oh…except perhaps the skirt on the dress she came in. It doesn’t hang right. The jewelry, shoes and top of the gown are all exceptional though. Photos of Miss BTB Vanessa in her original gown are on my Flickr page.
The gown in these shots is by Eifeldolldress. Love it!!
For those interested in the set for these shots, here is the info:
Champagne glasses are exquisitely delicate and in correct scale. They are from Facets by Marcia.
Champagne bottle…have absolutely no idea where I got this. Most likely from a Gloria furniture set.
Bombé chest is a repainted plastic jewelry chest. My friend and artist Carolyn Grentz did this for me.
Gold chairs were custom ordered from China. You can find more like them here. Frankly though, you should just get ahold of some Barbie Fan Club chairs from this year and spray paint them gold…it would be cheaper.
Floral arrangement: Made by me of various silk and fabric flowers.
And this little adorable Maltese!! I found her on Etsy.
-Rebecca
Paris Fashion Week
It sounds like collectors are finally receiving their classic black dress silkstones after ordering them back in February. I thought it was time to bring this lady out and showcase her in a setting that touches on what is going on currently in the fashion world…Paris Fashion Week. Hope you enjoy!
Model: Classic Black Dress Barbie® Doll
Dress: Bellissima Couture
Hat: Scrapbooking element from Joann’s Fabric
Jewelry: necklace made by me
Shoes: Mattel
Gloves: Have absolutely noooooo idea. I don’t think they are Mattel. They may have come with a DEA fashion. They fit this new articulated body very snuggly though.
Set: Ornate wall made by me, gold chairs obtained through special order, flooring is checkerboard contact paper.
-Rebecca
Love in Praga
This past year at The National Barbie Doll Collector Convention, the talented Magia2000 team of Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi presented a collection that was very close to their hearts. They showcased a OOAK collection centered on the theme of love. A fitting theme as they announced at this event that they would be tying the knot themselves later that year. How special is that?!! There wasn’t a dry eye in the house after that announcement. With all of the love going on in that room, many collectors walked away with the right to purchase some of this stunningly beautiful collection. They used a new system of drawing numbers and when your number was drawn you could choose from what was left or decline to purchase. The people who had their numbers chosen early walked away with their first choice of the options. I was lucky enough to have my number chosen while one of my favorites was still up for purchase. Her name is “Love in Praga” which I understand to mean Love in Prague. I am honored and so very pleased to have this one of a kind creation in my collection and was so happy to participate in this celebration of love at the NBDCC in 2015.
To see more of the beauties Mario and Gianni designed for this past convention, feel free to visit the gallery at their site Magia2000.
-Rebecca
The Power of Pink!!
Actually, I wanted to title this blog post “The power of pink, a new frock and a little bit of sunshine” , but it would have been too long. When you live in the Pacific Northwest and it’s the dead of winter ( which means rain people…lots and lots of rain), if one ray of sunshine peaks out, you are grabbing your camera and saying “What can I take a photo of!!” Or maybe…that’s just me. Yes I am seeing someone about my random photo tendencies when in the presence of intermittent sunshine LOL!
So, recently I took ownership of this adorable little dress from Hilda of Bellissima Couture. To me this dress just makes me happy. It’s pink yumminess with a hat. Also, it gave me a chance to use a new model in the studio..Ms. IT Airways Poppy Parker. She came with a pair of hands with white gloves ( Thank you David!!) so I knew I had to use them in a photo. I know by reading the WClub boards that a number of people were less than pleased with how the hair came out for their Poppy’s. Mine was not the best when she arrived but a very thoughtful and gifted group of souls on the WClub talked some of us through what they did to fix their Poppy’s hair. It worked like a dream on mine. If you are a WClub member and want to see the tutorial, head over to the WClub forum and look under IT Airways Poppy. My “thanks” to the contributors!
She is a young Anna Wintour here. The hat did not come with the dress. It is a floral scrapbooking embellishment. The pink pearl necklace is one I made.
-Rebecca
Happy Valentine’s Day!!
I picked up this glorious gown at the last IT convention and have been waiting for the right lady to wear it. It is a power house of a gown so who better than “Power House Ayumi” to wear it.
