Barbie for big girls.

Posts tagged “FR2

The Royal Tea

Ok..so this series of shots were inspired by the outfit I posted on Instagram.  As with many images, what looks good on an idea board does not translate to a model or doll.  In this case, the hat that looked good on the board did not translate well to actual model.  And…as much as I wanted to use it, the teapot did not make it into the final shots either.  Sometimes it works out sometimes it doesn’t.  The post is called “The Royal Tea” because the dog is wearing a crown .Winking smile

Here was the Instagram inspiration:

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You will notice a little bit of a color cast difference between my Instagram shots and the other images I use in the blog.  The reason behind this is a difference in camera.  Most if not all of the outfit boards that I post are shot with…wait for it…my IPhone.  If I ever get around to doing my next photography installment you will learn more about that.  Suffice it to say, as good as these new phones are these days, they still have a long way to go as far as color balance.  Ok…geek photography moment over.

I am sharing snippets of the photo process on some of these posts on my instagram stories so feel free to follow that if you want.  They disappear in 24 hours so they are there and then they are gone.

I am totally in love with this doll.  She is Rare Appearance Dania Zarr from Integrity Toys.  She was a WClub exclusive for 2014.  Still one of my favorite models.  The dress is a new acquisition from the talented Gwen of Gwendolyn’s Treasures

Model:  Integrity Toys Rare Appearance Dania Zarr

Dress:  Gwendolyn’s Treasures

Hat:  Bogue’s Vogues

Gloves: Integrity Toys IT Airways Poppy Parker

Necklace: made by me

Dog:  Mattel

Shoes: Integrity Toys Sneak Peek Eden

Perfume bottle:  Purchased at 2016 Barbiecon from Hande.  If you ever go to Barbiecon… her sales table is a favorite of mine.  Great minis!  Sorry, no website or Etsy store yet.

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio-The Royal Tea

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio-The Royal Tea

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio-The Royal Tea

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio-The Royal Tea

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio-The Royal Tea

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio-The Royal Tea

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio-The Royal Tea

-Rebecca

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Emerging Rebel Kyori – Will The Eyes Have It?

The first doll of Integrity Toys’ Fashion Royalty “A Delicate Bloom” Collection is starting to hit collectors’ doorsteps.   Her name is Emerging Rebel Kyori and true to her name she is entering the collecting world with some controversy.  The title of this blog post is kind of a play on words.  When you vote to pass a measure for something the verbiage is always, “Those in favor say ‘AYE’“ and if there are more yes’s than no’s the motion passes or “The Aye’s have it.”  There is a current issue being voted on by collectors of Integrity Toys and it’s all about the eyes.   

Let me explain:  Integrity Toys is trying out a new process with the eyes on some of their dolls.  Instead of painting the inner eyes (outline, white, iris, pupils and "catch light" dots)  they are using water decals.  Per IT, the reasoning for going to these decals was to offer more consistency in eye placement and facial screening.  (Too many “wonky eye” issues with the previously used methods.)  Some collectors are concerned about the durability and quality of these decals.  Given all the concerns, I was curious to see for myself if there were negative aspects to these decals from an aesthetic perspective as well as a photography perspective.  I was concerned as to whether or not these decals would make the eyes appear more “dead” in a photograph.  If something is too matte, it won’t reflect light effectively and gives off a dead appearance.  On the other side, if something is too shiny (especially the eyes) it can create too much of a reflection that you have to clean up in Photoshop afterwards… and… that is a big pain in the back side, believe me.  Who wants to spend hours in post-process just because of shiny eyes?  Not me.

So… I was curious to see what would happen when I photographed one of these dolls with these decal eyes.  What did I find?

1.  From an aesthetic aspect… just looking at her… I wasn’t noticing anything concerning.  Her screening is appealing and I think she is a pretty doll.  The eyes don’t stand out as odd or off in any way.  She does have a very far “to the side” eyeball placement and some are finding that fact unappealing.  I can understand this.  That doesn’t work for everyone.

