Back To The Basics - Numbers 24, 25, 26, and 27 of Collection 2023 Cycle

Back in 2021, Integrity Toys tried something new for their collectors; they created a "Basics" line of open-edition dolls.  The dolls were released in production runs until they ran out; then there was another run offered.   The dolls were priced at $99 and were packaged less elaborately.  They came in swimwear or work-out clothes and had minimal accessories.   They represented the five main lines of Integrity Toys:  FR2, NuFace, Poppy Parker, Meteor, and East 59th.  This allowed collectors to add new versions of favorite characters at an affordable price.  I think it introduced Integrity dolls to more collectors, but the market wasn't big enough to entertain such seriously large edition sizes even though the dolls were actually quite extraordinary.  This "Basics" line showed up in my 2021 End Of Year Countdown at the #2 spot.  Here is the link to those dolls:  Integrity Toys 2021 Basics Line.

After saturating the market with these dolls, Integrity Toys made the smart move to retire the first Basics line and introduce a new set of dolls in 2023.  The edition size for these dolls was 5000 and all versions are still available for purchase on the website.  (If you've not been an IT collector but have been curious about these dolls, now would be a great opportunity to check them out:  Integrity Toys Web Storefront for Basics Dolls.)

The 2021 Basics versions of Agnes Von Weiss and Lilith Blair have become favorites with collectors.  Personally, I think they are fantastic versions of these characters, so it was a no-brainer when Integrity Toys opened the sales links for the 2023 Basics line.

Erin Salston was one of the original characters that introduced the Integrity Toys Nuface line in 2006.  Her mold was "refreshed" in 2012 to be "less cartoon-like" and mold 2.0 has been a collector favorite ever since.  My very favorite NuFace doll is actually 24k Erin Salston.  2023 Basics Erin Salston retailed for $110 to W Club members.  The price reflected the fact that the doll had a more elaborate ensemble.  To give collectors a choice, there is a "completer" accessory package called Bow-tique Details that goes with this doll and retailed for $65 to W Club members.

2023 IT Basics Night Out Erin Salston became Number 24 added to my collection this year.   

Natalia Fatale mold 2.0 is one of my favorite IT characters.  She isn't as popular with collectors as some of the other molds, but she is has been gaining ground over the past few years.  I was so excited when she was added to the Basics collection this year and this screening/skintone/hair color is extraordinary.  Number 25 of my Collection Cycle 2023 is Bombshell Beach Natalia Fatale.

I have a very complicated relationship with Poppy Parker.  I was on-board with the line when it debuted in 2009.  I fondly remember the early years when you could grab these girls on clearance sales!  (Yes, that is actually true.)   I owned many of the original versions, but only a couple managed to stick around in my collection as I prefer dolls with attached eyelashes.  Over the years Poppy Parker has developed a very strong fan base and has attracted a lot of scalpers on the secondary market.   It has become increasingly difficult to get Poppy Parker versions at retail price outside of the W Club.   Still, there are Poppy Parker dolls that have permanent spots in my collection.   At first I resisted the 2023 Basics Island Time Poppy Parker.  Then collector photos started showing up on the internet. I caved and added her to my collection.   Number 26 of 2023 is Island Time Poppy Parker.

Fortunately for my bank account and storage/display space I do not collect Meteor dolls, so I passed on this Basics offering of Pose Like An Egyptian Amirah Majeed.  Since I limit the males coming into my collection, Basics East 59th Street Honolulu Sunset Augustus Blake was also a pass.   I considered not purchasing the East 59th Street female doll, but I have such a weak spot for Victoire Roux mold 2.0 that I caved and added her to the cart.  Number 27 is Aloha Waikiki Victoire Roux.

As you can see from the photos of these dolls still in their boxes, there is nothing "basic" about the actual dolls included in the 2023 Integrity Toys Basics Line.  They are all very beautiful and worthy of spots in collections.  The price is just an added bonus!

W Club Registration Until March 16

You have until 5 p.m. EST on March 16 to register for the 2023 W Club.  There are several perks to joining this collecting community for the upcoming year:

• You have the opportunity to purchase 3 upgrade dolls (more below)
• There will be at least five exclusive club dolls for purchase
• W Club members get "first to know" information about lines before they are announced to the public
• There are lottery opportunities for limited edition dolls that are only available to W Club members
• All W Club members will be allowed an opportunity to purchase tickets for the IT Virtual Convention this year
• You have access to a private forum where members interact to post messages and photos of their creativity; there is also a Market Thread to buy, sell, and trade dolls

The cost to join is only $50.  Each doll shown below costs $160.  When you register you choose any of the doll purchase options to add to your membership and have to pay a $30 deposit per doll.  Here is a link to the W Club announcement with detailed information for each doll:  2022 W Club Upgrade Dolls and Registration Information .

