Runway Right Away Vanessa Perrin

Another grail doll from my collection, and a new addition from last year: Runway Right Away Vanessa Perrin. She uses the original Vanessa sculpt, and she's been given a new updated body, which unfortunately needs to be replaced. (As you can see, her hands have faded a little.)

Her hair has been rinsed, I think, from its original style, but I think it still looks pretty good. I'd love to restyle it somehow. This is a great color for Vanessa, in my opinion. I always see her as a redhead!

Adorned Vanessa Perrin

This is Adorned Vanessa Perrin - she uses the Vanessa 3.0 sculpt, and is one of favorite dolls from the latest Integrity Toys convention (and the only one I've picked up). I loved the centerpiece Vanessa (1.0) doll, too, but she was a little pricey for my taste.

Her gown is lovely, though I'm not usually a fan of accentuating the articulation points of a doll, which is what often happens with super low necklines. The chiffon cape attaches to the dress in the back with a tiny button and two tiny magnetic clips at the shoulder, which I could not get working--but I often have a hard time with buckling shoes. No big surprise there.

Vanessa's auburn hair is probably really pretty when brushed out--but this is her right out of the box. I think it's meant to be a long Farrah Faucett style. I love her blue eyes with this look.

Fashion Explorer Vanessa, restyled

I've decided to take down Fashion Explorer Vanessa Perrin's hair--it was in a wrapped ponytail, also quite pretty. But I like her even more with her hair down, it turns out. I think I may straighten it a little as well in the future.

Here, she is dressed in several pieces from Vivid Impact Agnes' fashion, Polished Korinne's necklace (I think), and a belt from another FR2 fashion.

This doll was one of the upgrade dolls offered by the W Club this year.

New W Club doll announced: Vanessa Perrin Edge

The latest W Club doll has been announced: Edge Vanessa Perrin. She's the doll that won the advanced design competition at the Premiere convention last year, designed by Lisa Ramsammy. This doll will be offered for sale to the general public for $150. W Club members are allowed to order as many as they like, and receive a 10% discount. Her edition size is to be determined, as it will be based on the number of orders Integrity receives, and she will ship in late fall/early winter of this year.

The doll uses the latest Vanessa head sculpt in the FR White skin tone. She has platinum hair (Integrity calls it "luscious blond") and green eyes. Her accessories include chandelier earrings, a bracelet, black clutch and black and cream net pumps.

I'm a Vanessa fan--and I like all her different variations. This one is no exception, and I do need another blonde Vanessa in my collection, I think! Plus, to make her even harder to resist, a certain fellow blogger has a "thing" for white outfits on dolls, and I'm afraid I've caught the bug.

Photos property of Integrity Toys.

W Club registration is open now!

Fashion Explorer Vanessa Perrin

Don't forget--Integrity Toys W Club registration is open now through January 21, 2014. This is a fantastic deal if you're a fan of IT dolls--in fact, it's starting to be one of the only ways to be able to get these dolls in a timely fashion and at retail prices, since you'll be notified of newly released dolls first as a W Club member. Follow this link for the complete registration information (it's open to all countries) and to sign up.

Benefits include:

• the opportunity to purchase several W Club exclusive dolls - two Fashion Royalty dolls, one Poppy Parker, one Victoire Roux, and one Jem & the Holomgrams doll
• exclusive member-only W club forum access
• exclusive W Club newsletter subscription
• free digital subscription to DOLLS and Haute Doll Magazine
• members only coupons to various IT dealers
• on-line events, exclusive to members
• plus additional limited right-to-buy lotteries, exclusives, and more!

Three upgrade dolls are available, and you can purchase them along with your membership, if you like--one each, and in any combination. You can read all about the options for your membership on the IT website, but the deadline for signing up is firm, so don't delay!

The Girl from I.N.T.E.G.R.I.T.Y. Poppy Parker

Countess Danielle Du Voisin™ (JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™)

Photos are property of Integrity Toys.

W Club exclusive doll - Let's Kiss And Make Up

The first W Club lottery was announced at the unveiling. She's from the Funny Face collection which was revealed Saturday, and is a limited edition of 400 dolls. Her retail is $199, and she is scheduled to ship the week of February 11.

Let's Kiss And Make Up uses the closed mouth Vanessa Perrin sculpt, who is playing the role of Jo Stockton, and three outfits are included. (I think this doll is on the Poppy Parker body.) The first, shown above, is a gorgeous brown suit, faux mink coat, bouquet of roses, hat, gloves, a wicker-looking bag, pumps and gloves. She is also carrying a cute little furry dog.

The second outfit is a cream colored suit with a matching hat and gloves, coordinating pumps, and a cute little umbrella--a prop only, this accessory does not open.

The final outfit in the gift set lovely custom printed cotton dress, sunhat with floral trim, pale yellow gloves and matching pumps.

Above you can see a closer look at her accessories. I think this set is pretty darn cute.

Photos are property of Integrity Toys.