2.  From a photography stand point… there are some differences.

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - Emerging Rebel Kyori-Will The Eyes have It?

First and foremost, the eyeball is printed not painted so there are dots of color not continuous color.  Is this a problem?  Not normally in my opinion.  As you see this image on your computer screen or phone, you are seeing it as dots of color as well — they are just really, really small dots.  Let’s face it, most of us are not going to be looking at this doll under a microscope. 

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - Emerging Rebel Kyori-Will The Eyes have It?

Can you see the dots in the picture above?  Maybe a little but not much.  Our eyes and brains are really good at melding those dots together to make it look like one cohesive color.

Secondly, I’m not going to lie — these decals catch the light differently, so when photographing, that needs to be factored in.  Is this a deal breaker?  For me, not really.  It’s just something different.  Now, as to whether these decals will hold up over time… only time will tell that one.  For now, I am willing to give them a chance.  For now, I’m voting “aye”.

Enough about the eyes — let’s talk about the accessories and dress!  I love this dress!!!  It is so elegant and fits her beautifully.  The lavender shoes are perfection and the grey glasses and oversized bag are refined and chic.  I don’t know who is taking over jewelry at IT but all I can say is, “Keep it going!!”  The earrings and bracelet are a new design and I adore them.

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - Emerging Rebel Kyori-Will The Eyes have It?

Kyori’s hair color was described as medium brown in product write-ups.  Have we seen Kyori with these lighter brown tresses before?  I like it.

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - Emerging Rebel Kyori-Will The Eyes have It?

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - Emerging Rebel Kyori-Will The Eyes have It?

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - Emerging Rebel Kyori-Will The Eyes have It?

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - Emerging Rebel Kyori-Will The Eyes have It?

-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.

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

Now on to the doll photos.  I borrowed netted fascinator from Blue Flame Vanessa.©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

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


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.

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

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

Portrait:  Anthony van Dyck  Her name is Lady Anne Carey, Later Viscountess Claneboye and Countess of Clanbrassil, ca. 1636

©The Frick Collection

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.


Reigning Grace Revealed!

Back in April, Integrity Toys broke with tradition and released a sketch of a doll that was purportedly an indication of the theme for this year’s convention.  See original blog post here.

©2015 Integrity toysThis was the sketch released…..and here is the actual prototype…

Reigning Grace
Eugenia Perrin Frost™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
2015 Cinematic Convention Upgrade
Release Date: Approximately Early October 2015

©2015 Integrity toys

 

©2015 Integrity toys

©2015 Integrity toys

©2015 Integrity toys

I admit…I was one of those that paid attention more to the sketch than the reference to the movie on this one.  I was thinking Eugenia was going to be brunette.   Well “Duh” Rebecca…the actress this design was channeling was Grace Kelly!  Grace, is blonde.  Guess I should have known.  Other than the fact that this is the third blonde in a black dress from IT this month, I LOVE her.  Even though I am kind of disappointed in the blonde version ( would have preferred raven on this one), I am still buying.  I will immediately switch out the silver necklace for pearls but the dress is out of the park gorgeous. 

No information was released about skin tone on this one but she looks to be either Japan or Cream to me.  Will have to wait and see.


Dusk Falls at Integrity Toys

For the past couple of years, Integrity Toys has sponsored a contest during their annual convention.  It is a fashion design challenge.  The judges for the competition are Jason Wu and his design team from Integrity Toys.   The person who wins the competition has their design produced by Integrity Toys and it is offered up for sale in the following years collection.  Pretty cool right?  This past years convention design competition winner was Julia Leroy a very talented designer and photographer.  She holds a masters in design so it is no surprise that she would bring those skills into her collecting.  A most excellent design Julia!!!  Thank you so much for sharing your designing talent and creativity with the collecting community.

