Most Integrity doll collectors know Ryan Liang.  He is doll couturier who designs under the name "Shantomo".   It was only a matter of time for him to win the IT Design Competition and have one of his designs created for Fashion Royalty collectors.

Such A Gem Dania Zarr was the winner in 2019.  The purchase of this doll was a no-brainer for most collectors (made to order edition size of 1205).  Dania Zarr is a favored character mold and the ensemble is truly wonderful with lots of pieces for mix and match potential.

Here is a picture in the box.

And a closeup.

Such A Gem Dania Zarr is one of those rarer dolls that needs to be released from the box to be truly appreciated.  For some reason, that forward-glancing dead stare in her pale Japan complexion is truly off putting.  She reminds me of Mrs. Danvers from the movie Rebecca!  (Without the mole of course)

There really is A LOT going on in this ensemble.  Here is a picture of the accessories (property of Integrity Toys).  I am very happy that the mesh portion of this ensemble is actually a separate underskirt.  (The bow is also detachable, but I really like it quite a bit.)

Since Mrs. Danvers was on my mind, I decided to try a little redressing and see if I could create a more modern version (even more so than Kristin Scott Thomas).  Here is Such A Gem Dania Zarr wearing the lace gown from Sister Moguls.

So, what about that mesh skirt?  I've been toying with the idea of using it with other designs.  How about A Fabulous Life Rayna Ahmadi?  She's been hanging around in her summer ensemble of 2011's Veronique Breaking the Mold blouse and Randall Craig slacks.  For some reason this version has always reminded me of Angelina Jolie.

What do you think?  I don't know why, but all of the dolls in this blog are reminding me of actresses.  Does anyone else see a younger Lisa Hartman Black in this doll?

So, what's my final opinion of Such A Gem Dania Zarr?  Love the flexibility of the ensemble and it will allow a great deal of redress options (if I can get it off Eden Blair).  The doll is so elegant and refined.  Such A Gem is definitely a keeper!

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 been 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!

I put a question mark in the title of this blog because I have trouble believing these "basics" are baseline collector dolls.   They may arrive in only a swimsuit with accessories, but the faces on these girls are anything but "basic".   

My last blog entry included a review of East 59th Street Basics Pin Up Allure Victoire and Summer Glamour Victoire -  East 59th Street Basics, and I blogged about the phenomenal NuFace Basic Natural High Lilith Blair -  Nuface Basics.  After owning these basics dolls, I was eager to receive Malibu Sky Agnes Von Weiss, which arrived recently.

Here she is full length in her shipping box.  (The packaging on these dolls is similar to the way past ITBE and Style Lab dolls were produced.  It is minimal but effective.  They do come with regular IT shippers though.)

And a closeup in the box.

Out of the box realness.

My "proof in the pudding" test is always how well a doll redresses.  I'm not sure why but I see this version of Agnes as much younger that previous productions.  She makes a great companion to the first Giselle Diefendorf, Costume Drama.

Here she is wearing the ensemble from Dynamite Girl, Electro Pop Rufus.

And now for something more appropriate for the queen.

Malibu Sky Agnes Von Weiss is very popular with collectors and with an open edition, I'm sure she will be living in many collections this year!

(NOTE:  There will be nude photos of a doll front and back in this post.)

Collecting dolls during Covid 19 has been difficult at best.   From factory shutdowns to worker issues to supply chains, it's been a real mess.

If you are a "collector" there has to be something to "collect".   Like many individuals, I have more dolls in my collection than I could redress in a weekend; however, I am always on the watch to add more.  Fortunately, I have been blessed in being able to sell some older less-loved dolls to help offset the number and help fund my addiction.  Even if you have the money, where do you find dolls these days?  Less and less sellers are using e-bay.  There are some sales sites on Facebook.  If you are a member of the W Club, there is a thread for trading and selling (but good deals are getting scare even there).

Integrity Toys is also experiencing the Covid backlash.  This year they have released only a handful of dolls in each line:

Nuface - 4

NuFantasy - 2

Fashion Royalty - 3

Meteor - 5

Poppy Parker - 5

East 59th Street - 5

Unless you cross-collect between lines, pickings have been pretty slim.   This has caused the secondary market to get completely out of control.  Dolls that were selling for less than $300 two years ago have quickly approached the $400 - $500 range.   The Poppy Parker frenzy has pushed some of those dolls in the four-digit area.  Even less popular dolls that were sold close to original retail or nude dolls selling for half retail are now fetching crazy prices.

This is the second year I have "missed" the Integrity Toys Convention due to THEIR server errors.  Last year, they told me that I missed by a fraction of a second, even though I got through the process.  This year, I was told that the site oversold by accident on the server and I was put on a "wait-list".  

