An Atlanta Doll Show

I resisted this doll show.  I really did.  The Integrity Convention had tapped out my financial resources.  Fortunately, I've been selling quite a bit on The Doll Page.  I left my credit cards and check book at home.  I took just as much money as I had available to spend. 

I knew I didn't need or want any more dolls.   I was specifically looking for the Silkstone AA Evening Gown, maybe some Vintage, and possibly Ellowyne clothing.  As usual, I take a quick trip around the whole room before making any purchases.  I had seen the Silkie for $89, but that would've taken a big bite out of my funds.  I also had found a couple really nice Vintage TNT dolls.  Again, they were too pricey for me that day.

One seller, an older lady, was selling her personal collection of vintage clothing.  I had been looking for some pack items.   She had the orange body suit shirt, long skinny skirt, and pants.  It came home with me.  Here is one of my vintage bubbles wearing it:

It surprises me how good a redhead can look in orange.

She also had the pink pak blouse and skirt.  Both still had their inspection tags in them:

You just can't beat Barbie pink:

I had been watching Orange Blossom for a long time.  She had one that was complete and minty crisp with inspection tags:

My freckle-less Midge is perfect model for this lovely ensemble:

Although I already own Resort Set, I couldn't pass one up with the original bracelet and perfect cork shoes for $25.  The little red jacket is still factory sewn at the bottom.  It had never been on a doll.

I have been trying to piece together an Open Road ensemble.  I have the pants and coat.  Can you imagine my surprise at getting one this pristine:

One of my favorite Vintage Bubbles looks so good in this.  It was complete and is perfect.  I got it for $50.

I couldn't believe I was able to find all of this at such incredible prices.  Everything is very clean.  Most of it is mint, and many items still have the inspection stickers.  The seller said that the release of all the reproduction clothing made it almost impossible to get anything for these items.  She said the reproduction clothing had really hurt the vintage market. 

After shopping with this seller, I still had money left for the Silkie.  Unfortunately, she was gone.  So, I went around a final time.

I guess I ended up buying a doll afterall.  She was all of $10.

I guess you are wondering why I needed this doll   Someone has to run my last purchase from the show.  Here it is. 

A NRFB Barbie Loves McDonald's from 1982.  I couldn't believe it was still NRFB.  I got it for $40 total!  So, I left with enough money for lunch.   It feels good to set a budget and stick to it.  It feels better to come home with some many wonderful items at great prices.   Oh, the joy of collecting dolls.

Another Tropicalia Winner

I counted up the dolls offered at Tropicalia.  If you brought home one each of every version of doll from Tropicalia, you would've added 38 dolls to your collection.  Well, I didn't come home with 38 new dolls for my collection, but I refuse to write any more specific details.  As Forest Gump would say, "That's all I got to say about that."

I am definitely a member of the Victoire fan club.  I don't care much for the Bride of Dracula body, but I love Victoire and everything she represents.  I love her vintage look.  I love the design behind the clothing.  I was so excited that she showed up at the Integrity Convention in two incarnations. 

At the W Club Luncheon, attendees could purchase St. Tropez for $85.  A tan Victoire!

Victoire came with a wonderful "wicker" bag, jewelry, sunglasses, and gorgeous silver shoes.  She was dressed in a one piece bathing suit with a wonderful little jacket and a white scarf.  I understand what Integrity was trying to do with the vintage design for the swimsuit, but it just didn't translate well in this scale.  The Bride of Dracula body does not look good in this type of attire due to the way the legs fit into the torso.

But when you redress St. Tropez, then she really comes alive.  At the Atlanta Doll Show last weekend, I was looking for the new Silkstone Evening Gown doll at a good price.  I really only wanted the outfit.  I found one there for $89 but it was sold by the time I made my way back around the room.  Fortunately, Paula on the Pink Parlour posted that she was selling the entire ensemble for $45.  I got it!

Here is St. Tropez in a full length photo.

This doll truly is exceptional in white. 

I love her face up.   I think she is more versatile than first believed.



 And ... naturally I was able to find a place for some of the rest of the outfit ....  I paired it with white slacks and found a very willing model.  Here is Current Pursuits Vanessa wearing the ensemble. 

I really love this version of Vanessa.  She is version 2.0.   She was supposed to be a close-mouthed version of the orginal Vanessa.  There was a lot of loyal Vanessa fans who refused to accept her.  I think she is an extraordinarily beautiful doll.  At the convention, Vanessa version 3.0 was unveiled.  She now has an open mouth again.  I don't understand why they just didn't go back to the original version.  It doesn't make sense to spend all that time and money on a new mold that looks so much like the first one.

Anyone who has been on the doll blogs knows that the second W Club doll is Vanessa 3.0.  She is called Out Sass.  This is the photo Integrity Toys sent to members:

Her styling reminds me of "World on A String" Eugenia from the regular line.  She is a lovely doll and I am excited about adding her to my collection.

Now, it's off to see which doll to open next ....