Out Sass Vanessa Perrin - A new W Club exclusive by Integrity Toys

The third W Club exclusive doll, offered to all W Club members, has been announced: Out Sass Vanessa Perrin. She is $125 and scheduled to ship in the late winter/early spring 2013.

She uses the new Vanessa Perrin sculpt that was unveiled at the Tropicalia convention, and she has fiery red hair. Her outfit includes an olive jacket, plum skirt, lace blouse and purple faux fur shrug. 

She's got some some fabulous accessories: a purple belt, two bracelets, long earrings, a ring, ankle boots, purse and hat. I love the bright colors of her outfit.

High Point Vanessa

High Point Vanessa, a photo by alington on Flickr.

New sculpt for Vanessa--I have additional real life photos of her uploaded to Flickr. I'd love to hear what other collectors think of her.

1. Are you a fan of Vanessa (the original or resculpt)?
2. How do you generally feel about open-mouth sculpt dolls?
3. Did you like the resculpted version of Vanessa that was released previously?
4. What do you think of this version of her?

New Year's Resolutions

I've been working on my New Year's resolutions, and I've started (yet again!) with my doll collection. It's time for me to pare down and regain some focus. I've started listing a few more dolls, auction style, on eBay.

More will come soon, but please check out my current auctions at my eBay store. A couple of items that might interest you:

• Color Infusion Cosmic Love Amelie, displayed and complete
• Color Infusion Rebel Spirit Amelie, displayed and complete
• NRFB Shock Bon Bon Vanessa Perrin from 2004 (the first edition of Vanessa!)
• Displayed and complete Look of Love Poppy Parker from 2010
• Displayed and complete Twist 'n Shout Darla Daley - the only Darla made with this face sculpt

Thanks for looking, and thanks for your support!

Vanessa of the day: Current Pursuits

Current Pursuits, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Well, I'm sure to some she's "Fauxnessa" of the day. I really like this doll. Mine needs just a little work on that front curl--but for a doll-cabinet shot, not too shabby.

Personally, I love dolls with light lips and smokey eye shadow. Maybe a bit extreme here, since Vanessa's shadow matches her blazer. But in any case, I think she's lovely.

Jet Set Convention Saturday event

The W Club Luncheon on Saturday featured a gorgeous FR2 centerpiece doll. It's Tatyana's head sculpt on the newly articulated FR2 body. She's called Exceptional. Her dress and accessories are gorgeous.

Guests were also given acrylic chairs as favors, in addition to the chance to purchase this gorgeous centerpiece doll.

After the luncheon, W Club members were introduced to two new FR2 dolls, featuring the original Vanessa and Véronique head sculpts. Evermore, the new Vanessa Perrin doll, was offered as an exclusive doll to purchase for event attendees. I wish I had been there! She is gorgeous, and is the doll that would convince me to add FR2 dolls to my collection.

Already, she is listed on eBay at around $300 starting price. Some attendees have listed her for a Buy-It-Now of $380, so I doubt she will be added to my collection anytime soon.

The good news for those of us who weren't able to attend the convention this year: The FR2 -bodied Véronique doll will be offered via lottery to all W Club members in late October! Hooray! I also hope that  this isn't the last we will see of the original Vero and Vanessa head sculpts. I'd love to see them in next year's line-up.

Additionally, news of the delayed 16" W Club doll, Spring Kissed, was presented with a sneak peek of Integrity Toys' new collection, FR:16, which takes the place of the AvantGuards brand. The dolls have a redesigned body, and Spring Kissed will feature this body. Payment notices for this doll are scheduled soon.

For those of you who have forgotten what Spring Kissed looks like, here she is:

Images property of Integrity Toys.

Vanessa and Poppy obsessions on You Tube

Why stop with a good thing? The Doll Tour continued--and meet my other two kitties, Lily and Chanel. I was getting a little tired here, so inserted a few extra frames to self-correct.

I have to confess, podcasting without video is a lot more friendly.

Dress Code Vanessa restyled

Dress Code Vanessa, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Finally, photos of Dress Code Vanessa, and my short review of this new girl, are appearing on the blog.

Like many collectors, I was hesitant to see the new sculpt of "Fauxnessa" in person. However, I was excited to see her in real life at IFDC, and I am a fan of her closed mouth. While I admit that she doesn't look a whole like like the original Vanessa, I do think she is a gorgeous new sculpt, and I like her a lot.

Dress Code presents Vanessa as a redhead and in a classic navy dress, which is a little too long and a little too conservative. It's almost a 1940s era length, if I can comment on fashion. Upon deboxing my doll, I was struck by her hair--it reminds me a lot of the Shirred Not Shaken convention centerpiece doll from 2008, only more muted.

So, I did what any collector would do: I used the opportunity to shop for a new dress--in this case, Most Desired Eugenia's gown--which I found almost instantly on eBay for a terrific price, including jewelry. It's exactly like Shirred Not Shaken, only in a gorgeous bright blue instead of black--perfect for Dress Code's eyes and bright lips.

