Best of 2014 - Number 1

When I started my countdown over 10 days ago, I had every intention of making Vanessa Perrin Number 1.   After all, there were six versions from two different molds released.  For the first time ever, collectors were actually paying high secondary market prices for mold 3.0 versions and buying multiples of single versions.

The character that I placed at Number 1 is Elise Jolie.   Until 2014, my favorite version of Elise Jolie was Blue Blood from the 2009 Iconic Convention.  The only version of Elise that is on my grail list is Engaging.

2014 added three new versions.  The mainline doll was called On The Rise.   She had an edition size of 700 and sold for $135.  I had originally passed on this doll but wound up getting a nude one on secondary market.  There is something special about this face up.  I really like the smaller lips.  I don't know how I missed this doll (it was probably the mustard yellow dress that was throwing me).

Ms. Jolie also caused quite a stir at the Gloss Convention.  Intrigue Elise Jolie was the centerpiece doll at the banquet.  250 lucky attendees were given the opportunity to purchase this doll.  She totally rocks my world!

I think she definitely has that Karl Lagerfeld aura.  I like that she has a caucasian skin tone for a change.  She is truly amazing, and I can't wait to debox her.

Intrigue Elise was a hair's width away from being my Number 1 choice, but, the truth of the matter is that the next doll has gotten more camera time than any other doll added to my collection in 2014.  At first, I did not like this doll and even stated the doll didn't impress me. She only joined my collection because someone offered a nude version of Montaigne Market for sale at a good price; I figured I'd give her a try.

Best of 2014
Number 1
Montaigne Market Elise Jolie

May the New Year be one filled with love, joy, happiness, and adventure.  I wish you only the best for the next 365 days!  Happy New Year!

Excuses … Excuses

School started back this month and it has been a very difficult year already.  Common Core and all the student testing, paperwork, and new materials is crazy.   I apologize that I've not posted recently, but I'm worn out!

One item that I've been looking forward to adding to my collection arrived since my last post: the FR2 Shoe Collection.  It was packaged nicely.

There were four clear plastic boxes of shoes.  There was a coral pair (that will look great with Peak Season Kyori's outfit!), a faux snake skin pair, a pair of suede looking boots, and a black pair.  My favorite are the boots!

I decided I would take a doll out to redress.   Everyone is eagerly awaiting the new Elise Jolie, but I didn't order her.  I was afraid I would be disappointed after purchasing Montaigne Market this spring.  Montaigne Market is one of my favorite FR2 released so far.  She is amazing.  I wanted to redress her in an ensemble that would allow me to use a new pairs of shoes (chanting like students …"boots" … "boots" … "boots").  I couldn't find an ensemble I was happy with to use the boots, but I was very excited when I realized the beige lace top from the Paint In Black gift set fit the FR2 body!   I tried several skirts, but finally just went and took out the shorts that came with gift set.  I figured they wouldn't close in the back, but they DID!

Here is a better photo.

And a closeup without the cap.

Here is a closeup of the shoes.  I guess you already realized she can stand on her own in these shoes!  How cool is that?!

I like that Integrity added the little zipper in the back.  Unfortunately, the ties won't stay tied.  So, I thought I would share a little trick with everyone who may suffer from arthritis like I do.  You should own a bottle of Aleene's Fabric Glue.  If you don't, go buy one!  It's good for many projects.

After almost an hour of painstaking, aggravated cussing and finally getting the shoes tied, I take a little dab of glue and put it in the middle of the ties.

The glue dries clear, so it won't be noticeable.  It will keep the ties from coming undone!  That's my little trick for the month!

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!