This is very frustrating to me personally because I am seeing MULTIPLE "For Sale" listings of the convention dolls at 100% - 300% markup on the W Club.  These dolls are being sold sight-unseen AND COLLECTORS ARE BUYING THEM!  The time has passed when collectors only purchased dolls they wanted to add to their personal collections, leaving stock for other collectors to get at retail.  Individuals are buying everything they can get their hands on and then making money on it.  The scalping totally sucks the joy out of the hobby.

Add to that somehow some collectors are getting multiple convention tickets, and it just leaves an extremely sour taste in my mouth.  It also seems that some collectors have an "in" with the design team and always get into conventions and win lotteries.  

Last year, I broke down and purchased all the dolls I wanted from the convention on secondary market.  It was expensive.  I got some great dolls, but I paid too much.   I actually spent between $300 and $400 on a couple of the dolls I really wanted.

I have decided that $400 - $450 is the maximum I am willing to spend on a doll.  That's my cut-off and it has been reserved for gift sets and extremely exclusive dolls.  

All of my frustrations with collecting IT dolls has led me to look elsewhere for spending my money.  This spring I was seduced by the Jamieshow Muses line (A Collaboration with Designer OwenSu).  They retail for $425, but they are articulated strung resin, hand-painted, hand-blushed dolls.  They are 12" and their bodies and feet are extremely similar to the size and shape of Fashion Royalty dolls.   

I got my first one in May (she was a leftover in inventory after dolls were shipped to their owners).  She is Jamieshow Muses Premier Eshe #26 of 2021 in my collection.  This is how she is packaged.  It comes in a thick brown shipping box similar to IT products.

Here is the first layer removed.

The body is beautifully hand blushed.  Here is the front.

Another closeup.

How about some mix and match IT pieces?

Nuface Violaine Perrin Beyond This Planet's top and Giselle Diefendorf's Sister Moguls pants with a different wig cap.

East 59th Street 2019 Glamour Pus?  (And a different wig cap from Jamieshow)

Even Poppy Parker's Garden of Versailles ...

You can see these dolls are extremely versatile.  The Premier lineup was announced in December 2020 (after I had spent all my extra money on secondary market IT Convention dolls).   There were five female dolls, 14 evening ensembles, four accessory sets, 9 wig cap styles in several different colors each ($30 each), and a holiday evening gown.  

I had to wait until May and hoped for something leftover.  Fortunately, I was able to acquire my favorite from the lineup at retail.  To say I was impressed would be a major understatement.  These dolls are exquisite.  They are heavy, feel expensive, and are extremely versatile.  I decided I wasn't going to spend those secondary markup prices on IT dolls when I could get a doll of this quality for a similar price.

Premier Eshe was my first, but I wound up getting four more from the Summer Kisses lineup (there were six female dolls in the series).  The Summer Kisses series also included six more wig cap options ($45 each),  four accessory sets that included 3 pair of shoes, multiple purses, and caps ($125 each), and 18 ensembles ($110 each).  The Summer Kisses dolls included paddle hands, a long wig cap, and a swimsuit.  

Here is Summer Kisses Nicole

And a closeup.

Here she is wearing Faces of Adele's evening gown and a different wig.

Here is Summer Kisses Ginnie

Here is Summer Kisses Grace

Finally (and probably my favorite from Summer Kisses), we have Sasha.  Here she is in stock.

She truly comes alive with a different wig and ensemble like Glam Addict Giselle Diefendorf's .

So... Jamieshow dolls can wear almost anything.  But can IT dolls in your collection wear the Jamieshow clothing?  The short answer is "usually".  The Jamieshow clothing can be too tight for the FR2 body's chest, but I've found that Nuface/Nuface2/Monogram dolls have no problem wearing their ensembles.  Here is Natural High Lilith wearing Look #4.

Also released this summer was a very luxe collection called Queen's Palace.  It included shoes, crowns (headdresses), and incredible gowns.  Here is a sample of the offerings ... (Photo property of Jamieshow)

The last release of Jamieshow Muses was called "Dangerous Love".  It included four female dolls, several ensembles, new wig caps, and four accessory packs.  It also included 4 MALE dolls, male ensembles, wig caps, and accessory sets.  I just added my first male doll!  Here is the promo photo of the dolls (Property of Jamieshow)

... So since I am not "aMUSEd" by the shenanigans with Integrity Toys (IT) dolls: the quality control issues, not getting convention tickets when others are apparently getting multiple tickets, not policing W Club policies, secondary market prices, etc, etc, it seems I am beginning to shift my focus.

These dolls are not cheap, but you can still get them for less than many IT dolls being sold on secondary market.  The wig cap feature is game-changing for me.  I never liked wigged dolls because the wigs often looked too big in photos.  These caps are actually rooted and fit along a doll's natural hairline.  They look fantastic in photos.  The resin material Jamieshow uses is a special formula specific to their dolls. It is durable and just "glows" in person.  You do have to moisturize the dark skinned girls, but you can use a 99 cent moisturizer from Walmart called Nivea Creme (comes in a little blue tin like shoe polish).  You have to be careful switching hands and feet, or redressing for that matter, so you don't accidentally chip the resin.  Some collectors prefer to wear white cloth gloves when redressing and photographing to prevent oils from their hands getting on the dolls.  

