Bye Bye FR:Monograms
Integrity Toys announced this past week in a post they called “An exciting evolution!” that they would be discontinuing their FR:Monogram line in a move to help focus and unify the other lines. Per the email from Integrity, the final Monograms will make an appearance at convention and then will forever “Requiescat in pace” R.I.P. The FR: FR2 line will be merged with the FR classic line and a new updated FR/FR2 body will be introduced and used for all future Fashion Royalty offerings. Nu.Face and FR: Homme will get an update in 2014. Exciting news for sure.
My guess is that the classic styling that was the bread and butter of the Monogram line will now be serviced by their Victoire product. Not surprising. Many in the collecting community were expecting this but it still makes me sad. The Monograms were a particular favorite of mine and some of my personal favorite photos were produced with this line. That being the case, I thought I would do a little retrospective with this fabulous line. I am happy to have these dolls in my collection and don’t plan on selling them. It is also interesting to see how my photography has changed over the past couple of years 
IFDC 2013–Horror High Vegas!!!
The International Fashion Doll Convention was held this weekend in Las Vegas. The theme was Horror High Vegas and the exclusive dolls that were offered and given at the convention did not disappoint attendees.
As has become standard with Integrity Toys and its relationship with IFDC, all of the dolls come from the Integrity Toys NU Fantasy line. This is a realm where fantasy, drama and high couture fashion mix for an interesting and edgy look and feel.
Photos are courtesy of Integrity Toys, Inc.
Convention Exclusive
Item #91321
Dark Fable
Horror High Vegas!!!
2013 IFDC IT DIRECT Exclusive Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $150.00 US
Limited Edition of 300 Dolls
Head Sculpt: Imogen™
Body Type: Fashion Royalty®
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Duo-Toned Black and Red
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
The Convention Doll
Item #91320
Glam Vamp
Horror High Vegas!!!
2013 IFDC Exclusive Convention Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $175.00 US
Limited Edition of 300 Dolls
Head Sculpt: Anja™
Body Type: Fashion Royalty®
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Raven
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
The Convention Companion Doll
Item #91322
Blood Lines
Horror High Vegas!!!
2013 IFDC Exclusive Companion Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $150.00 US
Limited Edition of 300 Dolls
Head Sculpt: Tatiana™ (V 1.0)
Body Type: Fashion Royalty®
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Japan
Hair Color: Jet Black with White Streaks
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
If you are a WClub member, a small number of all of these beauties will be up for lottery purchase. For more in depth reporting and photos from this convention, feel free to visit Shuga’s excellent blog Shuga Shug’s Blog
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…
Sweet,Swiss and Provencale
The title of this post sounds like a new bistro sandwich LOL! The earlier gowns of the BFMC Barbie line are the favorites of many. This gown from a Barbie called “Provencale” with it’s delicate blue and white pattern was originally worn by a short haired redhead.
(source Barbiecollector.com)
(source Barbiecollector.com)
I have never warmed to that particular doll in that dress. I love the dress and I love the doll…just not together. This dress, since it entered my collection, has graced the form of French Maid Barbie.
For a time last week, this gown was beautifully worn by the newly released red haired Poppy Parker. Hope you like the photos.
Model: Sweet in Switzerland Poppy Parker
Gown and Jewelry: Provencale™ Barbie® Doll
And just in case you needed even more drama in these photos….
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….
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!
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.**
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.
Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner!!!!
WClub Exclusive Victoire Roux Revealed
If you love 1950’s fashion, you will have much to be happy about in this offering. The team at Integrity is giving the WClub a green eyed, titian haired Victoire with new facial screening. She is described as having “FR Caucasian skin tone”, hand applied lashes and “Ultra-Rich Red, Fully Rooted Hair”.
Monte Carlo Victoire Roux™
2013 W Club Exclusive Dressed Doll
Limited Edition Size: TBA
Special W Club Suggested Retail Price: $125.00
Estimated Shipping Date: Approximately Fall 2013
According to the write-up from Integrity, the coat is a deep pink velvet and has the elegant moniker of "grand manteau de soirée". Hey…this lady is my kind of gal. She comes with her own cocktail! Martini’s anyone?!
