Something Old, Something New, Something Bought, and Something Blue - Collecting Cycle 2025 - Number 16-23

A combination of things has caused a major shift in the secondary market for Integrity Toys (IT) dolls:  

1. IT has been struggling for the past several years with quality control issues; however, if the dolls I've received in 2025 are an indication of the current production situation, I am cautiously optimistic things are back on the right track.

2. Scalpers have pushed the edition numbers up beyond demand; many of the newly released dolls are barely bringing retail price on secondary market.

3. Production issues in China have limited new product, causing collectors to look to other doll brands for additions to their collections.

4. Newer collectors have no loyalty to older IT doll lines or body styles.  Many dolls prior to 2013 (the year IT switched to FR2 body) aren't fetching those high prices on secondary market any more, excluding the lower edition grail dolls of course.

5. Collectors are faced with the extra cost of paying state/local taxes and tariffs on their dolls.  With the rising cost of living, people are actually choosing food, shelter and basic needs over dolls.

All of these factors have led many collectors to re-think their inventory and focus on their very favorites, putting some nice dolls out into the collecting world at reasonable prices.  

This leads me to bringing my blog current.  I have been able to add a couple older dolls to my collection over the summer, but I've been negligent in updating my information.

Something old ...

Like so many collectors, I sometimes have seller's remorse.  I sold this doll several years ago, but it came up recently at almost original retail price.  I couldn't resist bringing her back into the fold.  How could I resist this nod to Balenciaga!

Collecting Cycle 2025 - Number 16 is Monte Carlo Victoire Roux from 2013, LE 485.

The next doll was an absolute steal; however, she didn't have a box or shipper.  Who cares when she was displayed untouched!  I have a weak spot for this line and am especially fond of brown-eyed blondes!  Look at the wonderful details in this ensemble!

And a closeup of that incredibly sweet face.

Collecting Cycle 2025 - Number 17 is 2015's Always Me Misaki.

The next couple dolls are not that old, but I passed on them when they initially premiered and have been on the lookout for them at a good price.  I got both of them at almost original retail and adding them made my collection of Tulabelle True complete.

Collecting Cycle 2025 - Number 18 from 2022 is Big Love Tulabelle True.

Collecting Cycle 2025 - Number 19 from 2024 is Adored Tulabelle True.

Now on to Something New ...

Somehow I forgot a doll that arrived here in May of this year.  I found her in the shipper when I was reorganizing my doll room.  I guess that speaks volumes about how I feel about her.  LOL!  She was advertised as the 15th Anniversary Edition, but I was actually quite underwhelmed by her.

Collecting Cycle 2025 - Number 20 Pink of Perfection Poppy Parker (15th Anniversary Doll).

I attended a local doll show a couple weeks ago and a friend of mine offered me the next doll for her original retail price.  (No tax, no shipping).  She was one of the W Club upgrade dolls for 2025 membership and I wasn't impressed by the promo photographs by IT.  Her post production photos from collectors got my attention.  

Collecting Cycle 2025 - Number 21 is Lustre Lilith Blair.

This brings me to the last two dolls to arrive here.  When the next doll was premiered, I was so excited; we don't see dolls from this line often (the last time was in 2019).  I have loved the Monogram line since it debuted in 2009 and couldn't resist a mega-giftset!  After taxes, tariffs, and shipping the price exceeded $300, but I still love her so.

Collecting Cycle 2025 - Number 22 is Popular Monogram.

Here is the IT photo of the giftset.  It's really quite extraordinary.  The pink suit was inspired by John Galliano for Christian Dior 2007.

And look at all the mix and match playability!

Now ... something blue ....

When IT gets a faceup that becomes very popular, you can expect to see it over and over.  I almost didn't order the next doll because I feel like I have multiple versions of her already here; however, I couldn't resist the ensemble.  Just look at all those accessories!!!

And that face truly is gorgeous.

Collecting Cycle 2025 - Number 23 is Toast to Us Adele Makeda.

So, this makes me caught up for 2025!  The countdown is a few short weeks away and I think I have more than enough contenders for my Top 10!

Let The Countdown Begin - Best of 2023 Number 10

I can really appreciate the endless hours dedicated by designers to producing dolls for their collectors, so I decided to try and recognize as many individuals in this countdown as possible.  

I have been collecting Victoire Roux since the line debuted in 2011.  It appeals to the vintage side of my aesthetic.  Not only that, these dolls still have a shape to model pre-FR2 clothing beautifully, especially clothing from 2002-2005 since they have the shorter limbs.

