Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Rules Are Meant To Be Broken

Being a teacher, the title of this blog really grates on my nerves a little.   When I developed my Rules for Collecting (on the sidebar), my very first rule was the most important.  If I am to focus my collection, I need to stop adding different lines to it.  "If I don't already have some, I don't need one."

I've been able to stick to this rule for a couple years now.  I've even been able to eliminate a few lines from my collection.  However ...

I am a sucker for a good story line.   That was partially my weakness with the subject of this post.

Penelope Brewster is a production assistant working in modern day Hollywood.  While on set, she is accidentally hit on the head by a falling clock.   The result is flashbacks to previous lives.  She chalks the memories up to "Deja Vu".

The characters (all using the same mold) are:

1.  Anne De Legere - The Versailles Court from the Age of Enlightenment

2.  Lady Arabella - Maiden of The Renaissance

3.  Emma Jean McGowan - Roaring 20's Flapper

4.  Judy Watson - 1950's

No matter your collecting taste, the ensembles are amazing.  Collectors are scarfing these dolls up at an alarming rate.  The secondary market prices are surging.  It looks like Robert Tonner may have another hit!

When Tonner released its fall lineup of Deja Vu characters, I was curious.  I was immediately drawn to one doll, Ready to Wear Judy Watson.  She was a basic doll with platinum hair pulled back into a ponytail.  She sold out within hours from the website.

Two days before Christmas, Tonner had an incredible sell of 20% off with free shipping.  I thought it wouldn't hurt to wander over to the website and look at the Deja Vu collection once more.   WHAT!??
I couldn't believe it.  Ready to Wear Judy Watson was back in stock.  With 20% off and free shipping, she was only $80.   You can't even get a silkstone for that price anymore.

Even the packaging reflects the concept.

Here is a photo of the doll in the box.
I am not a fan of these "Monster High" hands.  (Even the actual body dimensions remind me of Monster High!  I wonder if the designer used to work with Mattel.)  I was very pleased to see that Tonner is now including graceful hands with these dolls.  You can even purchase a group of different shaped hands separately.

It's the face (especially the mouth) that is attracting hordes of collectors.   It's different than any other doll line out there.
So, what kinds of clothes can she wear?  It seems that she can wear the pants, skirts, and shorts from many lines:  Tonner 16", Clea Bella, Alex, Ellowyne, and even FR 16", including Tulabelle.  A friend wanted to see her in Tullabelle's Pomp and Circumstance, so here we go.
The blouse is a little loose, but it tucks in nicely.   Deja Vu has more narrow shoulders.   The pants are tight but fit nicely.  The coat is a little long in the sleeves (so I cuffed them inside).  Deja Vu has shorter arms.   The shoes were perfect!   Overall, I think she looks quite nice. She's off to another photo shoot!
Such a lovely purchase for $80.  (She has applied eyelashes.)   Somehow, in the long run, I think it's going to cost me much more….





5 comments:

Anonymous said...

She has such a wonderful face, one of the better face molds! It's great that there are extra hands too, I didn't know that :-). I agree about the Monster High resemblance :-).

Phyllis said...

I can see why you broke your rule to get her and the price was great! She is a beauty. So far, I have managed to stay away from the 16 in dolls. If the way I collect 1:6 scale is any indication, I would be pretty likely to go overboard!

Vanessa said...

I love the story line. I'm a big past lives kind of person. She does have a very pretty face.

Carrickters said...

Perhaps you should say 'some rules'. We all understand, particularly when the doll is so beautiful.

Troy said...

The Déjà Vu line captured my attention as well. There is something graceful and lovely about them. I even like the hands, though having alternatives is nice. The clothes are just gorgeous, too. It was good to see they are so popular, which I hope will translate into the line continuing and growing. They even have a book that tells the story. I downloaded it but haven't read it -- yet.