"Unmentionables" - Warning Open At Home

First, I want everyone who comments on my blog to know how much it means to me to read what you have to say.  For some reason, this particular program will not let me respond back.   This week's blog post is about a topic that's been on my mind, and I definitely want to hear what other collectors think about it.

In the past few weeks, I've had to "de-follow" some great collectors on flick-r because their photos were just getting too racy.  I began to wonder, when do photos start becoming "naughty".

I remember when Mattel's Silkstone line was first introduced with the lingerie dolls.  It was quite a stir.  I remember news reports about "This is not your daughter's Barbie!"   I loved the line immediately and  believed you could see more real flesh at the neighborhood swimming pool!

So, here are some photos I took this weekend.  I will show a "lingerie photo" and then a closeup.  The closeups are just gratuitous because I love their faces!!!  I used NuFace models since Integrity has announced that the next webinair will be May 17 (originally announced for late April) and there will be no NuFace dolls offered at that time.  I miss my NuFace dolls, and, for some reason, they seem less naughty in lingerie than the girls with the big chests.  Also, they fit the Silkstone lingerie better.

Let's start with something that looks like a shorts outfit … Here is High End Envy Erin wearing Mattel's Highland Fling.

There is just something about a redhead wearing a tartan plaid!   It is just irresistible.  I don't believe this looks naughty at all.

Next, we'll go to Heavy Metal Lilith.  This is another Silkstone ensemble.  This time the fabric looks a little more like lingerie - a garter and stockings were added.

I'm not sure why … but are the garters the suggestive part of the ensemble?  I believe society has always had "a thing" for garters.

We've had a redhead and a brunette, so I figured it was time to get out a blonde.  Here is Dark Romance Giselle.  She is wearing the lingerie from Integrity Toy's Midnight Lace Mini-Gene.

No garters here … the tummy is completely covered, but the photo makes me a little uncomfortable.  Is it the chiffon robe and color black that makes this naughty?

When I put Fame by Frame Imogen in a white version without a robe, it doesn't seem to bother me at all.

It just looks like a cute little dress.  It doesn't make me feel the least bit embarrassed to look at it.  Why is that?

There has been plenty of lingerie made for dolls.   Here is Glam Addict Giselle wearing NuFace lingerie.

Is it the additional skin?  The garters and stockings again?  This photo just seems too sexy.  It's almost like you're invading someone's privacy - you're seeing something you shouldn't be seeing.

So, tell me …

Is it American culture that is to blame?  Are we just too sensitive to "unmentionables" that they shouldn't be seen in public places even though string bikini's are alright at the pool?  Is this forbidden fruit?

Do you find any of the photos are more naughty than others?

Are you okay with all these photos but object to photos of dolls in intimate settings?  Male and Female dolls together?  Dolls of the same gender together in suggestive poses?

Where do you draw the line?

Not Your "Basic" Doll

At the 2013 Convention, Integrity Toys brought back their ITBE line (Integrity Toys Basic Edition).  Attendees were given "random tickets" in their convention package for the opportunity to purchase Integrity Direct items in the store.  Two of those items were ITBE dolls - only these were not dolls from the original ITBE line.

There is a weird game IT plays with collectors in this area where they are not using the character name with ITBE dolls.  I guess ITBE dolls are so inexpensive that they can't afford a name; however, collectors are very familiar with the molds.  The one on the left is the Lilith/Eden mold and the one on the right is Anja.  (Lilith was Number 4 of my "Top 10 Dolls of 2013".)

Earlier this year, members of the W Club were given the opportunity to enter a lottery for three additional ITBE/Basic dolls.  There was Adele Mold 2.0 (retired FR bod),  Luchia/Isha (retired FR body), and Natalia Mold 1.5 (retired Monogram body).

Collectors went crazy over these dolls.  According to the W Club, there was a record number of entries in this lottery.  In an earlier post, I reviewed the Adele who was my first doll of 2014.

Last week W Club members were given a second lottery opportunity for four more ITBE/Basic dolls.  Each doll will be produced in a limited edition size of 300 and will cost $75.  I'm not sure the marketing strategy behind this collection makes sense.  On the secondary market the Lilith and Isha/Luchia often bring three to five times their original purchase price!

I really like how IT is mixing it up with these dolls.  Collectors are finally getting some amazing dolls of color.

Here is "Second Skin".  She uses the Vanessa 1.0 mold (a personal favorite of mine).   In this version, she is using the "A-Tone" skin tone.  She has Deep Brunette hair and will be on the original "big bust" FR body which is retired.

This doll was very unexpected but is a very pleasant surprise.  This will be the first time this Vanessa 1.0 changes race.  Love the "faux skin" black dress and red accessories.

Next up, we have "Morning Dove".   This is another of my favorite molds - Kyori 1.0.  Kyori has Raven hair, will be using the "FR Black" skin tone, and will come on the FR retired "big bust" body.

Although Kyori has been released in multiple skin tones in the past, I believe this is first time she uses the "FR Black".  Another lovely African American doll for collectors.  Although I really like the print of the fabric, the weight seems a little bit heavy.

"Red Strike" is one of the oldest IT molds, Janay, which was originally released as a "play line" doll.  She never looked this good in her play line version.  She is on the Monogram body, has shimmering blonde hair, and is using the Miami Skintone.

I am surprised by how much I like this doll.  I believe these dolls represent the best group of dolls "of color" collectors have had the opportunity to purchase in a very long time. I'm not sure her intended ethnicity, but she looks Puerto Rican to me.

The last doll is "Night Strike".  Apparently, this dress is easy and inexpensive to produce.  This will be the third color way of it.  Night Strike is using a Monogram mold and body.  She has gray hair.

This dolls seems to be the most popular with collectors.  She really is quite beautiful.

So, I have a couple days to make up my mind if I am going to enter any of the lotteries.  This is a very tough call.  They are all lovely and would bring something different to my collection.   Who would you choose?  I'll let you know my decision in the next post.  It helps to put them all four in one photo.

All images are the property of Integrity Toys and are used in the blog for informational purposes only.