I was skeptical when Integrity Toys (IT) announced that there would be a mold change for the Victoire character when the line switched over to being called East 59th Street and other characters were added.  It turns out this new mold is one of my favorites of all IT dolls across all lines.

In 2023, IT designer Chris Stoekel gave collectors "The Adornments Collection" with five beautiful dolls, including a new caucasian male friend.  The prices remained the same since 2020.  Although my overall favorite of this line was Enchanting in Amethyst Aurelia Gray, my favorite ensemble was Twilight in Blue Topaz.   My favorite East 59th Street doll was the Basics Aloha Waikiki Victoire Roux that was announced in 2022 but shipped to collectors in 2023.   So combine the two and get my Best of 2023 - Number 10.

Here is a full length of Aloha Waikiki wearing Twilight in Blue Topaz.  I changed out the jewelry because I preferred silver to match the dress threading.  You can see why other designers ask Chris for advice with patterning.  He has such an understanding of scale in this size.  

Such a beautiful doll in a beautiful dress representing East 59th Street as the Best of 2023 - Number 10: 

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!

Best of 2021 - #2

This is going to be an odd blog entry.  My second place position for Best of 2021 isn't going to an individual doll or even a specific doll line.  Best of 2021 - #2 goes to the Integrity Toys Open Edition dolls that were introduced this year.   

This was a concept that was long overdue - make dolls in batches and sell them to everyone.   While we're at it, let's include dolls from each line!  And to make things even better, produce the dolls as Basic Editions with minimal packaging.   Then sell them for $99 each.  And to put the cherry on top, let's give them beautiful screenings and hair!  Bloody brilliant!!!

The first dolls offered were from the East 59th Street line.  Pin-Up Allure Victoire Roux is a raven haired doll.  She showed up as #6 of dolls added to my collection this year.

At #7 on my list of additions was her twin Summer Glamour Victoire Roux as a fiery redhead.

Sadly, these dolls were offered before the East 59th Street line became popular with collectors (which seemed to happen after the Dolly Days and Traveling In Style dolls were released).  IT decided to retire these dolls from the Open Edition line and have announced they will be replaced by something different.  I am thrilled that I was able to get them at retail.  They are quite beautiful in hand.

The next doll released as an Open Edition represented the NuFace line.  She is Natural High Lilith Blair and I reviewed her earlier this year as my Doll Addition #11 of 2021 .  This doll is nothing short of spectacular and has become very popular with collectors.  Since Lilith is supposed to be a twin anyway, I have two of this doll so I can have one rerooted.  And it didn't break the bank!

The next two dolls were released at the same time.  Malibu Sky Agnes Von Weiss was an instant success (she was reviewed as Doll Addition #35 of 2021).  The IT server broke when this doll was offered.  This is a truly grail worthy version of a very popular mold.  

For some reason Beach Babe Poppy Parker didn't receive the same reception.  I didn't think I would like this doll, but real life photos convinced I made a mistake not ordering her.  I got her in the second production round; she is one of the most interesting versions of Poppy Parker released so far.  I love her!

I do not collect the Meteor line (at least I am still making that claim).  The following photos are property of IT:

First there is raven-haired Slay All Day Keeki Adaeze

And her blonde counterpart Still Poppin' Keeki Adaeze.

I applaud Integrity Toys for this bit of marketing genius and putting beautiful dolls in the hands of loyal collectors at an affordable price.    (At posting time, the only Open Edition doll available for purchase directly from IT is Still Poppin' Keeki Adaeze.   Keep checking the Integrity Toys website as they advertise availability as shipments arrive.)  For collectors who like to display their dolls NRFB, this line probably isn't for you, but for collectors like me, who like to redress their dolls, this is just doll nirvana.   This whole concept, with such special versions of the dolls, was truly worthy of Best of 2021 # 2 - Integrity Toys Open Editions.

East 59th Street and the Doll Drought of 2021

I have been a fan of the Victoire Roux/East 59th Street line since it was first introduced with Faubourg Saint Honore Victoire Roux at the Integrity Toys (IT) Jet Set Convention in 2011.  (Here she is wearing an earlier FR ensemble, Apertif at the Balthazar.) 

I have owned almost every version of Victoire Roux and immediately got on board the East 59th Street line in 2017.  Luxurious Leisure Constance Madssen remains a favorite in my collection.  (She is actually wearing a Silkstone ensemble!)