I have her displayed in my cabinet next to Shirred Not Shaken, and they have become fast friends, though Shirred does all the talking.

More photos can be seen on Flickr.

Cruise Control Vanessa

Cruise Control, a photo by alington on Flickr.

As a last little tribute to summer (I'm in southern CA), here is fashion maven Cruise Control Vanessa.

I hear as a club doll, there were complaints about her rather thin hair, but I kind of like the style. I think it's a lovely color, too. I have to admit, while her outfit is a bit unexciting, it has some great pieces and fantastic accessories.

Plus, her facial screening is wonderful. I'll have to do a real photo shoot (wow--those are building up) later.

Vanessa, Vanessa, Vanessa

Vanessa, Vanessa, Vanessa, a photo by alington on Flickr.

While I'm on the topic of displays, I thought I'd give you an update on my Vanessa obsession. It's going... obsessively, I'd say. I need some better photos, but this one gives you a general idea.

Top row:

• Pale Fire Vanessa
• Photo Realism Veronique* 
• Color Therapy
• Shirred Not Shaken
• Dress Code Vanessa in Most Desired Eugenia's fashion
• In Bloom Vanessa
• Aerodynamic
• Obsidian Society

Front row:

• Temptation
• High Tide
• Metal Maven (you don't know what happened to the other girl in this gown!)
• Monaco Royale
• Intoxicating Mix
• True Royalty
• Cruise Control

*She didn't want to sit with Poppy!

Monaco Royale Vanessa Perrin

Monaco Royale Vanessa, a photo by alington on Flickr.

The W Club exclusive Vanessa doll from 2011 has finally arrived! She's an exclusive and limited edition of 810 dolls. Every member was given a chance to purchase this doll for $135.

Monaco Royale uses the revamped "Fauxnessa" sculpt. I think she's gorgeous, but would have to agree with a lot of collectors that she doesn't look a whole lot like the old Vanessa. I think Integrity did start with her old sculpt, however--You can still see her squared jaw. She reminds me some of Vero, and a lot of Anja, too. And she's had some collagen injections in her lips so she can look a little more like Poppy. (I love those lips!)

First, two pet peeves of the doll: The necklace was hard to fasten (it took me forever!), and the hairline looks a little off balance to me.

Those two things aside, I think she is gorgeous. I love the brunette updo, her lavender and peachy facial screening. My doll's lashes are perfect.

The gown is really elegant. The wrapped skirt is super soft and falls just right. The top is meticulously sequined and beaded over lace, and I don't have a single loose sequin out of place. It zips in the back and fits perfectly. I love the gold belt accessory.

Her jewelry is really nice--earrings, very nice necklace with a tiny clasp, nice big earrings (without being out of scale) and three gold bangles. Plus, she includes a cosmopolitan. To me, Vanessa has always seemed more like a a gin and tonic kind of girl.

Her shoes are gold buckled sandals, which slid right onto her foot, no unbuckling needed. Wow.

Anyway, I'm pleased with her.

Check out more photos of her on Flickr!

Vanessa, Vanessa, Vanessa

Vanessa progression, a photo by alington on Flickr.

I thought I'd post a little photo of Shirred Not Shaken Vanessa today. She was a convention centerpiece doll from The Heist convention in 2008. She was a limited edition of 160 dolls.

Her hair reminds me a lot of the new Close-Up doll, Dress Code. Her facial screening is quite bright--very blue. Her black gown is lovely--shirred sides, beaded straps and an open back. The skirt even has pockets. She includes silver jewelry.

I know, I know. I need to take the dolls out of my cabinet to do a full photo shoot. ;)

High Tide Vanessa

Vanessa, a photo by alington on Flickr.

A recent addition to my Vanessa Perrin obsession, this is High Tide. I love her 1940s pin-up look, and I can't wait to redress her.

She's in the Navy, apparently!

My endeavor with Vanessa...

Indulgences continued, a photo by alington on Flickr.

They are going quite well, as you might imagine from this quite lame cell phone photo. I rearranged by displays on Wednesday, so I could make a shelf just for them. From the left:

• Pale Fire
• Color Therapy
• True Royalty
• Shirred Not Shaken
• Metal Maven
• In Bloom
• Temptation

Eeek! I'm having a lot of fun with them so far. I'd forgotten how much fun Fashion Royalty dolls can be. Who do you think I am missing--any must-have Vanessa Perrin that would make my collection more complete?

Indulgence...

Temptation Vanessa, a photo by alington on Flickr.

This is Temptation Vanessa, a long-time (well, a year--I guess that's a long time in doll collecting) wish list doll of mine when I missed out on the Dazzle collection in 2010. I just adore her.

I received her in trade from a doll-friend of mine--and I am thrilled. She was never-removed-from-box, and she's just perfect.

I love her Bump-It hair style. It seems I have a tendency to love this type of doll. I have a wig for Barbie in a similar style. I love 60s era beehives. If I had longer hair, I'd try to do it myself.

Just kidding!