6/26/2017

Jamieshow Convention "East Meets West"

I attended a fun, three day event in Chicago at the Jamieshow/Gene Convention this past weekend.
Although I don't actually collect JS or Gene any longer, I wanted to spend time with friends and go back to Chicago which I loved the first time I was there. 

I'll describe the worst part of the trip first.

You may agree that flying and airports are not fun anymore. The plane rides were smooth and thankfully uneventful. In spite of the size of the seat, it's enough room for me as I always get an aisle seat and pay for the extra inch or two of leg room up front when I buy my ticket. And I am small.
Philadelphia airport is not too bad. They seem to have done a lot of modernizing. But American Airlines does this thing called priority boarding. Either you have a first class ticket or you pay to board first. No to both. So I was in group 6 out of 9 in spite of the fact that my seat was in row 8. Everybody's in such a hurry to get on the plane to stuff up the overhead bins with items they're not supposed to put there. I saw child-sized carry-ons taking up the room of an adult sized carry-on. Those items are supposed to be placed under the seats. Luckily no one was dragged off the plane broken and bleeding.  
Chicago's O'Hare is a real nightmare. It reminds me of what the traffic pattern in India looks like. You can't see more than a few feet ahead of you when you're as short as I am. The human mass of which I was part, was directed to walk an alternative route to baggage claim. (I racked up a load of steps that day on my Fitbit.)  Some jerk left a vehicle unattended outside the terminal and officials shut down an entire area, diverting all traffic elsewhere. I had no idea how to get to the shuttle. While waiting for someone to tell me how to get there, the emergency was lifted and the shuttles were once again allowed to enter the area. Goody.
Returning to Philadelphia was a bucket of fun, too. For some reason the x-ray machine detected something in my left hip area. I have no implants, neither did I have coins or a metal belt on my person. So along comes a lady with her blue plastic feel-your-junk gloves. However, she was very professional and nice and I was not uncomfortable. 
To make up for that,  O'Hare is a gigantic food court. The choices are dizzying. I had the most tasty deep dish cheesy pizza ever. Score 1 point for Mr. Edward Henry "Butch" O'Hare.

I spent Thursday walking and shopping. My favorite shop in Chicago is the Museum of Contemporary Art Store. You MUST go there. I can spend 2 hours browsing, touching and deciding what to buy. Their products range from the sublime to the ridiculous and everywhere in between.  I have provided a link to their store but the shop has more than they have listed and is much more fun.

A cocktail party was held on Friday evening accompanied by a band with a collection preview afterward. 

On Saturday there was a buffet breakfast followed by two workshops - shoe making by Juli Riedel and wig cap styling by Joseph Novak. After a short break, Pat Henry gave a talk accompanied by a slide show on the basics of photography. She included tips on taking better iPhone photos along with suggestions for photo editing apps.
The salesroom opened at 2:00 PM. It was very busy with lines snaking through an adjoining room for several hours. The companion dolls such as Trent created quite a stir as did Madra. 
Saturday evening was the main dinner at which Mel Odom gave a talk. He is always entertaining. We were gifted with a set of flat feet for Jamieshow gals and some other little goodies.
Sunday morning was the farewell breakfast buffet. 

Here are my mostly unedited (iPhone) photos from the event. I will let them speak for themselves. You can click to enlarge.

The Dolls:


 Six New Basic Dolls. Everyone loved the Anna Wintour type. 
I want the wig cap Lee is wearing for my Alejandro.


 Ten New Fashions



Correction: There were 12 new outfits. Kay Stemnock sent the additional photo above, right.


 Gene


 Trent- San  (I added the San.)



Ling Lang


The gorgeous convention souvenir doll Luna Li.


 Madra





Also offered in the shop were loads of wig caps, posing hands, doll stands and a very few dolls from last year's convention. 

Attendees:













Workshop kibbitzers. This was the most fun of the weekend.












Out of the Hotel


Great architecture old and new and gazillions of shops.  I have to admit that I'm spoiled living in Pennsylvania. We have no sales tax on clothing and I live less than 30 minutes from the largest mall in the eastern US. As my real estate agent says, "Shopping is a sport here."


 Above: Outside the Lego and American Girl stores.

Old Firehouse

 The new American Girl hotel accessory, front and back.










Great view from my window looking north on Michigan Ave to the Lake.

The best part of the event for me was sharing with friends old and new. I enjoy conventions of this size as one can really talk to everyone. The dolls were so beautiful that I just had to buy one and that was Madra. She is waiting (patiently) for a photo shoot in my studio. 