Photos by Integrity Toys, Inc. (http://integritytoys.com/page/landing)
My first thought was…”I’m not totally lovin’ it” I love the hairstyle and the fact that she is a redhead. I am not sure of the facial screening yet. I think my main problem is the thin eyebrows ( totally agree with you there Hilda!). Did she over pluck them? I’m thinking…yes. However, now that I think about it, it is definitely more high fashion 1950’s ( think Dovima, enough said). Moving on from the eyebrows, I LOVE the coat, hat and little martini glass. I am not loving the massive amounts of ruffles on the dress. It looks like she might be wearing one(or possibly two…I lost count) cocktail waitress apron(s) too many. That being said, I am still ordering her. I see potential. I also see inspiration from 1950’s Dior…what’s not to like about that?!
Photo Credit: Vogue
New packaging too!
Keyyyyoooot!
Poppy in the Conservatory
…with Professor Plum and a candlestick {Snort!}. No, we are not playing the game Clue…but it sure sounds like it. Some times I have an idea for a photo and it simply won’t go away. I received a couple new pieces of furniture this past week and I knew I was in trouble when I formulated a game plan before I went to bed and woke up with new ideas on how to make the scene work. I realized…I was already on the road to doing the diorama so I might as well get on with it. My enthusiasm ( cough, cough obsession) was fueled even further by some amazing photos on Flickr by Stilleto Queen (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stilettoqueen/). This one was an idea that needed some lead time for construction so that explains my blog absence for the past week. I was very lucky to find some resources online for this shoot and I will share them at the end of this post. If you wish to make some of the items in this post, get ready to make glue, glue dots and scissors your best friends.
Model: “Sea Breeze” Poppy Parker
Gown and jewelry: Petal Perfect by Dressmaker Details(http://www.windycitydolls.com/dressmaker.htm)
Table and Chairs: Mini Chair ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/miniCHAIR?ref=top_trail)
Some candid shots during the shoot. Loved how the sun was hitting the scene while I shot this!!
Photo of the set up…real high tech…right down to the Star Wars AND Lord of the Rings Trivial Pursuit games holding up the chandelier. My family and I are complete geeks. Yes, that is an old window providing the back wall. I love it!
Do you like the French flower pails and tin pitchers? Well they are made of paper and available for download at:
http://miniatures.about.com/od/dollhouseprintables/ss/flowercontainers.htm
Actual downloads are on page two of article above and in multiple scales. These are all in 1/6 scale. I used heavier weight presentation paper for this project because cardstock was just too heavy and hard to work with. I also wanted a slight shine to the items but not glossy so the presentation paper worked well. Tip: to keep the flower pails from tipping over when you put something in them, fill them up halfway with rice. It weighs it down and helps hold the stems in place . Tip: Ever filled a mini pot and wondered what to use for dirt? Try coffee grounds.
Happy mini gardening!!
The Blogging Blues
We all have them. Those times when we just can’t seem to summon the energy to get things done. I find myself in this state of ennui from time to time.
That is where I feel I have been for the last week. Yesterday, however, the sun came out and I decided to do some redressing and get with the program. I grabbed my trusty point and shoot and had some fun with the sunshine. Hope you like 
Model: Victoire Roux Place Vendome
Gloves: Victoire Roux Place Vendome
Suit and hat: Bellissima Couture (http://bellissimacouturefashions.wordpress.com/)
Shoes and Jewelry: Mattel
Model ,Gloves and Jewelry: Think Pink! Imogen
Gown: Victoire Roux Place Vendome
And…behind the scenes.
Getting Ready for the Oscars
When I was doing multiple posts on award show fashions, I was thinking wouldn’t it be fun to do a photo of Barbie getting ready for the Oscars. I needed an appropriate background and Mattel provided that with their amazing new Barbie Look Wardrobe. It also needed a bigger than life dress because it is…after all…the Oscars. Who better than Jason Wu and his talented team at Integrity Toys could do that?! Finally, I needed the prefect model for the dress and I wanted someone who is not seen that often. Since I am a deboxer, I have the luxury of redressing a rare or low production number doll. For this photo shoot, I decided to use Pinch of Platinum. She is a platinum edition doll which means there are no more than 999 of her in the world. I also felt , given the pain and aggravation of her entry into my collection https://insidethefashiondollstudio.com/2011/05/25/pinch-of-platinum-how-about-a-bucket-of-valium/ , she deserved her moment to shine. No valium necessary with this one .