The W Club is really great about trying to provide something for the varied interests of its members.  The upgrade choices include a Poppy Parker, Fashion Royalty, and NuFace option.  

The Nuface Option is Earth Angel Eden Blair.  Here is a full length photo (photo courtesy of Integrity Toys)

I'm not really crazy about the ensemble here.  She reminds me a great deal of 2018's Free Spirit Poppy Parker.  One of the few Poppy Parkers that I just didn't like and was sold off the island.  The big selling point of this doll is all those accessories!

Eden Blair is a twin to Lilith.  One of the W Club exclusives this past year was The Nu Classics Lilith Blair.  

Since Earth Angel is the companion to that doll, the purchase of this version was an easy choice.  Into the cart she went.  

The second doll is a favored character mold for IT collectors.  She is Up With A Twist Agnes Von Weiss.  

Anyone else see 2019's Ocean Drive Agnes Von Weiss when they look at this doll?  She was a favorite doll of mine that year and still resides here.  Are they too similar?  I do like the dress Up With A Twist is wearing.  And the accessories are really great.

Unfortunately, I find it difficult to resist Agnes Von Weiss, so she went into my cart as well.

This year's club Poppy Parker is Ultra Violet.  At first I was confused by the hime hair; however, upon research, discovered that it was a style in the 1970's, so it is appropriate for Poppy Parker.  I didn't like it on 2020's Charmed Life Ayumi and I don't think I like it on Poppy any better.    

Another beautiful group of accessories though.  Those purple boots are needed in my Poppy wardrobe! 

I've learned the hard way about not purchasing Poppy Parker.  If you miss an opportunity at retail, you'll wind up paying more than double on secondary market.  Just to protect my interests and bank account, I added this one to my registration as well.

Apparently, Integrity Toys production has suffered from the global effects of Covid 19.  The design team announced that they had limited choices for production of these dolls relative to materials, screenings, hair, etc.  Scarcity of materials and man power has caused prices to climb this year.  The owner of the W Club tried to explain that the loss of the $50 coupon to members upon registration would result in W Club members getting retail dolls at special pricing.  This "perk" fell on many deaf ears.  

Mattel seems to have abandoned its collectible lines including Silkstones and Model Muses.  The upscale doll lines that use resin casting cost almost triple the amount of an IT doll.  IT continues to control a monopoly in the 1:6 plastic fashion doll community and has quite a  loyal following, so they can get by with a lot more at this time.  I'm not sure how long this will last, but I'm sure there will be a record membership in the W Club this year.  You better sign up if you don't want to be left behind.

Best of 2019 - #4

It would be near impossible to choose a favorite character or favorite mold that is produced by Integrity Toys.  I've been collecting their lines for almost 15 years.  There are some dolls I've owned for that entire time.  There are some dolls that have resided in my collection since their first release, but I have sold many, many dolls.

I have owned every version of Agnes Von Weiss except Saks Fifth Avenue.  I find that I'm either "hot" or "cold" with Vanessa Perrin, preferring mold 1.0 and her classic looks.   I've rarely been able to resist Adele Makeda mold 2.0.  But the one doll I can honestly say makes me swoon when the screening is just right would be Eugenia Frost.

Best of 2019 #4 would have to be Secret Garden Eugenia Frost.  She is one of the most beautiful dolls in my collection.  Amazing screening!

Best of 2019 - #6

I was feeling badly about the fact that my Best of 2019 countdown list was filled with either dolls advertised in 2018 but not released until 2019 or W Club and Convention dolls.  I was feeling badly until I checked the statistics for doll releases in 2019.

If you were a collector of Integrity Toys dolls but weren't a member of the W Club and did not attend the 2019 "Fashion Week" convention, you had an extremely lean collecting year.  A few of the 2018 dolls weren't released until 2019 (FR2: Divinely Luminous Elyse, Resurgence Natalia, Devotion Agnes, and Secret Garden Eugenia; NuFace2: Beyond This Planet Violaine, The Awakening Annik, Nirvana Dominique, Reliable Source Eden, and Unknown Source Lilith; Split Decision Poppy Parker; et al).

From the two mainlines, there was only one FR2 female doll available for purchase to the general public, Female Icon Dasha, and the FR2 Retrofuture and NuFace Off Duty collections weren't even advertised until "Dolly Days" earlier this month.   Collectors are still waiting on three NuFace and four FR2 dolls that were advertised earlier this year.