5/13/2017

New Poppy Parker Collection Debuts "Swinging London"

Sign of the Times
Poppy Parker™ 2 Doll Gift Set
The Swinging London Collection
Edition Size: 825
Estimated Delivery: Mid to Late-Summer 2017
Suggested Retail Price: $180.00 US
Body: Poppy 1.5 (Body disassembles and features newly improved joint stability)
Foot Sculpt: Traditional Poppy feet with articulated ankles
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Brunette (Doll No.1) and Platinum Blonde (Doll No.2)
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Poppy is in London and she'd like a Carnaby Street makeover. She hits some of the most popular London boutiques like "Sign of the Times" and gets her hair and makeup done at the grooviest salon in London... Sid Vasoon.


Newly arrived from her modeling stint in Paris, Poppy knows it's time for a new look and this gift set totally delivers! Here you get not one, but two fabulous Poppy Parker dolls in the same super fun collector friendly package, showing Poppy upon her arrival to London from Paris and then post her sleek Mod makeover! Each fully rooted and articulated doll features very distinctive looks, designed to illustrate Poppy's passage to a new evolution of her look as a "Mod"ern teen idol! 



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Item # PP113
Glad All Over
Poppy Parker™ Gift Set
The Swinging London Collection
Edition Size: 725
Estimated Delivery: Mid to Late-Summer 2017
Suggested Retail Price: $160.00 US
Body: Poppy 1.5 (Body disassembles and features newly improved joint stability)
Foot Sculpt: Traditional Poppy feet with articulated ankles
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Blonde
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Poppy has arrived in London and she's so excited to see the debut collection of her clothing line, "Poppy Gear". She's having fun trying on and modeling a few of the new dresses from the collection. She'll be the focus of the ad campaign, modeling the dresses.

This totally groovy gift set features a fabulously youthful rendition of Poppy Parker, which features fully rooted hair and delicately hand-applied eyelashes. Poppy comes with three ultra-colorful mini-dresses, three pairs of shoes and all sorts of fun little mix-and-match fashion accessories to create many fun looks! It comes in a brand new Mod-themed collector package that you won't want to miss!


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Item # PP117
Sunny Slickers
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
The Swinging London Collection
Edition Size: 725
Estimated Delivery: Mid to Late-Summer 2017
Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US
Body: Poppy 1.5 (Body disassembles and features newly improved joint stability)
Foot Sculpt: Traditional Poppy feet with articulated ankles
Skin Tone: FR Black
Hair Color: Brunette Mix
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Poppy is on a photo shoot in the streets on a rainy day for makeup company Miss London promoting their new line of lipsticks called Sunny Slickers.

Dressed in super vibrant colors to really bring out her lovely features, Poppy puts some pop in her step in a totally groovy rendition of the traditional rain coat. Set to stay perfectly dry on any rainy day, Poppy's colorful look could bring a ray of light on any dull and dreary rainy day! Comes complete with adorable clear vinyl boots and a fully functional clear vinyl miniature umbrella. 



Here is my own altered version of this doll with her lips and hair changed. She looks much less child-like. Pig tails were not Mod.

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On another topic - briefly:

There is something weird about giving a doll FR black vinyl when she has the same Caucasian features as Poppy Parker.  It seems like a shortcut to pleasing black doll collectors.  It was done before with Midas Touch Poppy who turned out much prettier than Sunny Slickers in any case.

Editor's Note: I realize that what I said in the paragraph above was not properly and well thought through. There are no specific "black" features. I did not mean to offend anyone and apologize if I did. I think this Poppy doll is beautiful. 


I am aware that Darla, the AA friend of Poppy, was not very popular. It was the face paint and styling that doomed those dolls to be slow selling. Just look at this amazing repaint of a Darla Daley by Laurie Lenz.



A beautiful AA sculpt is there but the presentation is not:

Hit Single Darla

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Now back to the release:


Item # PP120
Downtown
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
The Swinging London Collection
Edition Size: 725
Estimated Delivery: Mid to Late-Summer 2017
Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US
Body: Poppy 1.5 (Body disassembles and features newly improved joint stability)
Foot Sculpt: Traditional Poppy feet with articulated ankles
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Light Auburn
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

On a day off from work, Poppy has decided to take in another day of sightseeing "Downtown". With her brand-new 35mm portable camera in tow, Poppy will soon be in awe of all the incredible sites and attractions the city has to offer!