Are they worth the price and trouble?  I definitely think so, but look back at the photos and you be a judge.

There is a Facebook Group for Jamieshow Muses collectors.  You may want to check that out.  

Here is a link to the Jamieshow archives for Muses:

Jamieshow Muses Archive

 As my followers know I did not secure a ticket to this convention and was very disappointed.   After seeing the Convention lineup, my disappointed faded a little.  Without further ado ... here we go.  (All photos, unless noted, are property of Integrity Toys.)

There were five dolls announced to attendees in the convention package sent out earlier this year.  The five dolls were ...

#1 Chain of Command Natalia Fatale

This Natalia is mold 2.0, has dark brunette hair, and is in the Light Honey skin tone.   Convention attendees could purchase this doll for $180 (that's a $20 increase from previous convention prices for individual dolls).  Wasn't it just 2014 when convention dolls were selling for $125 each?

I really love the Natalia 2.0 mold, but I'm not sure I care for the military vibe of the ensemble.   I wouldn't mind owning the shoes or necklace though.  The doll itself reminds me of the 2015 Cinematic Convention Inner Sparkle Natalia, which I owned and sold.  I refuse to pay secondary market prices on this particular doll.  (Photo of Inner Sparkle for comparison.)

#2 Vendetta Agnes Von Weiss

Vendetta has pale blonde hair, the Japan skin tone, and also sells for $180. 

Although I love red clothing, it usually stains a doll's body if left on for any duration of time.  I'm not fond of the screening/color combination on this face-up.  The doll itself reminds me of the 2006 W Club Dressing the Part Agnes.  Dressing The Part is a sentimental favorite for me and still resides in my collection.  Another pass.  (Dressing the Part photo from my personal collection)

#3 Varsity Alejandra Luna

Alejandra is a new character that debuted this year.  She is in the Hungarian skin tone, has dark blonde hair, and retailed for $175.  

Alejandra seems to be the collector favorite from the convention lineup.  I even like this ensemble and those killer boots.   Her prices seem to be steadily rising.  I think I may even like her better than her debut version, Billion Dollar Baddie.  I am just a little tired of those high ponytails right now.  We just got Fit to Print Nadja Rhymes in the mail, and Isabella Alves from the Legendary Convention seems to have a similar vibe as well.  I may wind up adding this doll to my collection at some point in the future, but I refuse to pay secondary market prices without seeing an actual photo of the doll I am spending that kind of money to buy.  The dolls aren't expected to be shipped until January/February.  Since quality control continues to be a problem with IT dolls, I will wait until I can purchase a doll with an actual photo.

#4 En Pointe Violaine Perrin

Since changing Vanessa Perrin mold 2.0 into a separate NuFace character, Violaine has become quite popular with collectors.  En Pointe has brunette hair, is in the FR White skin tone, and retails for $175.

This doll has also secured a following with collectors.  The avant garde ballerina ensemble is probably the most interesting from the convention so far.  Those shoes are definitely worth a second look.  Even though she is a "Perrin sister", I don't like my Perrin girls to resemble each other too much.  En Pointe reminds me a great deal of Sweet Smell of Success Veronique Perrin which is a favorite of mine.  Since I already have SSOS, En Pointe was a pass.  I may try to secure the ensemble later.

From my personal collection, Sweet Smell of Success Veronique photo for comparison purposes.

This summer I took my Time of the Season Poppy and put her hair in a ponytail.  She sort of reminds me a little of her also, but TOTS has no challengers here for her position in my collection.  

Also revealed was a limited edition (700 pieces) East 59th Street doll.  Apparently, attendees will be entered into a special lottery for a chance to purchase this doll.

# 6 Limited Edition - Black Ice Victoire Roux

Victoire has a high silver ponytail (similar to 2019's Paris Runway Giselle sans the black extension) and is in the Japan skin tone.  Her price is $160.

This is a very interesting doll.  I collect most of the East 59th Street line; I'm just not comfortable with how this doll fits into the retro collection here.  Still on the fence for this one.

When you attend a convention in person, there is usually a registration giveaway you receive when you arrive and register.   Sometimes the registration gift is an accessory pack, a part of a giftset, or an actual doll.   Although a rare occurrence, in the past there have been pre-convention cocktail parties on Wednesday night for early arriving guests (and sometimes there are dolls involved).    At live conventions, there is always a Welcome Dinner on Thursday night where each attendee gets a gift doll and there are centerpiece dolls available to purchase through a table lottery.  At live conventions, there is also a W Club luncheon.  This year, IT combined all of these into one day.  There was an online "Welcome Event" where the convention collection was revealed and the "attendees" were given a "Welcome Doll".