©2015 Integrity toys

©2015 Integrity Toys

As Dusk Falls
Eugenia Perrin Frost™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
2014 Design Competition Award Doll by Julia Leroy
Edition Size: TBA (Based on all orders received)
Suggested Retail Price: $150 public/$130 W Club Members (+ Shipping and tax if applicable)
Estimated Delivery Date: Approximately Winter 2015/2016

Doll Tech Specs:

Head Sculpt: Eugenia
Body Type: FR 2013
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Colors: Golden Blond
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied

        **Pictures of prototype shown below; final production colors and textures may vary slightly.**

©2015 Integrity toys

©2015 Integrity toys

©2015 Integrity toys

©2015 Integrity toys

This was Julia’s competition entry.  You can follow Julia and her amazing "Culte de Paris" work on Flickr.

©2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

Best of all, this beauty will not just be available to WClubbers but the general public as well!  Check the Integrity Toys shop for more info.


Aristocratic Agnes

©2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

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!! 

©2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

©2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

©2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

©2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

©2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

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. 

©2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

©2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

©2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

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.

©2014 Integrity Toys, Inc

I had WAY too much fun shooting this one. 

©2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

©2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

©2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

©2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

©2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

Oh yes…new favorite model has entered Inside The Fashion Doll Studio.Smile


Integrity Toys Reveals FR/FR2 for 2014

This past Saturday morning, WClub members were treated to the release of information on 4 of Integrity Toy’s product lines.  I will be sending out 4 different blog posts to give information on these lines.  If you are interested in any of these items, you should contact an Integrity Toys Dealer ASAP to secure your selection.  Many of these items are already selling out  as WClub members were allowed to order early.

First reveal up is the 2014 FR line.  This years “Safari” inspired collection was a collaboration between designers Vaughn Sawyer and Jason Wu.  This years collection focuses on the 8 core characters going forward with the new FR/FR2 concept. I would call it “Safari Chic” with some especially fine detailed accessories.  It is a strong and fairly cohesive collection. I adore the color palette used in everything.  The facial screenings are strong and sophisticated.  The accessories are amazingly detailed (check out all the patterns and stitching on the purses alone). 

FR2 2014 logo

Photo source: Integrity Toys

Elusive Creature
Natalia Fatalé™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Edition Size: 800
estimated Ship Date: Approximately August/September 2014
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00

Doll Tech Specs:

Body Type: FR 2013
Head Sculpt: Natalia Fatalé 2.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tones: Hispanic
Hair Color: Serengeti Blond
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied

Elusive Creature Natalia 1

Elusive Creature Natalia 3

Elusive Creature Natalia 4

Elusive Creature Natalia 5

I adore the boots in this outfit and that bag!  I was kind of bummed I did not pick up the gorgeous Natalia at convention last year…now I get to make up for it.  One critique though…could we please see some other kind of hairstyle on poor Natalia.  The girll has had the same hairstyle for the last couple of  releases. 

Faded Desert
Kyori Sato™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Edition Size: 700
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately August/September 2014
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00

Doll Tech Specs:

Body Type: FR 2013
Head Sculpt: Kyori 2.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tones: FR White
Hair Color: Dusk Brunette
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied

Faded Desert Kyori 1

Faded Desert Kyori 2

Faded Desert Kyori 3

Faded Desert Kyori 4

Holy accessories batman!  You had me at the shoes…at the shoes.  The bag is a miniature copy of the Jason Wu “Jordan” bag.  I love the soft neutral colors of this one.  I also love the new facial screenings in this collection…most evident in this Kyori.  Again, this is all about the details…and there were plenty to admire in this entire collection.  I love the cross lacing on the skirt.

City Prowl
Eugenia Perrin Frost™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Edition Size: 800
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately August/September 2014
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00

Doll Tech Specs:

Body Type: FR 2013
Head Sculpt: Eugenia Perrin-Frost
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tones: FR White
Hair Color: Desert Dune Blond
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied

City Prowl Eugenia 1

City Prowl Eugenia  2

City Prowl Eugenia  3

Okay….one word….”Meeeeeeeow!”  This lady is a total cougar right?!  She needs a younger man model following adoringly behind her.  I think my DG Adrian will work for that LOL!  Yes, I already have a set of photos in mind for this one.  I adore this look.

