#9 of 2016

I had such high hopes for the 2015 NuFace line and purchased four of the five dolls offered.  One of those dolls made their way to my Top Ten of 2016 (since they actually arrived in 2016 - I got mine in late January); she is the doll who received the most "favorites" on her flickr photo last year.  She didn't come "alive" for me until I put her hair back into a ponytail away from her face, bringing out her true beauty.  Here is a full length photo:

I am trying to get better about telling where the different pieces of an ensemble come from.   She is wearing the blouse from 2015's Refinement Vanessa, the coat from 2009's Old Is New Giselle, the skirt is from 2013's Color Infusion Nightshade, the boots were borrowed from 2015's Electric Enthusiasm Dominique.

Number 9 of 2016 for me is Polarity Nadja Rhymes.

Apathy ...

This year has been "lackluster" at best.   It has really affected my attitude about collecting, and I've struggled with remaining enthusiastic about my 12" dolls.

The year started out strong with my first newly released Integrity Toys doll, NuFace Polarity Nadja Rhymes.  With her hair pulled back, I really have grown to appreciate and enjoy this doll quite a bit.

In addition to Polarity, I had purchased two other dolls from this line:  Energetic Presence Giselle, and Voltage Erin.  Here is the link to the original post about these dolls:  NuFace New Releases

I have waited for several weeks for the head replacement for Voltage Erin.   When it arrived, I was pleased by the improvement.  The hair actually seems a little more strawberry blonde than the one I received initially.  The eyebrows are definitely more symmetrical, but the eye screening on the left eye is still a little off.  The eyeshadow on her right eye looks a deeper color and less crease is exposed.  It's a better version, but still not as good as the quality of IT dolls from a few years ago.

While I was sending off items for replacement, I included the skirt from Out All Night Lillith.  The packing receipt that came for the Erin head showed that the skirt was also included.  (You can see the defect in the earlier post by following this link: Out All Night Skirt Problem).  I excitedly tore into the package.  The only item inside was a pair of black shoes.  ????  I contacted Customer Care and have been assured the skirt is "in the mail". ….

Until it arrives, I guess I can redress and play with my wonky-eyed Erin.  It's not that noticeable in full length photos.

I guess we'll see what the Lillith/Eden gift set brings later this month.   The first IT reveal will be soon, but I am very reluctant to pre-order anything these days …  It is May 21 and no 2016 releases so far.

Nadja Rhymes

2016 is turning out to be a year of coincidences.  Last week was Jordan week on Flickr and it coincided with my mother's birthday.  This week is Nadja week, and I just received Polarity.

Nadja Rhymes was introduced in 2006 with Erin Salston when Integrity Toys (IT) first introduced their NuFace line.  These dolls were supposed to represent the young "up and comers"; the models of the fashion houses.  Hard Act To Follow (production edition of 1200) was trendy and exciting.  Although I kept the ensemble, I wound up selling this doll because I could never grow to love her hair color.  (Photo property of Integrity Toys).

2007 was the year IT started playing around with character molds.  SE Asian Isha became Caucasian Luchia and we got  a multi-racial Nadja with Colette Duranger (one of my favorite characters).  That year collectors also received the next release of Nadja, Urban Outfitting (edition of 1000).  I LOVE this doll and her original ensemble.  She is shown below wearing the Elements of Surprise Dress.

The only other Nadja to ever be released with the original head mold was The Illusionist in 2008 (production of 500).  For some reason, Nadja never found the love of the collecting community she deserved until she stopped being produced!   (Another photo property of Integrity Toys.)

In 2015, Nadja Rhymes received a makeover.  The new mold was introduced in the regular Integrity Toys lineup, but the first received by collectors was a 2015 Cinematic Convention gift doll, Out of Sight.  This doll is extremely popular.  Although I think she is more realistic, I still love the stylized look of the original.  I was able to purchase Out of Sight from an attendee's guest at a very reasonable price while the convention was taking place.  She usually demands >$200 on secondary market today.

I have not made up my mind about keeping this doll.  She is amazing, but I don't want her to diminish my love of Urban Outfitting.  Crazy, huh?  However, it cannot be denied that Out of Sight is one  gorgeous doll!

One of the reasons I haven't deboxed Out of Sight is that I had pre-ordered Polarity from the mainline.   I wanted to wait and see if I preferred one to the other or would keep both.  Yesterday, Polarity arrived at my home.  Unfortunately, I do believe the face ups are quite similar.

This is the picture of her NRFB.  I absolutely love this ensemble.  The coat is amazing! I didn't realize from the promo photos that she was wearing tights!  Yeah!  Even if I decide to sell this doll, I will be keeping the clothing!

These are the accessories.  The choice of orange is a little odd, but it does represent a color that is lacking in my collection.  I love the clunky earrings!  The boots are wonderful even though they don't allow her to easily stand on her own.

To support my collecting "guidelines", I have added her to my list of dolls received in 2016, I have deboxed her within two weeks, I purchased her at original price from my dealer based on a photo by Integrity Toys, and I have already sold more dolls this year than I have purchased.

I really do like this doll quite a bit!  I added the gloved hands from Bionica Jordan.

I'm not a fan of parted, straight hair, so I pulled it back.  (I think her hairline is a little too low on her forehead anyway.)   Much better, don't you agree?

Side Bar:  Since I was too chicken to take the coat off (the blouse is long sleeved), I am including a photo from Integrity Toys of the ensemble without it.  I think the crop top is just wrong with tights and a fur/leather coat.

With her hair pulled back, she's definitely a keeper!  So, Number 2 of 2016 is Polarity Nadja Rhymes.

EDIT:  I went one step further and tied her hair back into a low ponytail.  I took an older bracelet and put it on as a metal hair holder.  Now, she looks like a model to me.