It's A Shame ...

I was hoping the two Integrity dolls that I paid for on March 7 would've arrived before my blog entry today.  Didn't happen.

I was trying to wait on their arrival before returning some other merchandise.  I guess I decided to be optimistic - I hope it doesn't come back to bite me.

In addition to the Voltage Erin head (subject of an earlier post), I had to return several items.  Last September when my Out of This World Poppy Parker arrived, I took photos.  I have come to the conclusion that the camera picks up things that one would normally miss with the naked eye.  NOTE:  Collectors probably should photograph all of their dolls when they arrive and look at closeups for problems!   Had it not been for the photo, I may not have realized there was a problem until after the warranty period (1 year for workmanship).   She had lip rubs - probably due to putting the hairnet on before the paint dried.   My NRFB doll had to be removed and decapitated.   Out with the heating pad!  (And don't think I didn't notice how thick the upper eyeliner was on left eye compared to the right!)

Although Reigning Grace has been standing in the display case since October, her dress needed to be removed and returned.  The hemline is all crooked, it's even higher than the underskirt in the back.

Unfortunately, these pleated sheer hemlines are a challenge for Asian factory workers.  The same thing happened with Out All Night Lillith.  (I hated taking this off because I was planning to leave the doll NRFB for now.)

My Prestige Natalia's skirt was missing the zipper pull.   In addition, the worker who tied her into the box must have had sharp finger nails because the top of the "leather belt" on the skirt had a tear in it.

When I contacted Patient Care about the skirt issues, the response was "we will inspect them for you and exchange them of course if they are defective."  For some reason, that's not the sort of response I expect.   I sent these exact same photos when I notified Patient Care.  I spend more money on Integrity Toys products in one year than I do on food.   I may be eating better this year.

Don't get me wrong.  I love Integrity Toys dolls and have been a fan for over 10 years now.  Unfortunately, they really don't have very much competition in this size doll line and the quality seems to be very inconsistent over the past three years.  It's a shame.

I Love The Smell of New Dolls In The Morning ...

The only thing I love more is the smell of a new doll purchased at a good sale!

Recently Toni's Collectibles had a 40% off sale on in-stock Integrity Toys dolls.  Last year, I purchased every Fashion Royalty dolls from the mainline collection except one - Prestige Natalia Fatale.  Although Shapeshifter Natalia Fatale is one of my top ten dolls of all time, I have never been a huge fan of the Natalia 3.0 mold.

Prestige arrived today, and I was surprised by how much I like her.

A closeup of that beauty mark!

The purpose for her purchase was the complete ensemble which includes an incredible fuchsia purse and matching skin shoes!

I love the face up on this doll.  It seems minimal but looks great.  I like that she has brown eyes.  Although I'm not crazy about the lip color, it's not too offensive in real life.

The ensemble is wonderful.  I love the coat, skirt, and hat.  There is a pale gray plaid bodysuit underneath.

My original plan was to use the FR2 body as a donor, but I think I'll get some playtime out of this girl first.  Number 3 on my list for 2016 is Prestige Natalia Fatale.  (I refuse to add Voltage Erin to my list - her head is off to IT for a replacement anyway!)

By the way - I'm not sure if Toni's Collectibles is still having the sale, but the coupon code was INTY40. Prestige was NRFB and cost less than $100 delivered to my door!