# 7 2021 Welcome Giftset A Doll's Life Vanessa Perrin

This doll has the Vanessa 3.0 sculpt, the FR White skin tone, and a light blonde/platinum mix hair color.    (She was included in the registration cost to attendees).

Now this is a giftset that I can really sink my teeth into!   There are so many wonderful items.  There are three pair shoes, three pair of earrings, JEANS!, outerwear, etc.  Vanessa is probably my favorite character in the Fashion Royalty lineup.  I just knew I wasn't going to be a able to acquire this doll.  But the old saying, "Being in the right place, at the right time" found me in favor.  I was blessed to be on Facebook at the exact moment another kind collector posted this giftset for sale without ridiculous secondary markup.   This one is coming home to me!

So as the dust started settling down, so did the excitement and the prices on the dolls from Day 1.  

Today's "Luncheon" was combined with the "Style Lab" for online attendees.  David Buttry knows his fan base.  He truly "gets it" when designing Poppy Parker.  So let's see what he had in store for collectors.  (Photos are property of IT unless noted otherwise.)

The Style Lab consisted of five dolls that were sold nude.  They each cost $70.

#1 Beautiful Ginger Gilroy
Skin Tone:  FR White
Hair:  Auburn

Having just received Holiday At Home Ginger Gilroy a few weeks ago, I didn't feel the need to add this one.  I actually like Holiday At Home better.  (My personal photo of Holiday At Home)

The next four dolls are all Poppy Parkers.  

#2 Glamorous Poppy Parker
Skin Tone:  FR White
Hair:  Golden Blonde

She also reminds me of Glad All Over and Groovy Galore.  I have enough blue-eyed Poppy Parkers with long straight blonde hair already living here, so she was an easy pass.

#3 Gorgeous Poppy Parker
Skin Tone: Dark A-Tone  
Hair:  Golden Brown/Dark Brown Two Tone Hair

This doll commands attention.  I may need to add her to my collection.  She is very different than anything else I own, even though I pre-ordered the W Club Resort Ready Poppy a few weeks ago which has the same skin tone.  Gorgeous is the most popular doll from the Style Lab and is difficult to find at a reasonable price.  I've missed out getting her several times already.  

#4 Alluring Poppy Parker
Skin Tone: Hungarian
Hair:  Light Red

Another beautiful Poppy Parker.  There is something special about this one as well.   Another Poppy that may find her way in to my collection.  Although I have several redheads, we don't see Poppy in this skin tone very often.  She really is quite "alluring".

#5 Darling Poppy Parker
Skin Tone: Japan
Hair: Purple

It has been noted this doll is the fantasy hair version of the grail Kicks! Poppy Parker from the 2016 Supermodel Convention.

I just don't care for Poppy Parker with fantasy hair, so this was a pass for me also.

Since IT combined the Convention Poppy Luncheon with the Style Lab for an online convention, ticket holders also received a free Poppy Parker.

#6 Boudoir Noir Ginger Gilroy
Skin Tone:  FR White
Hair:  Strawberry Blonde

Collectors are calling this doll "Honeymoon Homewrecker" which is hilarious!   They have developed a backstory that Ginger interrupts Poppy's honeymoon and steals the groom!  This hair color/skin tone combination was used for Hello New York!  (My Photo)  I like the ensemble but don't feel she's different enough from Hello New York! so she is a pass.

Collectors were also given the opportunity to purchase a "centerpiece" Poppy Parker.  

Cost:  $160

Since collectors got the "Homewrecker", they need the bride to go with her.  Although this is a lovely doll, collectors are already comparing her to other Poppies who are similar.  Most notably Mad for Milan.  Since I already have Mad for Milan, Belle Marlee was another easy pass.  (My Photo)

One of the most exciting things about The Style Lab is the ensembles that offered.  This year there were five.  Each ensemble was sold separately and cost $80.

#1 American in Paris

#2 Pink Vamp

#3 Le Chic

#4 Gothique

#5 French Disco

Once again, there is a little something for everyone's taste.  The only ensemble that was a "must have" for me was American in Paris and I've already purchased it.  LOVE everything about this one.  I like the classy casual feel of everything here.  Gothique is also a lovely idea.  These ensembles offer a lot of mix and match possibilities.  A truly lovely collection.

In addition to these ensembles there were two accessory sets.  Each cost $75.

Accessory Set A

Accessory Set B

I passed on each of these.

Saturday night was the "Gala Event".   There were two dolls. 

Thud!  This doll is a modernized version of one of my very favorite IT dolls, Paparazzi Bait from 2007.  (My Photo).   This was my second "must have" doll from the convention and I found her for sale for a very reasonable price (and I didn't have to pay tax or exaggerated shipping charges).   