There were fewer NuFace characters at Fashion Week since they came out of hiatus in 2014 (2014: 5, 2015: 9, 2016: 4, 2017: 6, 2018: 4, 2019: 3).   If you only consider female characters, there were fewer FR dolls at Fashion Week than any convention in over ten years (only seven this year).

For the sake of collectors, I sincerely hope IT can correct the production problems they are facing in China and can move forward.   I think collectors are beginning to feel the stress and frustration but are unable to figure out exactly where it is coming from.

This brings me to my Best of 2019 #6 doll - she represented purchase #34.  I couldn't believe my eyes when I registered at the W Club Convention and was handed a bag with this doll inside!  I don't believe Agnes Von Weiss has ever been a Welcome Gift before.  Attendees felt very special indeed!

Best of 2019 #6 is Fresh Perspective Agnes Von Weiss.

Merveilleuse Agnes Von Weiss - 2018 - Doll 3

Some doll purchases are just a "no brainer".   One of the perks for joining the W Club is that members get a "Sneak Preview" of all lines before the general public.  These previews are often presented through a webinar by the design team, hosted by the W Club founder Carol Roth.  Following every preview, there is a special event doll offered to members only.

The 2017 theme for the FR2 doll line was "La Femme" and the event doll was Merveilleuse Agnes Von Weiss.   This doll was so well received that she has an edition size of 1225.  She was received in early 2018.

Here is a photo of Merveilleuse still in the box.

And a close-up.  Short blonde hair!  Very chic!  She has aqua colored eyes.  I believe this is the first time Agnes has been produced in the Caucasian skin tone.

Here is a photo of the accessories.  I like the new enamel necklace very much that came with the simple matching earrings and ring.  I really wish there had been a bracelet.    The color of the enameling matches her eyes!  She also comes with a cute animal print evening clutch, an extra pair of hands, shoes with very long ties.  (Photo property of Integrity Toys)

So, out of the box ...

And another close up.

Everyone is comparing this doll to Carolina Herrera which was her obvious inspiration (the designer Jessy Ayala has confirmed this as well).  I immediately thought of Grace Kelly when I opened the box and had to put her in Eugenia's Reigning Grace ensemble.  NOTE:  This blouse does not have hooks, velcro, buttons, anything.  I had to take the arms off the doll to remove the blouse.

I think Reigning Grace Eugenia just got voted off the island ...

Because I voluntarily joined the 52 Week Doll Diva Photo Challenge, I find myself deboxing my girls more.  This week's theme was St. Patrick's Day Green.  Now we head to Lana Turner territory ...

Merveilleuse Agnes has quickly moved up to my second favorite FR2 version of this mold (she's right up there with Queen of Everything from last year's convention).   Such a beautiful doll!

Best of 2017 - Number 6

This is another doll that I have already reviewed.  Here is the link: Review of Vivacite Eugenia Frost. My followers know that I cannot resist the Eugenia mold, and this version is not one to pass up.

She is from the 2017 La Femme collection.  Although there were 1025 of her produced she is already climbing in price on the secondary market.  Some have described her as the dark-haired version of Going Public.

She is a truly lovely doll and my countdown would be flawed had she been left out.

Here she is wearing a winter ensemble from Dagamoart.

And a closeup.   Best of 2017, Number 6 Vivacite Eugenia Frost.

A Legend In Her Own Mind

You may love her or she may leave you cold, but no one can deny that this doll is special.  Since 2006, Agnes Von Weiss has been released in 23 separate versions but has never been available for retail purchase.  Since I've already done a blog entry on her history, I won't repeat it again but here is the link to an updated version:

Production History of Agnes Von Weiss

For some reason, in my imagination, Agnes Von Weiss is a blonde, so Aristocratic was a no brainer for me.  I just got home from vacation and she was waiting on me (and more than a little miffed that she had to stay in that box longer than necessary).

Here is a closeup.  This is a new eye screening for integrity.  I was very worried that I wouldn't like it, but it's quite nice in real life.  I think the entire doll turned out better than the promotional pictures.

Here are the accessories.  

The red purse is super cute and has a very nice strap at the bottom that aids in the doll holding it in her hand!   The shoes are nice patent leather pumps (no strings, ribbons, or buckles!).   A pair of black gloved hands that are perfect for this ensemble, some new style earrings, and a cute woven cloche hat complete the look.  

Here is a closeup.  

Of course Ms. Von Weiss is not satisfied with the minimal jewelry.  There have been arguments that the pattern on the dress is bows and another group of collectors who think it is butterflies.  I fall in the butterflies camp myself, so I found an old rhinestone earring to use as a pin for her hat.  What do you think?