Full Spectrum
Véronique Perrin™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Edition Size: 700
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately August/September 2014
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00

Doll Tech Specs:

Body Type: FR 2013
Head Sculpt: Véronique 2.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tones: Japan
Hair Color: Brownette
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied

Full Spectrum Veronique 1Full Spectrum Veronique 2

Full Spectrum Veronique 3

Full Spectrum Veronique 4

Not sure how this fits with the safari theme but I love the simple elegance of this one.  I adore the cutout back and the short haired Veronique.  Trés Chic!

Vivid Encounter
Adèle Makéda™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Edition Size: 400
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately August/September 2014
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00

Doll Tech Specs:

Body Type: FR 2013
Head Sculpt: Adèle 3.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tones: Light Honey
Hair Color: Raven
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied

Vivid Encounter Adele 1

Vivid Encounter Adele 2

Vivid Encounter Adele 3

The necklace on this one is a stunner.  It is a compilation of little flowers and leaves.  The seaming on this gown is very intricate too.  Again, I really like the facial screening.

On The Rise
Elise Jolie™ Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 700
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately August/September 2014

Doll Tech Specs:

Body Type: FR 2013
Head Sculpt: Elise Jolie
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tones: Japan
Hair Color: Black Panther
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied

On The Rise Elise 1

On The Rise Elise 2

On The Rise Elise 3

On The Rise Elise 4

Wow!!  Elise is one of my favorite face sculpts and this one does not disappoint. 

And….for those lucky enough to have signed up for the Wclub this year…there was a special unveiling event doll available to preorder

Event Doll

High Visibility
Agnes Von Weiss™ Dressed Doll Mini Gift Set
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
2014 W Club Online Event Exclusive
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00 US
Limited Edition Size: TBA
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Late Summer/Early Fall 2014

Doll Tech Specs:

Body Type: FR 2013
Head Sculpts: Agnes Von Weiss
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tones: Japan
Hair Color: Strawberry Red
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied

High Visibility Agnes 2

High Visibility Agnes 3

High Visibility Agnes 5

High Visibility Agnes 4

High Visibility Agnes 6

I am thinking…Best…Event…Doll…Ever!  How can I pass up a redhaired updo Agnes?  I can’t. 

I.T. also announced and showed a photograph of the an IT Direct shoe pack coming out in the fall.  IT direct means lottery people.  There were four pair of fantastic shoes shown in this pack but no pictures were released outside of the video.  I.T. has asked that we not duplicate any portion of the webinar so I can’t share a photo here.  If you are WClub member, you can view the Webinar in it’s entirety on Vimeo.  Just look in your email for a message from the Wclub for the address and password.

Poppy Parker 2014 release coming up in a minute….literally….one minute.

 


The Last WClub doll of 2013

Helloooooooo subscribers!  No, I did not fall into a hole although it kind of feels like I did.  I have multiple blog post devoted to what I have been up to coming up in the next week and there will be pictures.  Suffice it to say…things have been a little crazy Inside The Fashion Doll Studio for the past two months. 

Now that I have given you that little teaser, I need to share the photos and information that Integrity Toys released about the last WClub doll for 2013.  They saved a beauty for the last one.  If you are WClub member and have not purchased this one yet, you need to be quick.  Your window of opportunity closes tomorrow December, 16th at 11:00AM EST.

A Touch of Frost
Eugenia Perrin Frost Dressed Doll
2013 W Club Fashion Royalty® Exclusive
Limited Edition Size:  TBA
Special W Club Suggested Retail Price: $120.00
Estimated Shipping Date: Approximately Late Spring 2014 

Doll Tech Specs:  

Body Type  FR 2013  (revamped FR2 body) 
Quick Switch Feature  No 
Skin Tone  Japan
Hair Color  Raven
Eyelashes  Yes, Hand Applied 
Package Dimensions  6" X 16" X 3" 

