As I develop my posts, I try to make sure that they encompass playline, limited edition, Mattel, Fashion Royalty, etc. I think I may be spreading myself too thin ... however, my collection really does reflect all things of beauty in 1/6 scale. I don't discriminate against dolls for any reason.
I was disappointed in my last post. It was simply a review of a new doll I acquired. There wasn't anything of real interest to anyone. Furthermore, I should've shared where the outfit come from. A rookie mistake that I will not let happen again.
The photo was selected as the spotlight photo on Pink Parlor/Vinyl Lounge. I appreciate that honor more than anyone could know.
The denim pants and jacket were purchased from BIC before the owner went out of business. I purchased two pair. They were manufactured by a company called Sakurana. I'm not sure how anyone could find these now, but I bet an industrious collector could! They were abour $40 each set.
They have incredible little metal rivets (that will fall out and are a b***h to find!). They are distressed and fit the taller girls beautifully as they ride low on the hips. The jackets are a little long in the sleeve, but are remarkable as well. They are a little loose on the small busted girls but fit the regular FR line very nicely. (BTW, Going West is wearing the bodice from Blue Blood Elise.)
The sweater is one of most beautiful pieces of clothing ever produced by Integrity. It is an incredibly knit sweater and closes with buttons in the back. It came from the Blonde Ginza Kyori giftset.
Although it was made for a larger busted girl, it looks better on the smaller girls (in my opinion).
Now ... I am going to include something for everyone. Many of you may know this trick, but I wanted to put it out there for those who do not. I was thinking about things I use regularly in my collecting that may help others.
First ... there is the dental brush one uses to clean braces. If you've ever had braces you recognize this! They come in a pack of 16 at Walmart for less than $4. I purchased one of these on e-bay for $3 plus shipping. When it got it here, I immediately realized I had wasted some money!
They are great for ..... fixing the eyelashes on my FR dolls. They separate and lengthen eyelashes that have gotten mashed from redressing. But you must be careful. If you are too agressive it could pull the eyelash right off. It has only happened to me once, so I am more careful now. The results are quite good though. It can take an otherwise helpless situation and make it easier to live with.
I want to end with an individual photo of Going West. I thought she would be difficult to redress and enjoy. Boy, was I wrong!!
I have been putting off my decision about whether or not Imogen was going to stay and become a permanent member of my collection. She was one of the first dolls from the new Integrity Line to sell out immediately and a lot of collectors were disappointed they were unable to obtain her at retail price. Her value on the secondary market is two to three times her original price, so I was nervous about taking her out - if I opened her and decided I didn't like her, she would no longer be NRFB.
Some collectors started a thread that her facial screening looked "flat". My biggest concern was that she had applied eyelashes AND painted on eyelashes. This is a pet peeve of mine recently. Give me one or other. If you have to do both, at least make them discreet. (As you remember from a previous post, the new Adele just had to go!)
I just couldn't deal with those straight lines below her brows. I know many collectors love her, and I am very happy for them. Adele is a favorite character of mine, but this made my OCD go into overload. Imogen's eyelashes are not nearly so severe.
One thing I can praise Integrity for this year is their clothing line. I have loved EVERYTHING that has come out so far. Even though Adele left, that outfit stayed. Same for Kesenia. Imogen is no exception with the clothing. That trench coat is a perfect fit and it is lined beautifully. The tailoring is amazing, especially in such small scale.
The little knit shirt is quite cute and looks nicer with the original belt added.
Some collectors discovered that they liked the lining of this blouse better and were able to turn the top inside-out. I agree! It looks great, but it reminds me a little of Old is New Giselle's blouse in coloring.
I guess I should point out that the earrings Imogen is wearing is not her own. The earrings were just little studs and were nothing to brag about. I didn't get a good closeup of the boots; they have a zipper and little buckles. They are awesome. The tights are just simple black tights. A pair of slacks or a skirt would have been nice.
In some parts of the country, school is just beginning back. (Here in the Atlanta area, we started back the first week of August!) Right now there is this annoying commercial playing from Target that has a very catchy tune. It keeps saying "Denim", so Imogen had to "get her denim on"....
I think she really shines when she is redressed. I really do like this girl, so she is staying. One less to consider/debox ... one added to the collection. Isha better come out before the arrival of the next group. Stay tuned.
