Best of 2023 - Number 7

It has become a "norm" with Integrity Toys (IT) that dolls are often previewed in one calendar year but not received by collectors until some time the following one.  I do not include a doll in my countdown unless it is physically in my collection.  We all know a lot can go terribly wrong (or terribly right) between a promotional photo and the production of a doll.

One reason the IT Poppy Parker line is so popular is that designer, David Buttry, really knows how to pump out some fantastic versions of a doll.  It is hard to believe that we are coming up on the 15th anniversary of this character and it is only becoming more and more popular.

Over a dozen versions of Poppy Parker made their way into collections in 2023.  There were some truly extraordinary examples, including the Jason Wu Spring 2021 Collection that jumped directly to grail status.  The one that stood out for me though was a doll that I didn't think I would like.  Since I foolishly passed on this doll when promoted, I had to find her on secondary market.  She entered my 2023 Collecting Cycle as Number 16 and was reviewed here: Golden Glow Poppy Parker Review.

She is my very favorite version of Poppy Parker that entered my collection in 2023 and transcends the original storyline.  She is just so sensuous and can look quite modern when redressed - even with that outrageous hairstyle!  Here she is wearing an ensemble by favorite independent designer of 2023, Van Oscar.  (I purchased so many items from him in 2023, and I love every single one of them.)

Number 7 of 2023 for me is Golden Glow Poppy Parker!

Collection Cycle 2023 - Numbers 16, 17, and 18

I apologize for the long lapse between blog entries.   My husband was in a terrible car accident this past summer and has some chronic medical problems.  He has been requiring more personal attention from me and I've had less time for doll play.

Before his accident we had decided to move forward with our plan to sell our home in an effort to "down size".  Since the passing of my mother-in-law, we realized we didn't need so much house to maintain for just the two of us (and almost 1000 dolls).  I've packed up my dolls' rooms, so that has also prevented redress opportunity.  It's also seriously affected my sales since those came to an abrupt halt!

So ... on with the show.

If you collect Poppy Parker, you know how difficult it is to obtain them at retail price.   Scalpers have aggravated the situation and the prices on some of these dolls are just ridiculous.  I try to keep to my Collecting Guidelines and avoid purchasing Poppy Parker on secondary market when at all possible.  Unfortunately, a Poppy sometimes sneaks up on me.  This was the case with Golden Glow Poppy Parker from the Palm Springs Collection.  I didn't think I needed this doll with so much hair.  Then collector photos started showing up.  I tried my best to resist ... but, in the end, I wound up getting one at close to retail price.  Here is a full length photo.  

Even though she had to be packed away for my move, I do not regret ordering her.  Her hair is such a beautiful shade of blonde and her eyes are just the palest of blues.  Golden Glow Poppy Parker is gorgeous and represents Number 16 added to my collection in 2023.

One of the reasons to join the W Club is that there are always at least two versions of Poppy Parker made available to W Club members only.  There is the upgrade doll and they guarantee that one of the exclusives will also be a version of Poppy Parker.   

Another exclusive of the W Club this past year was Primary Subject Giselle Diefendorf.  I have a weak spot for Giselle.  I really do love her mold and the fact that she is a relative of Agnes Von Weiss.

I was on the fence with the purchase of Primary Subject, but that cute little jacket lined in the dress fabric pushed me over the edge.  I'm not crazy about how small her eyes look.  I have several other fantastic brunette versions of Giselle:  Glam Addict, AKA Gigi, and Wanderlust.   I'm not sure if Primary Subject will be staying (I may sell her nude), but she's here for now.

Number 17 of my 2023 collecting cycle is Primary Subject Giselle Diefendorf.

In the world of Poppy Parker, Poppy is considered to be a retro doll living in the 1960's - 1970's.  Integrity toys tied The Industry line of dolls with Tulabelle True and now it represents current fashion trends with Tulabelle True being Poppy Parker's granddaughter.   Another doll offered to W Club members as an Integrity Direct purchase was Trending Tulabelle True.  The Industry/Tulabelle True dolls can share much of the same clothes with Poppy Parker (and even some NuFace dolls).   I really like the Tulabelle True sculpt and own the first two versions (both brunettes).   Trending Tulabelle True with blonde locks was a no-brainer for me.

I really like this version quite a bit.  She has this snobbish look to her which I find somehow very appealing.   Arriving in 2023 and becoming Number 18 in my 2023 collection is Trending Tulabelle True.