Model, earings, shoes: Pinch of Platinum Barbie
Bracelet: Showgirl Silkstone Barbie
Gown: Dark Romance Giselle NuFace Fashion Royalty
Set: Barbie Look Wardrobe, Horsman pink chair and scroll side table, Jonathan Adler side table, Randall Craig zebra rug and too many little items to name individually. If you have questions on any item, just ask .
Stylist: ITFDS
How about this fabulous closet and it’s potential! When it comes to diorama pieces folks…it doesn’t get any better than this. My only complaint is the price. It is pricey ( $70!!). I purchased this one on sale and received $20 off. That definitely made it more palatable. It comes with three interchangeable backgrounds ( I love the black and white one!) and you could make your own too I suppose if you had big enough paper. Oh, and drawers open and it comes with a bunch of hangers. Someone mentioned on the doll boards that it would be great if Mattel could offer an extra set of hangers on their website. Excellent notion!
And… because Rebecca loves her macro lens…a few more shots of the doll and her accessories. Love those shoes! If you click them together three times and say “There is no place like Mattel” do you think you could be transported there?
Music from the shoot…..
Integrity Toys is putting on its “Funny Face”
At the Fashion Royalty 2012 convention, Integrity Toys gave attendees a tantalizing peak into 2013 and some projects in the works. We were asked not to take photos and I ( like a good girl) set my camera down on the table and listened instead of reported. I decided I didn’t want to blog about it until I had some photos. Integrity Toys released a photo to Dolls Magazine for their January edition and all of us bloggers received the green light to share.
Integrity toys is doing a Funny Face collection!!! Kudos to Integrity Toys for they are, I believe, paying homage to one of the richest displays of haute couture fashion in a movie. Hubert de Givenchy designed Ms. Hepburn’s wardrobe in this classic and in so doing gave us a gift that keeps on giving each and every time we watch the movie. It never dies for me…I am floored by the beauty of the couture every single time.
"His are the only clothes in which I am myself. He is far more than a couturier, he is a creator of personality," Hubert de Givenchy’s muse Audrey Hepburn said of the designer.
—http://www.vogue.co.uk/spy/biographies/hubert-de-givenchy-biography
Given that they are taking on a movie that was elevated to cult status by Hubert de Givenchy fashions, Integrity has given themselves a high mountain to climb to satisfy the couture snobs among us. I don’t know which one of Integrity’s designers took on this mammoth job but I suspect..they are up to the challenge. I am waiting with baited breath to see what they have planned. Integrity has stated that Funny Face will be one of the collections that will be officially unveiled to the 2013 W Club later this month during their first upcoming 2013 online event . If you want the info first, you will need to become a WClub member. Registration is currently open but will be closing on January 16th. For more information about this please see my blog post https://insidethefashiondollstudio.com/2012/12/20/wclub-2013-registration-now-open/
The doll: What we know. She is the Veronique version 1 face sculpt on a Poppy Parker body ( if memory serves correctly). Based on board feedback,some collectors are happy that Integrity is bringing back some of the older original face molds. I for one think it’s brilliant. You make fans of the older and much loved face sculpts happy and you use it to bring in new collectors with a fun an interesting twist. Some are not too sure about the Poppy Parker body she is reported to be on. I am thrilled. This means the clothing will most likely be interchangeable with my Poppy’s ( HUGE BONUS!!) and some of my silkies too {{YES!!}}. The possibilities for redressing and photographing are giving me reason to hyperventilate right here and now. {Rebecca takes a moment to collect herself….okay onward with the blog post}
Okay, Okay….so speculation is running rampant on the WClub board as to what outfits will be reproduced for this collection. My wish would be…ALL OF THEM! Hubert de Givenchy is a genius! Realistically however I am thinking, like Sabrina, there will be 4 or possibly 5 dolls with outfits produced. So…which ones will they be? My memory recalls that the picture we saw at convention had this Veronique above in the classic “Take the picture, take the picture” red gown with her descending the stairs in the Louvre with Winged Victory gloriously displayed behind her. That’s the iconic gown that most people remember from this movie and it was reproduced for the 2008 NBDCC convention in Kansas City.