Even though this doll represented an actual Jason Wu original dress in miniaturized form, I  just received Bijou within the past few weeks and didn't feel the need to pursue this doll either.  (my photo)

Final thoughts.  I really do not like virtual conventions.  Everything seems rushed, less formal, less special.  I don't like that you can't handle the dolls and look at them in a showroom where you can inspect a doll before purchasing it.  

Many of the dolls this time seemed similar to things already in my collection.  Even though that is a hazard of collecting for such a long time, a lot of these dolls seemed similar to dolls received within the last couple years.  

IT informed collectors that the term "Obsession" was used for the name of this convention to represent the designers' obsessions.  Apparently they are obsessed with military fashion and athleisure.   Like many others, I was expecting opulence. 

From the 18 dolls offered attendees, there was a nice diversity this year.  Two dolls represented hispanic characters and five were created in black skin tone variants.  This is the first time the Gala Event Doll and Gala Centerpiece were both black dolls.   Unfortunately, our Asian girls were missing.  There were eight Poppy Parkers, four NuFace, one East 59th Street, and five Fashion Royalty dolls.   It really did seem as if there was something for everyone.

The Poppy Parker event pretty much saved this convention for many ticket holders.  It was a strong showing from David Buttry.  Many collectors have voiced dislike with the military and athleisure stylings - disappointment has expressed by several.

I've only purchased two dolls so far (mainly because I was able to find them from super kind collectors who were selling at reasonable prices):  A Doll's Life Vanessa Perrin and Sovereign Adele Makeda.  I also purchased the "An American In Paris"ensemble from the Style Lab and got the W Club event dolls.

I plan to wait until actual photos before deciding about Gorgeous Poppy Parker, Alluring Poppy Parker, and Varsity Alejandra Luna.

There has been so many quality control issues with IT over the past several months that I am going to be more cautious about purchasing dolls for which I don't have an actual photo.  The Customer Care team is being picky about replacing problems unless the complaint is filed by the original owner of the doll.   Quality Control issues must be identified within 3 months of production release.  Many sellers are requiring payment by IT Gift Certificates or PayPal Friends & Family which doesn't afford the buyer any protection for problems that could come up.  

If I had to list my top dolls based on IT photos, in order of preference, they would be ...

1. A Doll's Life Vanessa Perrin
2. Sovereign Adele Makeda
3. MVP Rayna Ahmadi
4. Gorgeous Poppy Parker
5. Varsity Alejandra Luna
6. Alluring Poppy Parker
7. Adrenaline Rush Dominique Makeda
8. An American in Paris Ensemble

Of course when actual production photos start appearing, these could change.

For over a decade (it's not possible it's been that long), I have tried to create a "blog holiday card".   I try to choose a doll that is new to my collection during the year.  This year's model is Malibu Sky Agnes Von Weiss and she has inspired me to steer away from the typical reds and greens of holiday.  

I hope this year finds you peace and joy during the holiday.  I hope you have health.  I wish for you more blessings in 2022 than can be numbered.  Merry Christmas to all of my followers!

How can it possibly be the last 10 days of 2021?!  I got up this morning like a normal day, until I realized it was December 22; I totally freaked out!  It was time to begin my annual countdown of personal favorites for 2021!

I do not expect to receive any more new dolls this year, so I sat down with my list of dolls that were added to my collection in 2021.  I pondered.  I considered.  I narrowed down.  

The first doll to appear in my countdown was purchased in September 2020, but she didn't arrive until early 2021.  I haven't reviewed her yet, even though she appears as #8 on my "Collection Additions of 2021".    

I have never been a big fan of this Integrity Toys character/mold.  As a matter of fact, there is only one other version of her residing here.  Shake It Up Korinne Dimas was from the 2012 Shake, Rattle and Roll IFDC Convention.  There were only 300 in her edition size.  I can thank my dear friend Rich for guiding me to the purchase of this doll.  She has been transferred to a FR2 body and remains a staple in my collection.  She is wearing her original ensemble (which fits nicely on the FR2 body).

When Siren Silhouette Korinne Dimas was previewed for purchase in 2020, I was reluctant at first to buy her.  I kept looking at the details of the gown until I caved and ordered her at retail price from a dealer.  Her edition size is 1100 and she sold for $175.   

Here is a full length photo in the box.

Truly, I purchased this doll primarily for the ensemble.  It is amazing.  It came with some spectacular accessories:  the jewelry, shoes, and purse are truly fantastic!  Here is a photo (property of IT) of what was included with this doll.

To say I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the box would be an understatement.  This doll has a gorgeous screening.  I love the eyes!  Her lip color is just perfect.  This is a closeup in the box.

When you get this doll out of the box, you realize just how gorgeous she truly is.  There are little beads in the seams of the dress.  She looks like a cross between an exotic mermaid and a Greek goddess.

She is so beautiful in stock and displays just as lovely.  She is much better IRL (in real life) than in her promo photos.  #10 of 2021 is Integrity Toys FR2 Siren Silhouette Korinne Dimas.