Model: Power House Ayumi
Gown: PonnePP ( you can find his photos and work on Flickr at www.flickr.com/ponne1984)
Articulated Silkstone Now Available to Order
But she won’t be shipping until March 1st folks. If you want her sooner, look to the dealers, they appear to be getting them first. I like this idea of giving the dealers first dibs on shipment. It makes sense to me and it helps support those dealers that have been loyally selling Mattel’s collector products for all these years. I called my trusty dealer Barb of Windy City Dolls the moment I saw these ladies showing up on Ebay ( not happy that this is where the first ones showed up but not surprised either). She sent one over as soon as they arrived at her shop.
Classic Black Dress Barbie® Doll
Designer: Robert Best
Release Date: 2/1/2016…hmmm…this is what the site says but they also clearly state that shipping won’t start until 3/1/2016.
Retail: $40.00 at The Barbie Collection
So…what do I think? I think the face on this first Silkstone of 2016 is a winner. It is one of the best facial screenings I have seen in a while from the BFMC. Very soft, and pretty. The black dress is basic. The material is nice and of a good weight…but basic. The boots are…basic. They are plastic people and almost impossible to get off unless you use the hot water trick **see below. No jewelry, purse with this one nor undergarments..yep that’s right…Barbie is going full commando.
The bigger question I think is what do I think of the body of this doll. First and foremost, the dimensions are NOT the same as previous BFMC Silkstone bodies. The bust is most definitely smaller. Clothing does not fit exactly the same which surprises me as I believe Mr. Best said that the body was going to be the same proportions in the video announcing the articulated bodies. I am not saying the body is bad…just different dimensions and for us redressers, that will be an issue. The material feels weighty and solid which is nice and the joints appear to be solid and stay where you position them. It is basically ok…but not great. Here is why: 1) The articulation on the joints is minimal except for the legs. This girl can do the splits if she wants but she cant rotate her hand enough to fully bend it one way or the other…it only goes a little bit one way or the other. She can just barely put her hands on her hips. Compare the functionality with Integrity Toys dolls and you will find that IT bodies are loads ahead as far as flexibility. The new Silkstone body can however, do the splits whereas IT dolls cannot. Not sure how that is something I will utilize unless I get the letch to do Gymnast Barbie, or Pole Dancing Barbie or perhaps contortionist Barbie. You never know…it could happen. I am hopeful that the next iterations of this body will beef up the bust size and include some additional rotation in the joints. My other big concern with these new bodies are the rough edges and seams that show. The knee joint on the one I received had a big ugly rough edge at the seam right above the knew joint. Some may argue that you will hardly ever see that…maybe but in the dress she came in, it was VERY evident. It’s not worthy of sending back, it’s just sloppy work on the part of the factory. Am I expected now to file down the seams of Silkstone dolls that I receive?
On the very positive side however, the doll is only $40. That is an extremely low price point for a Silkstone Barbie doll. So…messy seams and all, this doll photographs beautifully. I admit, I had to pin the gown on her so it fit more securing up top. It was made to be worn by the older body. She does look good though and I guess each collector will have to decide for themselves if she is a good fit for their collection. I am keeping mine for the present and still hopeful for the year ahead for the BFMC. I think it will be a very much paired down year but time will just have to tell on that one.
Beatuiful dress was made by Hilda of Bellissima Couture.
Oh..and as an added not to my loyal readers…After filing multiple DCMA claims with various accounts on Pinterest and Instagram all of which were cutting the watermark off my photos and passing them off as their own, I will have to start putting even larger and more intrusive watermarks on my photos. Not my choice people but there you have it. Sometimes…I just don’t understand some people.
**Hot Water Boot Trick** To help get those pesky black boots off, I heated up a cup of water to almost boiling then stuck the legs and boots in for about 30-35 seconds. Using a towel because they will be hot, boots should slid right off. If not, put the legs with boots back in the water for a bit more.
Power House Ayumi
I just received the first of three of the 2015 revamped NuFace line that I ordered. All I can say is she is stunning! The facial screening is absolutely beautiful in my opinion.