A Touch of Frost Eugenia 1

Image source:  Integrity Toys

A Touch of Frost Eugenia 3

Image source:  Integrity Toys

A Touch of Frost Eugenia 2

Image source:  Integrity Toys

A Touch of Frost Eugenia 4

Image source:  Integrity Toys

I love the facial screening on this one.  It is very neutral and soft…definitely my preference.  I adore the accessories, especially the shoes.  The dress…well…I will add my comments to what some of my fellow bloggers have already said and say it gives off a very generic pink label Barbie feel.  Maybe it will improve upon in hand inspection but I am just not feeling it.  I think I would have been much happier with a hemline that wasn’t asymmetrical and tricked out in ruffles and tulle.  To me, this lady calls for something way more sophisticated and classic.  Just my humble opinion.  Does it mean I am not purchasing this one?  Oh please….now what do you think?  LOL!  I believe the key word here will be REDRESS.


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

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What I am listening to in the studio this week:


Third WClub Exclusive Doll Revealed!

If you picked this year to join the WClub, give yourself a big pat on the back.  Integrity Toys revealed the third exclusive WClub doll to its club members and she is a humdinger!!  There is absolutely nothing about this doll that I am not in love with.  She has a dark auburn updo and cream skin tone ( used previously on Elise).  She is on an FR2 body and has hand applied lashes.  BEEEEautiful!

Purity

Dasha™

2013 W Club FR2™ Exclusive Dressed Doll

Limited Edition Size:  TBA

Special W Club Suggested Retail Price: $135.00

Estimated Shipping Date: Approximately Late Fall 2013

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

FR2 Purity Dasha 3

FR2 Purity Dasha 5

FR2 Purity Dasha 6

FR2 Purity Dasha

Holy cow!!  The updo alone on this mahogany haired beauty is enough to open up the pocket book but the dress…oh my the dress.  This is so sculpted and refined…so unbelievably chic and fabulous.  AND…let us take a moment to look at the amazing price!   Since its inception, FR2 has not gone below $150 for a dressed doll.  Not only does Integrity offer up this stunning bit of loveliness but they dropped the price.

 

 

tumblr_mhg67r6n6G1r42zrgo3_250Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner!!!!


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/)

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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. Smile


Dark Swan Sings the Blues

I don’t know about you guys but when I work or process photos, music is a big part of it.  I guess that is why I include a playlist on my blog.  You can always find what I am listening to currently or what I feel works with the content I am sharing on the blog in that playlist.  Today we have the incomparable Billy Holiday as a soundtrack for the photos.  While I was not listening to Billy Holiday when I styled Ms. Elise, the second I added the white flower to her hair the thought  “Lady sings the blues” came to mind and it stuck with me.  That’s why I added the microphone and the story went from there.  Hope you enjoy….

Model:  Fashion Royalty Squared Dark Swan Elise Jolie

Gown,Earrings and Microphone:  Stunning in the Spotlight Silkstone Barbie ( with flower removed )

White flower is another scrapbooking element

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Using my Canon Macro lens……20120505-IMG_8877-Editeditedwmsized

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Ayumi Arrives

This lovely lady was an Integrity Toys IDEX and WClub lottery exclusive and thanks to one of the best doll buddies a girl can have, I was able to purchase one.  Her face is porcelain delicate and the hairdo is unbelievably intricate.  There are a number of peach ribbons running through the braided chignon.  Beautiful!  Her gown is pure Jason Wu.  Yummy!

Luminous
Ayumi™ FR2 Dressed Doll
IT Direct Exclusive
Limited Edition of 350 Dolls Worldwide

WEB_57014_ayumi_full WEB_57014_ayumi_CU

Here are some natural light shots

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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

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And…just because I can’t resist adding more drama to a shot….

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Come home to Mama…..

When I attended the Fashion Royalty convention in October this year, they previewed a doll that was going to be available later in the year by lottery to interested WClub members.  It was a beautiful blonde doll with the old Veronique facemold on a FR2 body wearing an amazing purple gown with accessories and a fabulous updo.  The lottery was held Monday the 19th and I am happy to report that I won the right to purchase one of these beauties.  I hate lotteries because I never seem to win any and I am glad that everyone who entered the lottery seemed to have won the right to purchase.  I am hoping she will be shipping soon!!