I expected this doll to appear higher on my countdown than #9.  I loved the promo photos of her and didn't hesitate ordering her from the W Club.   I was so excited for her to finally arrive.   Unfortunately, the version I received suffered from the quality control issues still being experienced at Integrity Toys.   I already have the form to send her back to Patient Care for a replacement.

Natalia Fatale is a favorite sculpt of mine.   Shapeshifter is one of my very favorite dolls ever produced.  Even with the white under the irises, this doll's screening is just perfection.  This is how forward looking eyes should look.

Enamorada Natalia Fatale was a W Club Exclusive offered in 2020 but she just arrived in the last couple weeks.   I tend to like my Natalia Fatale dolls to be blonde for some reason.  Most of the darker hair versions don't last long here.   Enamorada reminds me of Sweet Victory, Grandiose, and Inner Spark.   

Here is a photo in the box.

And a closeup.  Her eyes lack symmetry.  Her left eye seems to have less iris and appears to be looking upward.  Also, her hairline isn't remotely straight.  

I had high hopes for Enamorada Natalia Fatale, but she fell short of my expectations. She is still a very beautiful doll though and the clothing pieces and accessories are quite extraordinary.   

On July 26, 2020 a new doll line was introduced.  It started with a cartoon series on Youtube about a group of girls (and guys) that attended a magnet high school for individuals gifted in the fashion industry.

I saw these dolls often at the store.  I picked them up frequently and looked at them.  They were very interesting.  I was able to resist.

On December 8, 2020 MGA, the parent company, released a Cheer Series for the core six dolls:  Ruby Anderson (Red), Poppy Rowan (Orange), Sunny Madison (Yellow), Jade Hunter (Green), Skylar Bradshaw (Blue),  and Violet Willow (Violet).   There was a seventh doll in the original seven that was supposed to be a black character, but MGA didn't like the production and postponed its release.

Then on January 10, 2021 Series 2 was released.  

Collectors finally got the Indigo Color (Krystal Bailey), and there was also a boy character included this time, River Kendall.  I had figured that everything would center around the Rainbow High Colors, but it turns out there are many more colors in the the MGA Coloring Box.  Several "Special Edition" dolls have been released as well.

Excluding the Cheer Series, each doll came with a stand, a comb, and a second outfit which included footwear.  The retail cost in U.S. dollars was approximately $26.   There is a great deal of attention to little details in the clothing.  The dolls have fantasy hair colors.  Their clothing is very on trend.   The dolls have articulation.  It was very easy to be lured into this alternative universe!

This past summer MGA offered a Winter Break Series using the core dolls.  This time, there were snowboards and skis.  The price climbed to about $39.99.   When the Winter Vacation dolls arrived in stores, all of the older dolls went on clearance.  Some of these dolls sold for less than $10.  I lost my resolve.  

There is a very healthy adult collecting community for Rainbow High Dolls.  They have a facebook group, Rainbow High Adult Collectors.  The youtube channel continues to release video episodes and introduce new characters.  There are plenty of backstories.  Check out this website:  Rainbow High Character Information.

Adult collectors had one major complaint about these dolls.  They lacked neck articulation.  You could turn their heads from side to side, but not up and down.  MGA fixed that with Series 3, released in late Summer 2021.  Realizing they had attracted a strong adult collecting group, MGA decided to "amp" up their line.  Rainbow High became a pretty serious commodity.  Here is a photo of one of the dolls, Sheryl Meyer (if you are a fan of cult classic Clueless, you see the connection).

Rainbow High took off!  These dolls no longer "languish on the store shelves".  You can't hardly find them!  Not to mention the Slumber Party dolls just released (exclusive to Walmart) or the Rock Band dolls (exclusive to Target).    As popularity increased and production improved, the cost also started climbing.   Here are two of the dolls from the Rock Band series, Carmen Major and Vanessa Tempo (each doll retails for $49.99, but look at how extraordinary these dolls are).

There have been clothing racks, mannequins, a car, dressing closet, and even a house!  It just seems fitting that on Christmas Eve, when children are all nestled in their beds with visions of Rainbow High dancing in their heads (and I'm sure a few adults too), that I give my Best of 2021 - # 8 spot to Rainbow High.  (I came very close to having this doll line in the top five!  An articulated doll with such attention to detail, a second full ensemble, and so much creativity for $26; what's not to love!)

This is another doll promoted in 2020 that was received by collectors in 2021.  I remember when the dolls from the Dolly Days Collection arrived this past spring.  I kept thinking, "It's really too bad this wasn't scheduled in such a way that the dolls could've been promoted so that they actually arrived during the holidays." It never felt "right" deboxing or displaying these dolls out of season.

From the three dolls in the collection, there was an obvious hit with collectors.  She is supposed to be the half sister of Victoire.  Here is Merry and Bright Della Roux in the box.

And a closeup.  This is one striking face!

This doll was a mini-giftset as she came with a second dress.  Here is a photo of the accessories (property of Integrity Toys).