** Photo courtesy of Mattel and Barbiecollector.com**
If Integrity does this one, as I suspect they are, that leaves possibly 4 more that could also be produced ( and I am just guessing here folks on what MIGHT be produced based on what they did with Sabrina last year). Continuing on my complete speculation train…here are the outfits I am hoping to see…in no particular order
1. The Wedding dress…come on guys…they HAVE to do this one! Has this ever been produced for 1/6 scale? I don’t recall ever seeing it but then I have not been in the collecting arena as long as some of my readers so.. feel free to call me on this one. I know some amazing OOAK artists have done this one but have never seen it manufactured in larger numbers.
The incomparable Hubert de Givenchy as he fitted Ms. Hepburn for this costume.
2. The exquisite white and pink princess gown. I remember seeing this in the movie when I was younger and feeling my jaw drop. Didn’t we all want to be her at that very moment??!! Matt Sutton and Natalia Sheppard brought us close with their amazing OOAK’s 
Oh the pink/white glory of that gown and jewels…..
**Picture below is courtesy of Matt Sutton www.mattsutton.com and Natalia Sheppard www.nataliasheppard.com. You can also find more of Natalia’s work on Flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/36742856@N05/page4/**
3. The flower shop. I have always wanted this one produced….for the hat alone LOL! The problem with this one will be…My OCD will have me recreating the entire flower shop for a photo shoot. {Snort!}
4. My fourth and final pick. This was a hard one and I went back and forth between three…that glorious green coat from the Opera scene, the floral embroidered gown in front of the fountain with the birds or the polka dot gown with the unforgettable aqua cape. The polka dots won.
I would love to see three other gowns produced but know it would be impossible to produce all of these. This is my blog however, and I can wish for what I want to wish for
Also….
And…..
Oh and one last one in closing…..
I always thought the hat above inspired Robert Best for his Garden Party outfit hat.
** photo courtesy of Mattel, Inc. and Barbiecollector.com**
Anywhoo…. This is turning into a mammoth sized post. A reminder….Integrity has stated that Funny Face will be one of the collections that will be officially unveiled to the 2013 W Club later this month during their first upcoming 2013 online event! . If you want the info first, you will need to become a WClub member. Registration is currently open but will be closing on January 16th. For more information about this please see my blog post https://insidethefashiondollstudio.com/2012/12/20/wclub-2013-registration-now-open/
WClub 2013 Registration Now Open!!
It is always a treat to see what Integrity Toys has lined up for a new club year and 2013 doesn’t disappoint. Current club members received sneak peaks about a week ago and today, full information and registration links were disclosed. Here is a taste of what 2013 will bring WClub members.
Fashion Royalty Upgrade Doll
Love That One Kyori Sato
Poppy Parker Upgrade Doll
To The Fair! Poppy Parker
“And More Perks…
You’ll get access to MEMBERS-ONLY exclusive online events where the IT design team unveil their latest creations. The first online event will take place in approximately late January right when the 2013 W Club officially starts for the year! Everyone loves these online events and you won’t want to miss this one!
For 2013, every member will have an opportunity (in addition to the upgrade dolls) to pre-order two Club-exclusive Fashion Royalty dolls, one exclusive Poppy Parker doll and one exclusive Victoire Roux doll! “
Okay, Okay I.T…you had me at Victoire Roux doll….you had me at Victoire Roux doll. 
“All 2013 W Club members will be guaranteed the ability to purchase a Club-only exclusive JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™* doll! In addition to this exclusive JEM Club doll, members will also receive first to know JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™* dolls updates!
And there will be more lotteries, more exclusives and more surprises during the year!”
There are more perks as well. For more information on the WClub and what it’s all about, click on the photo below and read the brochure(pdf file). NOTE*** Registration has a firm deadline of 9PM CST, January 16th, 2013. If you are at all interested, look for links at the bottom of this post for more information and registration process. Once registration is closed, there are no more opportunities to sign up until December of next year***
Not a WClub member?? Want to be one?? Just click on the picture below to go directly to the registration page.
