Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

When you've been collecting dolls for any length of time, you find yourself burned out from time to time.  I believe that Integrity's recent saturation of dolls may come back to haunt them.  Clothing pieces, face-ups, and hair styles are beginning to blend too much. 

As a passionate doll owner I'm often looking for the unique.  Something different.  Something that will add to my current collection.  After Christmas, I found the Star Dolls on sale for 50% at my local Walmart.  I got six of them and the three accessory sets.  There was a lot of interesting and unique pieces.  They definitely are not the run of the mill.

I purchased the Point of Departure Eugenia giftset from the last Integrity Convention.  Although the doll is very lovely, the clothing just didn't seem thought out.  Even though there hasn't been much love for the ensembles, something inside me told me to try those cigarette pants on a shorter doll. 

As you can see the pants are a perfect length on Poppy.  They are very well made and have many nice details, including pockets and even little buttons at the ankles.  (They'll also fit the earlier Dynamite Girls, Silkstones, and Misaki dolls.)  I paired the pants with a Star Girls top and BMR straw handbag.  I like to pretent that Poppy is out sightseeing in Europe somewhere.

I knew the Star Dolls shoes were rather gigantic, but I finally deboxed a Monster High Ghoulia to model them.  They are a great accessory for these dolls.

They significantly increased the footwear for Monster High girls.

This year I've passed on several dolls from Integrity Toys.  I had to think long and hard about the recent offering Glam Addict Giselle.

Does she look oddly familiar?  How about Silver Zinger (which I already own)?

Or maybe the Helper version of Head for Glamour (which I don't own because she reminded me Silver Zinger)?

And then there's the dress.  (These hose just don't work for me.)

Maybe the reverse of Business Class Anja (I don't own this either)?

Glam Addict is a mini giftset, with the stress on "mini".  There is only one outfit, but a lot of accessories.

 Does this hat look familiar?

Yes, I already own this doll, No Reservations Kyori.  She was my favorite doll from 2011.  Did they overproduce the hat?

The price for this "mini" giftset was rather steep.  But Giselle is a favored a character (and hasn't had her face changed yet!).  What was the decision-making detail.  Don't laugh!  The heel-less shoes.  Very modern and different.  If I decide I don't like the doll, I can always sell her on secondary market and still make a profit.  But I'm keeping those shoes!

(All of these photos are the property of Integrity Toys.  The photos were sent to W Club members in e-mails.)

Ken Sean Carson is NOT a "Pansy"

Hello.  My name is Ken, Ken Sean Carson to be exact.  I am aware that there has always been some snickering behind my back.  Shameless name calling.  Innuendo.  I am here to put a stop to all the rumors.

First.  My new owner took a chance on me, purchasing a Buy It Now auction on E-bay.  She rarely played with me when she was a child, preferring my girlfriend's frilly clothes with bows, feathers, furs, lace, and silk.  But she remembered having me, neglected and forlorn.  I arrived with my case in Mint Condition.

She was really impressed.  She forgot how "buff" I really was.  These legs are muscular, I tell you.  My arms are bulging, and my stomach is taunt!  You may not know this, but I DO have a hairy chest.  I just have to shave it for my modeling contracts.  That's where Barbie and I met.  On a modeling job.

My new owner was amazed that my hair was perfect.  My swimsuit perfect.  Everything like the day I was produced.  I came with a whole wardrobe of nice clothes.

Most of my clothing still had the inspection stickers on it.  The original tags were unfrayed.  The original seams were still pressed in the pants.  Nothing had been laundered.  As a matter of fact, it all looked brand new.

Now, I know a lot of people rib me about being "dainty".  But there is a tremendous difference between having taste, class, and integrity and being "dainty".  Sure I'm modest.  Yes, I like my robe with a monogram, matching slippers, and towel labeled "his".   What macho man doesn't like a little pampering sometime?  Huh?

And it's cold ... it IS winter, y'know.  My seersucker pajamas are warm and toasty.  Didn't Ward Cleaver wear pajamas?  How about Bob Newhart?  Dick Van Dyke?  Are they less of men?  I don't think so.  My pj's are brown afterall!  They're not pink.  Not yellow.  Not even red!

And when I go out, I think a woman appreciates a nice sports jacket and slacks.  How many second dates do you get with holey jeans and 4 inches of your boxers showing?  Well ....

The truth of the matter is I like fast cars.  Check my history.  I had an Austin Healey, a Mercedes, and a roadster.  How does that compare to your Mini-Van or Toyota Civic Hybrid?

And I don't sit on the couch on Sundays screaming at the TV.  I actually play sports.  I've been a football player and baseball star.

In addition to modeling, I've had several successful careers.  I've been an airline pilot and a doctor.  I'm close friends with important people.  I was with Dick Cheney when he had his hunting accident (which BTW, today is the 6th anniversary of that faithful event - even without articulation I can outshoot Cheney).   Would a "girlie man" carry a gun?  I'll let Charleton Heston know you consider him a "girlie man" the next time I run into him at an NRA meeting.

Let's see now.  I'm athletic, good looking, enjoy fast cars, guns, and beautiful women.  Sounds to me I have more in common with James Bond.  I do share the first name of Mr. Connery.  But, that's not the only thing.  I've been faithful to the one love of my life for over 50 years now.  Mr. Connery's marriage is one of the most stable and long lasting in Hollywood ... since 1975. 

So this Valentine's Day, be a little of a "pansy".  Show some emotion.  Buy some flowers.  Go out to dinner.  Maybe, you'll be more of a man than you think.  At least, in your loved one's eyes.