Even with the extremely talented, Chris Stoeckel, designing this line, Victoire Roux/East 59th Street has always seemed to lag behind other IT collections.  Maybe it is due to the focus on fashions from the 1940's - 1960's.  Maybe it's because the dolls have always been very stylized in their faces and hair.  Maybe it's because a different body shape was used for these characters.  Whatever the reason, collectors could usually pick these dolls up on sale at most dealers.  That is ... until 2021!

Could the new found popularity be attributed to the fact that it has been a very lean year for IT doll collectors?  

So far in 2021, not including dolls introduced in previous years, there have only been a handful of new dolls announced:  Fashion Royalty - 3 (None of these were available retail and none have actually shipped), NuFace - 4 (1 Open Edition Doll, 1 W Club Upgrade, 2 Retail), Meteor - 2 (Both Open Edition), Poppy Parker - 2 (1 Open Edition, 1 W Club Upgrade), Misaki (1 Retail).  That's less than a dozen dolls in all the other IT lines (excluding Jem) and only 7 of those have even made their way into collectors' hands!

Or, and I prefer this scenario, could the new found popularity be due to collectors finally realizing the quality of the ensembles and dolls?  It's probably a combination of the two.  Regardless, the secondary market prices of the Victoire Roux/East 59th Street line seem to have skyrocketed within the past few weeks.   Some of the older Victoire Roux dolls are now demanding $250+.  Depart L'Orient recently sold for $295, Buenos Aires $378, La Grand Seduction $355, and Story of My Life $350.  The Americano recently sold for $325.  Afternoon Intrigue fetched $275.  Nude dolls are bringing prices usually reserved for desirable FR and Nuface girls!

The newfound popularity could be, in part, due to the fact that eight different dolls have been made available in 2021; the East 59th Street line has given us three dolls from 2020:

#13 of 2021 in my collection, Merry & Bright Della Roux (edition size 550)

#14 of 2021 in my collection, Festive Lights Constance Madssen (edition size 550)

#15 of 2021 in my collection, Sparkling New Year Victoire Roux (edition size 550)

There were two Open Edition dolls in 2021:

#6 of 2021 in my collection, Pin Up Allure Victoire Roux

#7 of 2021 in my collection, Summer Glamour Victoire Roux

Unfortunately, mainly due to my organizing my collection and putting everything in my Detolf cabinets, Summer Glamour is the only doll from the East 59th Street line to make it out of the box and get redressed.  I really like this version A LOT!

There was also a 2021 Mini-Collection, Traveling in Style:

#28 of 2021 in my collection, New York Bound Victoire Roux

This doll has extraordinary screening and hair!  For some reason New York Bound seems reminiscent of the earlier Gene line.  Maybe IT is pulling in those collectors now?

#29 of 2021 in my collection, Home At Last Lady Aurelia Gray

I purchased this doll with reservation.  I wanted the complete collection, but I didn't think I would like this version of the character.  The screening on Home At Last is beautiful!  What a pleasant surprise!

#30 of 2021 in my collection, Romance In The Air Augustus "Gus" Blake

Chris Stoeckel showed some serious wisdom in grabbing up the retired FR Darius Reid mold and using it as a new male character in the East 59th Street line!

I read where some collectors chose to not pre-order these dolls, opting to "pick them up when they go 'on sale' at dealers."  They are probably kicking themselves right now.  None of these dolls made it to the sale bin this time.  As a matter of fact the most recent doll, New York Bound Victoire, actually sold for $475 at a recent e-bay auction and seems to bring between $275 - $332 consistently.

I am very happy for Chris Stoeckel and the popularity he is finally realizing for this line.  I am also very happy that I was able to acquire all of my dolls at regular retail prices!

Best of 2020 - Number 10: Late Night Dream Victoire Roux

 I can honestly state that I have been a fan of Integrity Toys (IT) East 59th Street line since Victoire Roux first appeared on the scene in 2011.  As a matter of fact, Fauboug Saint-Honore was my #4 doll of that year's countdown.  She showed up again in 2014 as Depart Pour L'Orient at #10.   

The character, Victoire Roux, received a makeover in 2018 with a new mold.  It wasn't until this past spring when Late Night Dream arrived that the new mold made a solid impression with collectors.