I am sooooo signing up for this again. I have been a member for 5 years and have never been disappointed.
‘Out Sass’ Inspiration?
Ever since this doll’s photos were released, a little birdie has been sitting on my shoulder saying “You have seen that jacket before.” I decided to go and check my file of favorite fashions I keep from the previous seasons fashion shows and “Eureka!”
I loved this suit when I saw it..hence the saved link to the picture…and I am happy to see it as an inspiration for a 1/6 design by the talented folks at Integrity.
** Photo credit Integrity Toys, Inc and Style.com**
Integrity Toys Offers to “Out Sass” the WClub
Integrity Toys announces their second and final Fashion Royalty 12 inch WClub exclusive for 2012. There is still one more 16 inch exclusive doll to unveil but this is the final 12 inch Fashion Royalty offering for the year. If you are member of the 2012 WClub, you have the option to purchase one of these beauties.
Out Sass
Vanessa Perrin Dressed Doll
Fall 2012 FR W Club Exclusive
Suggested Retail Price: $125
Limited Edition: TBA
Special W Club Member Pricing: $125.00
Approximate Ship Date: Late Winter/Early Spring 2013
**Pictures are property of Integrity Toys, Inc.**
Okay….so typically I adhere to the philosophy that the total is the sum of it’s parts. In the case of this doll…I think it’s worth thinking about the individual parts instead of the sum it is showing here. Am I justifying the purchase of this doll??? Most likely…. but stay with me here:
1) Purple fur? Not feeling it with this outfit unless she is planning a late night walking kind of profession but partner that fur with a black evening dress and then we might have something.
2) Green Jacket with rose colored skirt and purple belt….not feeling that either. However, put that jacket with another dress or skirt and we will have a winner. Same thing with the skirt. Purple belt?…will need to keep thinking on that.
3) Boots and purse….not feeling those with this outfit but on their own with something else…oh yeah.
4) The hat. Not feeling it with this outfit but can always use another black hat.
5) Fishnets: Works with the edgy outfit concept so another keeper item.
6) The Doll. A redheaded Vanessa 3.0 Don’t really need to justify anything else…I’m buying.
7) Lace overlay top has potential as well. That is actually something that works with that skirt in my opinion.
Integrity Toys, Inc. is ready for their close up…
…as they bring collectors an iconic character from the classic film noir movie Sunset Boulevard.
Here is the write up from Integrity Toys, Inc.:
“Integrity Toys, Inc., in collaboration with Paramount Pictures Corporation, is proud to introduce an ultra-detailed collectible doll inspired by the iconic character of Norma Desmond in the movie Sunset Boulevard, which will be available in late November 2012 just in time to celebrate the release of this iconic film on Blu-Ray!
Praised by many critics when first released, Sunset Boulevard was nominated for eleven Academy Awards® and won three. It is widely accepted as a classic, often cited as one of the greatest films of American cinema. Deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" by the U.S. Library of Congress in 1989, Sunset Boulevard was included in the first group of films selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.
With its larger than life and over the top leading character and stark view on stardom, Sunset Boulevard made a lasting impression on both film making and acting.
About the Doll
This fully articulated 12" vinyl doll has applied eyelashes and a fully rooted dramatic hairstyle closely inspired by the character of Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard. Using a Giselle head mold on a Nu.Face body, the Norma Desmond doll comes wearing the dramatic black ensemble that the character wears when she decides to pay a surprise visit to her former movie director on the set of his latest film. The look is composed of a sophisticated long sleeved black dress, topped with a reversible short "fur" caplet with matching "fur" muff, a dramatic black hat with a single white feather perfectly placed on the front, a faux-diamond jewelry set and black pumps. The doll also comes with a doll stand and a certificate of authenticity. Ages 14 & up. “
To set the stage a little…here is a promotional shot from the movie and a sketch by the famous costume designer Edith Head.
**The sketch above was found at http://www.silverscreenmodiste.com/2010_07_01_archive.html an amazing blog I found while researching this piece. Check out the blog at http://www.silverscreenmodiste.com/**
And here is Integrity’s interpretation of Norma Desmond. I LOVE it!!!