As elegant as this is, I decided to try adding a feather.

Full Length with the feather.

Ms. Von Weiss believes, "Go big or go home!"  Look at this feather!

She can either wear this to meet the Queen or when she bets on horses.  Sometimes less is more!

I mentioned earlier how I always think of Agnes as a blonde.  Here is a photo of several blonde (different shades) of Agnes Von Weiss with a part in her hair.  They are undressed because I didn't want the clothing to distract from the comparison.  (I would've included Poesie Enchantee but she is still NRFB.)

 In conclusion, this is the second official Fashion Royalty doll I've received this year and I couldn't be happier.  I am actually quite ecstatic with them both.  I hope this trend continues.  Aristocratic is going to be an awesome addition to my collection!

Integrity Toys 2015 Spring Reveal - FR2

I wanted to dedicate an entire blog entry to this collection.  After all, FR/FR2 is the focus of my collecting right now.  Members have been waiting almost a year for the debut of a new FR2 collection and they were not disappointed (at least I wasn't).  According to webinair, the designers were encouraged by Jason Wu to reach into 1960's debutante fashion for this collection.  It truly represents retro style with a modern twist.  I was thrilled!  (Again all photos are property of IT.  Shipping dates are approximations.)

The first doll is
Item #91367
Style Notes Isha/ Latino Skin Tone/ Dark Espresso Hair Color
Limited Edition 700 Dolls
Shipping August 2015
Price: $135

I cannot begin to express how much I love this doll.  The dress looks like something right out of Mad Men.  This is the first ethnic Isha we've received in years.  She was a "must buy" for me.  She is so sleek and has that easy style that will redress beautifully.  LOVE!

Next up:
Item #91371
Prestige Natalia Fatale/ Latino Skin Tone/ Walnut Hair Color
Limited Edition 700 Dolls
Shipping Date Mid July 2015
Price: $135

I really like this doll; however, she reminds me of Heat Seeker.  She is very nice, but she isn't different enough to merit selling a doll I already have.  I would love to pick up the pink purse and shoes on secondary market though!

The third doll:
Item #91373
Decorum Eugenia Perrin-Frost/Japan skin tone/ Caramel Brown Hair
Limited Edition 800 Dolls
Shipping Date Early August 2015
Price: $135

Eugenia is my girl, but I have to be careful because I own so many of this sculpt.  Unfortunately, she reminds me Bittersweet (who is still in her box) with Spring Forward's hair color.  The weight of the fabric looks like it may be a little heavy for the scale.  I may regret it, but she was a pass.

Bringing us to
Item #91372
Refinement Vanessa Perrin/FR White (Caucasian) Skintone/ Ash Blond Hair
Limited Edition 800 Dolls
Deliver Mid July 2015
Price: $145

I believe IT added $10 to the price of the dolls with coats.   Had this ensemble been any color other than black, she would've been a must have.  Unfortunately she reminds me too much of Sheer Sensuality and Love Roulette.  A collector pointed out that she looks a great deal like Cindy Crawford (I agree).   Another doll I may regret pre-ordering in the long run, but my budget won't let me purchase everything.

They keep coming …
Item #91374
Fine Print Elise Jolie/ Cream skin tone/ Red Amber Hair
Limited Edition 800 Dolls
Delivery Early August 2015
Price: $145

This is one of those instances when I am completely confused.  I usually love red hair and pale skin, but I don't care for the cream skin tone.  The face up with the hair reminds me of a Victoire doll.  The dress is a color variation on the fabric used for the W Club Agnes upgrade doll.  I LOVE the coat, purse, and brown gloved hands!!  I didn't preorder but am truly fidgeting about my decision.

Not just "another bleach blonde"
Item #91370
Fame Fable Kyori Sato/FR White (Caucasian) skin tone/ Bombshell Blonde Hair
Limited Edition 700 Dolls
Shipping Mid July 2015
Price: $135

This doll has been called the "Platinum Nightshade".  There were so many white blonde dolls released last year that collectors don't want another, BUT there wasn't a white blonde Kyori Sato.  Ginza and Quicksilver are my two most favorite Kyori dolls.  For some reason I favor her as a blonde.  I had to give this one a try.  She was pre-ordered.

Get ready to be "wowed"
Item #91369
Timeless Adele Makeda/ Dark A-Tone skin tone/ Black hair
Limited Edition 700 Dolls
Shipping Early August 2015
Price: $135

I almost started to hyperventilate.  This doll is all that and more.  She has rooted curls on top and flocked hair on the sides.  This may be my favorite version of mold 3.0 Adele ever released.  Pre-ordered and confirmed!  I cannot wait to see this doll in person and hope she looks as good as the promo.  (I may need to have the lips touched up, but that's an easy fix!)  I think she will display beautifully with After Tonight Eugenia and Midnight Star Elise from The Premiere Convention.