Late Night Dream Victoire Roux proves you can produce a doll with a fantastic set of forward looking eyes!   She set a new record on my Flickr account for a photo that was the subject of a TAG Game - Spring Coat:  55, 355 views, 141 favorites, and 45 comments.  TAG GAME: Spring Coat Victoire Roux

Every year I choose one of my favorite dolls of the previous year to be the subject of my "Digital Christmas Card".   This year, I decided to use Late Night Dream Victoire Roux; she is wearing my favorite Holiday Barbie ensemble from 2007.  Late Night Dream Victoire Roux probably should've been higher on my countdown, but we had some fantastic dolls in 2020.

I wish all of my followers and anyone who randomly views this post the merriest of holidays.  Please stay safe.  

Lady Aurelia Grey - #11, #12, and #13 of 2020

On March 26, I blogged about the #7 doll added to my collection in 2020, Late Night Dream Victoire Roux.  Link: Late Night Dream Victoire Roux (mold 2.0)

I was extremely impressed with the faces of the 2020 East 59th Street mini-collection and was a little regretful that I had not ordered Mid Day Venture Aurelia Grey.  When the dolls were previewed to the W Club, I held firm to only choosing one.  However, I loved the clothing and accessories and planned to pick some of those up on secondary market. When you are trying to manage your collection, sometimes you have to make sacrifices.

But everyone knows how difficult it can be to resist a good sale!  I had been sent an e-bay coupon code and someone was selling her on e-bay for an excellent price NRFB.   You know where this is going ...

#11 of 2020 in my collection is Mid Day Venture Aurelia Grey.  Here is an "In Real Life" (IRL) photo of her in her box:

And a closeup in the box.

According to designer Chris Stoekel, he designed this group of dolls with wardrobes that could be mixed together and allow for many design combinations.   The dolls included a lot of nice accessories.  Here is what you got with Mid Day Venture.  (Photo by Integrity Toys/IT)

After Mid Day Venture arrived, I really started appreciating her beauty.  I decided that maybe I had misjudged this mold.  Opera on the 5th Aurelia Grey was the only East 59th Street Lady from 2019 to not make it to my home.  What harm could it do to check some dealer websites and see if she is still available NRFB?  

Imagine my surprise to find a dealer selling this doll for almost 30% off retail price.  I have already established the fact that I have trouble passing up a good deal.  Into my cart it went!

Opera on the 5th Aurelia Grey became #12 of my dolls added in 2020.  Here is a full length photo.

And a closeup.

Now that is a gorgeous face!   I couldn't believe how beautiful I thought this doll was.  I loved her so much, I couldn't help but wonder what she would like on a FR2 body.  So I was able to purchase a head on e-bay for $30.  I already had an extra FR2 Light Honey body.   At the FR Fashion Week Convention, I purchased a Paintbox Designs dress at the Bazaar on Friday night.   It was still in its package, waiting for the right model.  

#13 of 2020 is Opera on the 5th Aurelia Grey (FR2).  I pulled her hair back for a more polished look.

I believe there is more potential to this mold than expected!  I don't regret adding these three to my collection at all!

#7 of 2020 - Late Night Dream Victoire Roux

I've been so busy with evaluating my collection for sales and dealing with "group shipments" from Integrity Toys that I somehow missed publishing my post for #7 of 2020, Late Night Dream Victoire Roux.

I have been a fan of the East 59th Street dolls all the way back 2011 - when it was just Victoire Roux!   I love the clothing and think Chris Stoeckel is an amazing artist.  His taste level and flair for vintage influenced fashion is right up my alley.

When Victoire Roux's mold was refreshed, I wasn't originally a fan.  I adore my earlier versions.  

... But this new screening is AMAZING!  The latest collection focused on yellow/white combinations, and lavender/black combinations.   My favorite ensemble was Afternoon Intrigue, which I was able to pick up secondary market.  My least favorite ensemble was Late Night Dream but I LOVED her face.

Here is full length photo in the box.

And a closeup.

Now that's a gorgeous face!

When you get her out of the box, the gown needs a little work.  It is heavy and difficult to keep up.  The layers of tulle are sewn into the bottom seam.  I decided to separate the layers to get the effect I wanted.

This girl's face is definitely her money maker!

I was tagged on flickr for a TAG GAME called Spring Coat.  I knew exactly which ensemble she needed:  the Mattel Kate Spade 2003 Barbie ensemble (I added the Kentucky Derby Barbie hat).

I never expected this photo to get the attention it got on flickr.   It was added to "inexplore" and has received over 52,000 views.  This is double the most views of any photo I've ever published!

#7 of 2020 is Late Night Dream Victoire Roux.  She is amazing and would probably be great on a FR6 body!