The shoe strings were too short for me to tie into a bow so I ended up knotting them in the back and tucking the ends into the shoes. Not a bad fix. It will be a pain to untie and redress though. The jewelry is simple but sturdy and appropriate given the very clean chic lines of the outfit. Love the red, red lips and simple and elegant facial screening. The hair was really good when I deboxed but I wanted the bangs to lie closer to the head so I did end up pinning the end of the swoop of her bangs so It would lay closer to the head. Looking forward to redressing this beauty.
Agnes of the Jungle
I can’t take credit for this title…that goes to my husband Jon. He was my faithful reflector holder during this photo shoot and we both learned that a full size “human” reflector for these small shoots are super HOT! Had no idea how hot those things can get in full sun…to models all over the world…”I’m truly sorry you have to deal with this on a daily basis” So I re-dressed Ms. Agnes in uptown haute couture last time so I needed to go a different way. I went straight for the animal print and leather moto jacket. **It is important to note here that I had to undo the seam between the legs in the bodysuit top to get it to fit the FR2 body**
I dressed her in this outfit and all I could think of was a leopard laying on a tree branch. Once the vision is there, I was compelled to find myself a tree branch and drape her over it for this shot.
And since she is wearing animal print…had to do a Roberto Cavalli ad LOL!
** Note: No rhododendron bushes were hurt during the filming of this blog post. We may have inadvertently signaled a satellite in space with our reflector and for that we are truly sorry. **
Aristocratic Re-dress
Is it redress or re-dress?? Could not come up with a consensus so I just published anyway. This Agnes is stunning! The re-dressing ( again…not sure if I am using the right spelling) potential is high for this one. She can go casual chic or uptown haute couture very easily. She is very much the Baroness here. I need to get her a little 1/6 Louis Vuitton passport cover .
Aristocratic Agnes
I know I will get hate mail for this but Agnes is not my favorite face mold. When I saw the promo shots for this one, I was on the fence. I loved the dramatic eyebrows, almost platinum blond hair ( not mademoiselle Jolie platinum but close) and red, red lips so I decided to gamble and purchase. Result: gambled and won!!
I love the dramatic eyeliner.
Making a Rare Appearance Dania
WClubbers waited an exorbitant 6 months for this one. Yep, I checked the numbers…first deposit went in on this baby around December 3rd of 2014. Was she worth the wait? I honestly have to say…YES. The promo shots on this doll had expectations levels extremely high so I was very skeptical on whether it would deliver. I am happy to say Rare Appearance Dania delivers and then some. This lady exudes chic upscale class.
I will say it again…this is one classy lady. She comes with a pair of grey gloved hands which I adore. Here jewelry is simple, classic and understated. The handbag and shoes are TO DIE FOR.
I had WAY too much fun shooting this one.
Oh yes…new favorite model has entered Inside The Fashion Doll Studio.
Little Red Dress
My fabulous dealer Barb of Windy City Dolls sent this lovely lady to me last week and I finally had a moment to get her out of the box and in front of the camera. She does not disappoint. The fabric of the dress is nice and soft. Very feminine.
I had heard some concerns from other collectors regarding her hair. The promo shots showed an elaborate updo. The question was…how will this translate to actual production ? Will the hair look like the promo shot or will it be “one hot mess” when it arrives? I opened the box and am happy to report that the hair does in fact closely mimic the promo shot, or at least mine does. I also love the honey highlights in this hair.
And really the best side of this coiffure…
I am not going to lie, I had to make one little adjustment to the hair. One of the curls in the back was not as tight as it could have been and it stood up too high for me. I solved it with some hair gel and a pin. If I were braver, I would give her a little bit of a bang trim too. There are visible rubber bands in this coiffure …not a particular favorite of mine… but given the ornateness of the design, I am willing to live with it.
The grey eyes with a hint of yellow are fabulous! The smoky eye liner goes very well with the red lipstick, hat and gown. I ADORE the fact that there are earrings with this one. Perhaps the last set of earrings we will see on a Silkstone ( or so it would seem by the promo shots)
I am very pleased with this latest BFMC effort by Robert Best. I mean come on…how can I not love a Silkstone in a Dior inspired dress . Photos below are both 1950’s Dior dresses. 
source: http://hellomydearblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/j-dior.html
source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/110197522106507198/
-Rebecca
Inside the Fashion Doll Studio 