A little surprise
Item #91377
Perfect Reign Tatyana Alexandrova/Japan skin tone / Honey Blonde Hair
Limited Edition 700 Dolls
Shipping late August 2015
Price: $135

This doll has me completely perplexed.  She looks like a new mold.  The screening is amazing and I can't get over it - probably the best Tatyana ever.  She looks young and fresh.  For some reason she reminds me of a combo Dania Zarr/Dasha in a very good way.  I think I like this doll the best of the whole bunch, but I can find no love for the ensemble.  Hopefully I'll be able to pick her up nude at a great price.

And the Event Doll is … (drum roll please)  If you've been keeping up, I bet you can guess.
Item #91368
Royal Treatment Veronique Perrin/Cream skin tone/Pale Blonde Hair
Edition size determined by orders received
Shipping Fall 2015
Price:  $225

I'm just not sure about this one.  There has been a stir about the cost.  Most collectors aren't willing to cross the $200 purchase threshold for a single doll.   Although the doll is not a bad screening, I don't care for the clothing choices.  As many have pointed out the evening dress is a cross between Escapism and Spectacular.  The tweed coat looks dowdy.  I don't need any more black lingerie (after all Madame Jolie's was better).

I like the yellow dress and think it would look much better on a different skin tone.  I hope to pick it up at a great price but am doubtful of that happening.  There doesn't appear to be much love for this gift set.  Had she been a different skin tone, I may have been nudged.

Summary:  Nine beautiful dolls in a very cohesive collection.  Again, I believe the designers outdid themselves.   The diversity is amazing.  There are four distinct ethnic groups represented.  There are several different hair colors and styles.  Beauty marks made a return.  The jewelry, shoes, and handbags are wonderful.  I believe these dolls will display perfectly with the club Dania and Agnes that are coming.   I wish I had a money tree, but I don't.  I am fortunate to be able to pre-order what I did.

My favorites from the entire reveal in order of preference (and the only dolls I've pre-ordered):

1) Midas Touch Poppy
2) Style Notes Isha
3) Timeless Adele
4) Fame Fable Kyori
5) Spring Song Poppy

Not ordered, but am feeling remorseful:

Fine Print Elise
Out of this World Poppy

Eighth Doll of 2014 - Montaigne Market Elise

Keeping a running list of changes to my collection has been a major improvement in my purchasing habits.   Anytime a new doll comes into my home, she is added to the list - regardless of whether or not she is removed from her box (helps provent me using the excuse "I forgot I had her ….").  If a new doll comes in that is removed from box before another doll, she is moved up in the list.  I have only added 11 dolls to my collection and it is almost halfway through the year!   I have sold 12, so I am in a good place.

I purchased the next doll in my collection nude to see what all the fuss was about.   Her secondary market price consistently runs about $500, so getting her nude was a good compromise for my finances.  She was an exclusive to the retail store Montaigne Market in France.  She was released in an edition size of 300 and cost 150 euros plus shipping.   Here is the stock photo of Montaigne Market Elise,  property of Integrity Toys.

Because most of the original Fashion Royalty clothing will not fit the FR2 body (many ensembles by  Mattel, Dressmaker Details, Randall Craig, and various artisans won't either), I am faced with the problem that I have few clothing and shoe options for these new FR2 dolls.  When Clear Lan advertised their most recent line, they included "FR2" as a new size.  I was elated.  Montaigne Market Elise did not remain nude long!

This girl does not take a bad photo!

Her face up is amazing.

Joining Elise to help model what I purchased is Renegade Dasha (another doll I purchased nude because I couldn't afford NRFB secondary market prices).

Here she is alone.

And a faceup!

In addition to the ensembles worn by Elise and Dasha, I had recently added a photo of October Issue Agnes wearing an older Clear Lan ensemble.  I will include it here.

I usually place an order with Clear Lan each time a new line is presented.  I just cannot resist them.  Here is a link to their site.  Have fun shopping!

Link to Clear Lan's Website

But I digress … which I often do … this entry was supposed to showcase Montaigne Market Elise, so how about one last closeup.  I think she's awesome.  So awesome, in fact, I didn't preorder the new Elise from the Spring 2014 FR line.  This is probably one of the very best uses of the Elise mold Integrity Toys has ever produced.  It will be near impossible to beat!