Norma Desmond
Sunset Boulevard Commemorative Collectible Doll
Limited Edition of 500 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: $119.00 USD
Estimated Date of Arrival: Week of November 19, 2012
Contact your Integrity Toys dealer ASAP if interested in purchasing this lady. WClub members received information about her a few days ago and word is, she is a hot seller. To find an authorized Integrity Toys dealer go here http://integritytoys.com/page/dealers.
The Lady in Red: Part Three
A change of models, couture and hats. I have had this hat for a year and on this model for almost as long but just have not gotten around to photographing her…bad me. I am a big fan of the Integrity Toys FR2 Fashion Royalty line. The high couture slimmer articulated body makes for great poseability. I just wish their feet were the same size as the others…it can be a bit of a pain to find the right pair of shoes because the choices are limited. Integrity Toys is trying, in my opinion, to make up for that a bit by gifting us with some amazing shoe sets at their convention every year. Now, if they could make a shoe set available to the WClub each year {hint, hint}, that would be fantastic!
I would have to say that of all the FR2 characters, Elise is my “go to” girl. I feel she has an eastern European look and to me that epitomizes high fashion in all the fashion magazines right now. I think it’s the cheekbones…she has KILLER cheekbones. I guess you could take away from this blog that it’s all about 1) the hat and 2) the cheekbones LOL!
Model and Shoes: FR2 “Engaging” Elise Jolie
Dress: Bogue’s Vogues(http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues)
Hat: Alyrenee(http://alyrenee.blogspot.com/)
Music is a huge part of my life. Both of my kids play an instrument or in my son’s case, multiple instruments ( amazing to me because he has significant hearing loss…a regular Beethoven that kid). There is always music of some kind playing at my house…so I wanted to share some of the music that influences the blog posts or the music that is playing during the photoshoots. For this one, it was “This is Love” by Will.i.am …a big thanks to my daughter for pointing me to this song. 
The Lady In Red: Part Two
Model: Fashion Royalty “Fascination” Monogram
Suit: Miniature Couture
Hat: Jakki Peters
Jewelry: Silkstone Barbie Mattel
Shoes: FR2 “Engaging” Elise
Your Kind of Model Kesenia..On Approach
Limited edition of 400. I am normally not a big fan of the open mouth face mold but there was something about the platinum hair and the little black fur jacket that spoke to me. Hope her promo shots are close the the actual doll. I have to give Integrity a big high five on their accessories this year. They are phenomenal!! Now…if we could just get the delivery date a little closer to when they announce these beauties…life would be almost perfect.
As it has been a while since this doll was announced….here is a recap of her promo shots.
The Lady in Red: Part One
Photography, in my opinion, is just like any other art form. Some days you can be inspired and others….nothin’. When it comes to photographing my collection, this happens to me all the time. Sometimes, I will be inspired by something that can fuel ideas for sets of shoots that will keep me in blogging material for a couple of weeks. I love it when that happens! I was inspired recently by one prop and a treasure trove of Jakki Peters hats that I picked up at the recent Fashion Royalty Convention. The material that came out of those shoots has become some of my favorite shots for the entire year. Hope you enjoy this series which I call….The Lady in Red.
Model: Fashion Royalty “Fascination” Monogram
Hat: Jakki Peters ( gift from a table mate at FR convention)
Suit: Miniature Couture
Flowers, earrings , Shoes and necklace: Silkstone Barbie
Flowers: Market Place Silkstone Barbie
High Profile Eugenia…The Redress
Given that I saw old Hollywood when I saw this lady for the first time, it can come as no surprise that I went for glamour when it came to redressing her. When it came to a brunette with cherry red lips…there was only one color I wanted to go with…RED.