10th Anniversary “Forever” Veronique

*Photos are property of Integrity Toys*

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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)

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And my vision of this photo as a holiday card Smile

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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.


Face Time–using props as inspiration.

I don’t know about others but when I photograph something, many times the inspiration for the set up comes from one prop.  In many of my dioramas, I will start with one piece that will set the entire tone for the whole room.  In this case, it’s all about the face.  I saw these very interesting figures at my local Z Gallery and just had to have one for a prop.  I don’t  normally go for the contemporary pieces but this one appealed to me so home with me it went and into the studio for a photo shoot.

Model:  FR Squared Engaging Elise

Dress and bracelet:  Trace of Lace Silkstone Barbie

Shoes:  FR Squared Engaging Elise

Wineglass:  Ocara

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And because I just couldn’t leave my macro lens sitting all lonely on the table…….

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I just love the face on this Elise.  **Note**  Her hair has been slightly restyled from her original style.  I took the the side down and pulled it over her forehead a bit.  I had seen some other collectors do this on Flickr and on the WClub and loved it so I copied the style.


Dark Swan Elise is Parisienne Pretty

There is just something about a redhead in blue.  I had wanted to do this photo a couple of weeks ago in anticipation of the royal wedding.  I felt for sure Ms. D.S. Elise could have been attending the wedding in this.  The kicky little hat would have most certainly been appropriate.

Model:  Fashion Royalty Squared Dark Swan Elise

Outfit:  Parisienne Pretty Silkstone Barbie

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Renegade Dasha is in the House!

I did not win the right to purchase this lovely lady in the lottery but thanks to a fellow collector and a fabulous trade, Renegade Dasha is in the house!  I really love the styling of this particular FR Squared Dasha.  She is very sophisticated and sleek.  Yes, the half bun half ponytail hairstyle is a bit of a mystery but it is fairly easy to work around.  I really like the blond hair, pale skin and red, red lips.  She seemed to me like she needed a sleek and sophisticated backdrop so I imagined her at a swanky wine bar with a lovely merlot.  We live in wine country  so I will use wine many times for my props.

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Dasha models for Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi

I love the versatility of James Bogue’s creations.  Normally I head straight for the Silkstones to find a model for his designs but the smaller bodied Fashion Royalty girls can fit into them very well also.  I especially like the F.R. squared line and here we find Modern Sensibility Dasha modeling a cream silk dress and jacket with a leopard hat and muff.  Let’s be honest…there was a hat involved here and I LOVE animal print accessories so the second I saw the leopard print hat…it was “game over”.  James was a wonderful friend to make a matching muff for me.

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Bogue’s Vogues can be found at http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues

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Dark Swan FR Squared gets married

I guess I just wasn’t quite finished with Dark Swan in this gown.  My first idea when sewing her into this dress was to do a wedding shoot.  Somehow, the wedding shoot turned into a high fashion photo first then looped back around for the wedding shoot.  Ahhh…the creative process was never a straight line where I am concerned.

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Renegade Dasha!

Integrity Toys has a new doll in their Fashion Royalty Squared line and she is drop dead gorgeous. She just screams old style Hollywood glamour to me.   She has an issue size of 300 and will only be available to the lucky people who win the chance to purchase her in a W Club lottery.  Yes, I purchased a lottery ticket and YES I hope to win the chance to purchase her.  I love everything about this lovely lady but I particularly love the fashion and accessories.  Lucky winners will be selected on or around Monday, March 28th.  I will be sitting on pins and needles with many others that day.  My luck at lotteries has been really bad as of late.  My philosophy has been and continues to be that if a doll is meant to be in my collection, it will be.  If it is not meant to be…well…then it just isn’t.  Win or lose..she is a winner for being just so gorgeous!

All photos in this post are property of Integrity toys.

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