I'm not a big fan of green in doll clothing, but this shade of green was perfect to reflect the holidays.  The fabric is very luxe and the details are beautiful.  The skirt is quite generous (I wish an underskirt had been designed and included to give added fullness when displayed).  She looks beautiful out of the box.

Merry and Bright Della Roux helped give the East 59th Street line more exposure, as collectors of other IT lines took notice of this doll.  She was an immediate sell-out.   Other East 59th Street and Victoire Roux dolls have fetched higher secondary market prices since the release of the Dolly Days Collection.  Regardless, she is a spectacular doll.   I decided to take her photo in front of a tree, so I could wish all of my followers "A Very Merry Christmas!"  Best of 2021 - Number 7: Merry & Bright Della Roux.

The next doll is actually one of the few that was promoted, released, shipped, and received in 2021!   This doll show(s) up at Number 25 on the list of dolls added to my collection this year, but I hadn't gotten around to reviewing it yet.

I am one of those collectors that enjoys the imagined back stories of the dolls.  I think that is one of the reasons I got sucked into Rainbow High.   This goes all the way back to my playing with Barbie when I was a little girl.  Barbie Millicent Robert's boyfriend was Ken Carson.  They had a perfect relationship.  They went to college together.  He played sports while she cheered him on from the sidelines.   They went on double dates with their best friends, Allan and Midge.   They went to prom.  They got married.  They explored different careers together.   It was the dream life of a pre-sexual revolution of the 1960's/1970's.   

Jump forward to 2021 and we're definitely not in Willows, Wisconsin anymore.  (In case you weren't aware, that's actually where Barbie grew up and went to college!)

As adults we often forget that children are more aware and know more than we think they do.  Even when I was a little girl, I used to have Barbie and Ken kiss.  I'll never forget how horrified I was when my cousin Danny took off their clothes and put Ken on top of Barbie!   If you collect vintage Barbie, you know you've come across quite a few with holes where the nipples should be.  Over the past few years, we've moved from a "sexual awakening" to an "alternative gender awakening".  As a senior citizen I've been on this rollercoaster for the entire ride.

Please know that I am not criticizing this social change in any way, so hold the "hate comments".   I don't claim to fully understand the topics of "non-binary" or "trans" but, as an elementary public school educator, have been forced to do more research in this area than I ever imagined.  I do believe everyone has the right to choose their walk in life.   I believe it's not my, or anyone else's, place to judge anyone for those decisions.   I've always been taught to respect and accommodate differences in others.   

When Integrity Toys announced this doll as their first "Trans" character, many collectors sang their praises and applauded their inclusive attitude.

Here is a photo of Alejandra Luna Billion Dollar Baddie in the box.

And a closeup.

This doll has some fantastic accessories, and I love those shoes!  (Photo property of Integrity Toys)

Alejandra displays beautifully.

# 6 of 2021 is Alejandra Luna Billion Dollar Baddie.

Sometimes a collector will purchase a doll because they really like the ensemble (even if they don't like the doll).  And sometimes a collector will buy the doll in spite of an ensemble.  

When Wild Feeling Rayna Ahmadi was previewed as a W Club exclusive in 2020, I knew I would be purchasing this doll.  Rayna Ahmadi is the only doll for which I own all versions that been publicly offered.    I love this sculpt.  

Here is Wild Feeling Rayna Ahmadi in the box.

And here is a closeup.  Her face is definitely her "money maker"!

This was sort of a mini-giftset.  There was a little skirt, a cool coat, and two pair of shoes.  This mini-giftset cost $175.  (Accessories photo property of Integrity Toys)

I hate to admit it, but this is probably my least favorite NuFace ensemble ever produced by Integrity Toys.  I'm hoping I can use pieces as separates and combine them with other things in my doll wardrobe.  Here is a photo of Wild Feeling Rayna Ahmadi right out of the box.  

I didn't think it was possible for a doll to experience moose knuckles/camel toes.  As a female I'm pretty sure I know Rayna's "wild feeling" is from wearing those pants and they make a cream for that!

That top is just wrong on every level.  I couldn't even bring myself to put the skirt on her.  Here is the full ensemble.  The coat is the saving grace here and, more than anything, for the simple reason that it covers everything else.

I love Rayna Ahmadi.  And I really love Wild Feeling Rayna Ahmadi.  I envisioned her "wild feeling" a little differently.

The following doll was already reviewed this year.  She was the fourth doll I added to my collection in 2021.  Here is the original post: Additions to My Collection 2021 - #4 .

Again, we have another doll that was exclusive to the W Club.  Were you a collector of Integrity Toys dolls and not a member of the W Club, this was a very lean year for collecting dolls!  The Integrity Toys Convention sold out to members of the W Club (and this year there was a record breaking 1300 tickets).   There was only one FR2 doll offered for purchase to the general population in 2021!