Poppy is a fully articulated doll with fully rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. Perfectly clad in her super modern pastel tweed suit, Poppy is set to take London by storm; she just wants to see it all and not miss a beat! 



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Item # PP115
Welcome to Misty Hollows
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
The Swinging London Collection
IT DIRECT EVENT EXCLUSIVE
Edition Size: TBA
Estimated Delivery: Late Summer 2017
Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US
Body: Poppy 1.5 (Body disassembles and features newly improved joint stability)
Foot Sculpt: Traditional Poppy feet with articulated ankles
Skin Tone: Japan
Hair Color: Silver Blond
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

While in London Poppy was asked to be a special guest star on a few episodes of her favorite British Spooky TV series, "Misty Hollows". This was quite an honor, as she had been watching this show back home even before it became cool to do so!

Poppy Parker is dressed perfectly to play the part of the "spooked out" neighbor in this classic British TV series! This absolutely stunning edition of everyone's favorite teenage model comes dressed in a fashionable Victorian inspired Mod dress, complete with lace cravate [sic] and matching ribbon in her hair. Since we couldn't leave our girl in the dark, Poppy also comes with a super detailed miniature candle and holder*, perfect to shine some light on the mystery surrounding the plot she stars in! 
Note: *The miniature candle does not light; the pictures below have been digitally augmented.


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If I were a Poppy Parker collector, I'd have ordered the two-doll gift set already. Those two dolls are adorable and very different from each other. At $180. the set is a bargain. 
I like the FR black Poppy except for her lip color. There is too much contrast between her skin tone and the lipstick. It almost hurts my eyes when I look at her for a long time. I think I'd like a more mature hairstyle for her as well. Her outfit is delightful; I want that umbrella! The striped tights and clear boots are TDF. 

The Misty Hollows doll appeals to me and I'm trying to resist her but I may break down and pre-order. She is a direct event exclusive and W Club members can order her through May 17. 

Regarding the promotional layout, I admire how Alain has presented the poses for each individual offering into a larger composition. It makes for easier blogging.

Have you ordered your Poppy Parkers yet?

5/10/2017

Support a Great Cause and Get a Gorgeous Antonio Realli Gown

UPDATE: The winning bid for Antonio Realli's gown was $1000. The generous bid was made by Diane Johnson of Illinois. This amount will be donated to Guide Dogs for the Blind through Metrodolls. Many thanks to Antonio and Diane.



Happening NOW! 
My good friend and wonderful dress designer, Antonio Realli has contributed a gorgeous gown, the proceeds of which will be donated to Guide Dogs for the Blind, (https://www.guidedogs.com/) 
Metrodolls Club has a charity luncheon planned for November 12, 2017 to benefit that organization and presenting them with a check from the proceeds of this auction will help the great cause. 

THE GOWN 
The dress is a fitted, sleeveless sheath with an A-shaped lower portion. The first layer is a sheer net with gold embroidery. Over that are many hand-applied tiny cream colored pearls and gold sequins. The hand work is beautiful and precise. The back as well as the front is embellished. There is a zipper closure. This gown fits Integrity Toys FR16" dolls as well as Kingdom Doll. 



HOW THIS WILL WORK 
Bidding starts at $175. 
YOU decide the maximum you are willing to pay for the gown. 
E-MAIL your bid to me. Do not post it, please. My email is huntdolls-one@yahoo.com. 





AT THE END OF THIS EVENT, the person submitting the highest offer wins the gown. I will publish the winning sum and the winner's name (if they permit.) Postage will be determined according to the winner's location. 
Make your best offer! 
Any questions? Email me, please. 

Neither Savile nor her accoutrements are included.


5/06/2017

Black and White Tweed Suit Silkstone BFM

I was waiting for the Barbie Collectors' Club to start up again before ordering. Barbie.Com sold out and the Club is another story. I have a feeling it's not going to happen at all.
A few doll dealers still have her.  I purchased mine from Cheryl's Dolls & Collectibles whose price was $69.95. She shipped very quickly. Just ignore the evangelist christian literature she encloses with your merchandise. Not kidding. What is it with these people?
Here is one of Mattel's promo close-ups compared to a close-up of mine.



Is mine a little wall-eyed? The promo shots are always perfect, aren't they?


I thought she'd look cute with another black & white suited Silkstone.


Someone spilled the cream.