Model: High Profile Eugenia
Gown: T.D. Fashions
Fur: Dimitha
Jewelry: High Profile Eugenia
Imogen–Fame by Frame
Or…Frame by Frame as I called her initially and had to be corrected. Frame by Frame would have been the perfect title for this post as I decided to do some redressing and additional photo shoots for the 2012 Fashion Royalty Convention doll Imogen. I have to completely own up and say when I opened the box at the last nights convention dinner, I was underwhelmed. The outfits were very modern ( not my general thing) and two out of the three outfits were coral red. It was all a little one note for me. I would have preferred a gown or even a swimsuit but not two dresses in the same color. The doll just wasn’t doing anything for me in the box. When I flew back home from convention a few weeks ago, this lady was firmly on my “to sell” pile. Then, I started seeing photos on flickr that had me rethinking ( yes Shuga…I mean you!). I decided to debox and play. I found that my first impression was…WRONG. I am adoring this one and have endeavored to glam her up a bit for my shots.
Model: Fame by Frame Imogen
Jacket and gold top: Barbie Basics
Purse: FR Monogram
Jewelry: Fashion Royalty and Dynamite Girl
Shorts and Shoes: In the Trenches NuFace outfit
Okay..so who here bought this outfit below and could never find a doll that looked good in it?? {{Rebecca raises her hand emphatically}}. I adore this outfit but could never find anyone who looked good in it…until now. Apparently the trick is to find a model with a tan!!
Model: Fame By Frame Imogen
Outfit and shoes: “In the Trenches” NuFace outfit
And because I had to find the right evening look for this lady….I finally found someone who could wear the “Anemone” Christian Louboutin gown. The oompaloompa doll it came on had to go. Sorry folks. I don’t mean to be disrespectful and if you have that doll and adore her…my apologies…but..to me she just looked like a bad spray tanning accident. Ms. Imogen however, looked fabulous in it!!
If you want to see this lady shine in some urban chicness, you should visit Shuga’s blog at http://www.shugashug.com/2012/10/09/fame-by-frame/
Workshop Poppy Parker
One of the many benefits of going to convention is the opportunity to participate in a workshop. This year I learned how to do some minor face paint adjustments and restyle hair. I found the workshops both informative and just plain fun. One of the additional perks of the workshops is that you typically can purchase a special doll to use as practice in these workshops. I was able to secure a spot in the Poppy Parker hairstyle class with Matt Sutton so I was able to purchase one of the Poppy Parker workshop dolls and I ADORE her. I did not play with her hair in the class like many of the others because I just felt she was perfect as is. I liked how Integrity Toys handled the workshops this year as well. They set up the actual classroom spaces to be first come first serve but made 300 workshop dolls available to those who wished to just purchase the doll. It seemed like most people were happy with that…if they didn’t get into the class, they could at least get the doll. I believe most if not all of the extra workshop dolls were available for purchase in the sales room too. The Poppy Parker workshop dolls sold out first on sales room day ( you lucky dogs at the front of the line!) . The photos will tell you why 
Tropicalia workshop Poppy Parker and Dream Teen Poppy Parker in Envied and Passionate Monogram dresses. Chair was a gift to all convention attendees.
Note: You don’t need an elaborate background to have an interesting backdrop. Sometimes the boxes themselves can be interesting and fun.
Tropicalia…The Inspiration
Every year after convention, there are a few of us ( myself included) who rouse ourselves from the post convention doll hangover and ask the question “ I wonder what fashions inspired this years collection?”. If you have asked yourself this question, you are in luck. I was strolling through Flickr the other day and happened upon a fashion super sleuth. Their Flickr ID is JL998 and they have graciously given me permission to republish their photos here. Thank you JL998!! ** for more information on how to see more of their photos see below in this post**
It would appear that this years Tropicalia convention Imogen gift set was inspired by Anthony Vaccarello’s 2012 Spring RTW show.
And Collette and Erin from the convention collection appear to have been inspired by Mr. Vacarello’s designs as well
It would also appear, according to JL988’s super detective work, that Prada’s 2012 Spring RTW line was another big influence in this years convention collection.
I need to spend more time figuring out how to turn my swimsuits into ball gowns 
It also occurs to me that I need to be paying more attention to this years just finished Spring RTW fashion shows! Perhaps the seeds of next years convention inspiration have already been sewn( pun intended). For more photos of JL889’s super fashion sleuthing visit their flickr at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/64796926@N06/with/8049519162/#photo_8049519162
Inside the Fashion Doll Studio 