Randall Craig Part II

I've really enjoyed trying the different Randall Craig ensembles on FR2 dolls.   This is the second part of my findings.

1)  The pants ensembles do not fit.  They are too short and will not close in the back.  Those will stay for the regular FR/NuFace/Victoire dolls.

2)  Even though the pants do not fit, it seems the capris do!  What a pleasant surprise!  Here is Rock Me Baby Rayna feeling ready for summer.

3)  The Monogram dresses fit quite well.  This one is called "Elegant" and Fashion Explorer Vanessa Perrin is modeling.  The cummerbund skirt top does not completely close in the back.  The blouse is a nice fit.

I was fortunate to win the next ensemble in a contest on Doll Divas a couple years ago.  I think Elusive Creature Natalia looks wonderful in it.  It was a Yahoo Group Exclusive that came in several different colors.  I don't know what it's called.

4)  The vintage dresses designed for FR that have the fuller skirts need the larger bust to truly look their best, especially if the dress is fitted.  Here is Renegade Dasha modeling "I Know A Place".

And I can never do a redressing post without including Agnes Von Weiss.  October Issue insisted on showing you how "Just An Impression" looks.

This one needed a slight modification in the back to look right.

So, as a summary:

• Most skirts fit and will close in the back!
• Fashions designed for Monogram/NuFace usually fit but may not close completely in the back
• Short sleeve blouses, bodysuits, and sweaters fit quite well
• Although pants aren't long enough, the capris look great!
• Dresses with fitted bodices require pinning or threading to pull the excess cloth back.  

Randall Craig's clothing is very well made.  It is tailored beautifully, lined, and exquisitely designed.  Unfortunately, Randall Craig hasn't released anything new in the past couple of years, so it's getting increasingly difficult to find.  Some of the items bring a high secondary market price since Silkstone and other 12" doll collectors are always on the search for fashions as well.   I hope this series has been beneficial to my readers.  If anyone has "A Little Moonlight" for a reasonable price, let me know!

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!