4/24/2017

Kingdom Doll Elgin




Elgin is the newest doll to be released by Kingdom Doll. Her sculpt, Icini, was used only once before on a OOAK auction doll during the Orlando convention in 2016. This was the largest edition so far from KD. Sixty-five Elgins are now in collections around the globe. Of course, this edition, like all of the others, sold out very quickly.

The sculpt, named after an ancient Brittonic tribe, Iceni, follows in the path of all of KD names which are associated with the history of Britain. You can see the names of Kingdom Doll's sculpts and one of the dolls' names on this map. Can you pick out the sculpts from the map below?

http://boudiccanhd.weebly.com/the-iceni.html



Elgin's resin is a glowing, warm tan color called Roman Bronze. Her sleek, short wig was made by Ilaria. The ivory silk satin gown is designer inspired. It's undulating flares of fabric create drama and movement while the train gives sense of stability. There is an insert of pale gold leather at the bodice.
Elgin's pumps are retro with their peep toe and platform sole. I love them and I'll be using them with other fashions.


She could be a bride doll if a collector wished. A lovely veil and a bouquet would look divine.



I'm off to play with other wigs and different outfits.

I really love this doll!

4/10/2017

Integrity Toys Unveils "East 59th" Collection

I'm going to post most of the description directly from the announcement and add my commentary at the end.

Featuring elaborate vintage-inspired looks created by Integrity Toys designer Chris Stoeckel and a storyline he collaborated on with Alain Tremblay, the EAST 59th collection promises to take us back in time to chic and swanky 1950's New York, where the bold personalities of the talented individuals involved in the modeling, advertising and PR scene clash for a bigger share of the marketing pie! Everyone from newcomers seeking to be discovered and chasing the American Dream to socialites wanting a bigger presence in the high-society pages of top fashion magazines will stop at nothing to be noticed! This is where we come in... and where Victoire Roux will enter later...

The story goes like this:

Picture a woman, a man, a big city and a chance meeting that would launch the career of a lifetime.

As we furtively glanced at each other in the luscious decor of the Hawthorn Room, I immediately knew that a truly exciting path was ahead. My name is Evelyn Weaverton and my life completely changed the day he discovered me. 

That is until she arrived on the scene, the mane of all my troubles, the one everyone in the industry loved to hate, Constance Madssen.

I found fame, drama and love on East 59th, wrapped in the arms of glamour. This Spring, follow our adventures and together we will shine like no one ever has 


Luxurious Leisure
Constance Madssen™ Dressed Doll
Edition Size: 400 Dolls Worldwide
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00 US
Head Sculpt: Constance Madssen (New Sculpt!)
Hair Color: Raven
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied
Body Type: EAST 59th 1.0
Foot Sculpt: Traditional High-Heeled Feet
Skin Tone: Cream




Classic Glamour
Evelyn Weaverton™ Dressed Doll
Edition Size: 400 Dolls Worldwide
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00 US
Head Sculpt: Evelyn Weaverton™  (New Sculpt!)
Hair Color: Flame Red
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied
Body Type: EAST 59th 1.0
Foot Sculpt: Traditional High-Heeled Feet
Skin Tone: FR White


Captivating Cocktails
Constance Madssen™ Dressed Doll
Edition Size: 400 Dolls Worldwide
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00 US
Head Sculpt: Constance Madssen™  (New Sculpt!)
Hair Color: Luxe Blond
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied
Body Type: EAST 59th 1.0
Foot Sculpt: Traditional High-Heeled Feet
Skin Tone: Cream


Glittering Gala
Evelyn Weaverton™ Dressed Doll
Edition Size: 400 Dolls Worldwide
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00 US
Head Sculpt: Evelyn Weaverton™ (New Sculpt!)
Hair Color: Brunette
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied
Body Type: EAST 59th 1.0
Foot Sculpt: Traditional High-Heeled Feet

Skin Tone: FR White



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Constance Madsen's sculpt is rather insipid (like so many of the CI dolls.)
When I saw that they had a new body type, I immediately eliminated them from consideration. That was the issue that doomed the Katy Keene line as well. The suits designed for Katy's companion were stunning but the body just did not work for me with it's giant hands and enormous feet. 

Collectors like me want variety but we also like dolls to be able to share clothes and shoes. 

IMO the great majority of collectors currently populating the W Club are not, for the most part, vintage oriented. They like young, edgy fashion so I am surprised that the dolls are sold out on pre-order. 

Chris is a very popular and talented designer. This would make an excellent line of 50's fashions to purchase separately if they were the proper size for Fashion Royalty dolls.  

Why are their shoes plastic? That's a new backward step.