Mothership Dania Zarr has the most spectacular ensemble ever created by Integrity Toys.  If you are a label hound, this doll is definitely for you.  The boots are based on a design by Tom Ford.  The visor is from an Alexander McQueen collection.  The coat comes from the House of Balenciaga.  The belt is a Dior design.  The metal corset is iconic and from the collection of Thierry Mugler.

In my personal opinion, this was the wrong doll for the ensemble.  Mothership Dania Zarr looks matronly to me.  The minute she arrived I decided she was going to be my Cruella Deville and I sold my Fashionably Ruthless giftset.  Here she is wearing an R&D Exclusive ensemble.  I actually prefer Mothership Dania Zarr like this.

Strangely, the last doll received in 2021 is actually my very favorite Integrity Toys (IT) doll of 2021.   

I decided to limit my purchases from the IT Obsession Convention.  I promised myself I would not spend more than $300 on secondary market for any doll.  I also promised myself that I was only going to allow myself to buy a maximum of 5 dolls from the convention collection.  It turned out this was much easier than I expected.

When this doll was revealed, she was my second "must have" doll from the convention.   I knew this doll was going to be more phenomenal than her promotion photos.  I wasn't wrong.

This doll arrived just before Christmas and totally shook things up.  I finally received a doll this year that lived up to standards established by IT.  They have set such a high bar for themselves that it is difficult for them to keep producing dolls at that level.  It's caused quite a bit of frustration with their followers.

Here is a photo of Sovereign Adele Makeda in the box.  

Kudos to Alain for the packaging design on the convention collection.  It feels very expensive and decadent.

A closeup photo.

Here is the IT photo of the accessories.  The only thing I would change about this doll would be the purse.  I think it looks and feels less expensive than the rest of the ensemble; that is a minor criticism.

This doll is extraordinary right out of the box.   There has been a lot of complaining about the coat on this dress.  It actually feels and looks quite luxe in real life.  There is some beautiful gold embroidery with beadwork sewn into the pattern.  The fabric has a nice textured feel.  The coat closes in the back!  This is one amazing ensemble.

This doll is a knock out! 

This is a great example when IT pays attention to the little details.  When you take the coat off, you see the  beautiful design work on the side of the dress and can appreciate the fabric used.

There is something very sensuous about Sovereign Adele Makeda.  I love this doll's face.  I love this doll's hair.  I love this dolls' ensemble and accessories.  I even love the skin tone.  This doll is just perfect from head to toe.  (And for some reason she remind me of Pamela Sue Anderson.)  Once again, Adele Makeda stole the convention!   Best of 2021 - # 3 is Sovereign Adele Makeda.

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.

 ... Which doll could possible be taking the top spot?   I know everyone is complaining about this being the "leanest" doll year from Integrity Toys.  Even though there were only small mini-collections of some main doll lines, collectors received a lot of options this year from IT.   Especially if you were a W Club member.  

In addition to those FR2 dolls already listed in the countdown:  Siren Silhouette Korinne Dimas (Best of 2021 - # 10 ), Enamorada Natalia Fatale (Best of 2021 - # 9 ), Mothership Dania Zarr (Best of 2021 - # 4 ), Sovereign Adele Makeda (Best of 2021 - # 3 ), and Malibu Sky (Collection Addition #35 ) there were some very strong contenders for my Top 10 spots.  In 2021, I received:

Neo Look Adele Makeda

First, I know that my countdown reflects my personal taste.  There are many of my collecting friends out there that would not agree with my choices.  That's okay!  The world wouldn't be so wonderful if we all liked the exact same things all the time.

I went back through the history of my blog (starting all the way back to 2010).  This will be my 12th year reviewing dolls that have been added to my collection.  Here is a list of the top dolls.

2010   -  Regal Estate Agnes Von Weiss

                 Smoke Signals Dania Zarr

2011   -  No Reservations Kyori Sato

2012   -  Glam Addict Giselle Diefendorf

2013   -  After Tonight Eugenia Frost

                 Midnight Star Elyse Jolie

2014   -  Montaigne Market Elyse Jolie

2015   -  Rare Appearance Dania Zarr

2016   -  Poppy Parker

2017   -  Queen of Everything Agnes Von Weiss

2018   -  Adoration Eden Blair

                 Afterglow Lilith Blair

2019   - Poppy Parker Fashion Week Style Lab

2020   -  The Enchantress Nadja Rhymes

In the past eleven years, the top spot has been shared by two dolls three times.  It has been given to a line of dolls twice, both times Poppy Parker.   The list includes 4 specific Nuface Dolls and 8 specific Fashion Royalty dolls.  The top spot has always been held by an Integrity Toys product.  

Maybe it's my frustration the W Club and IT management teams refuse to do anything about the degree of scalping, maybe it's the constant quality control issues, maybe it's my disappointment at being unable to get a convention ticket when others are getting as many as six or more tickets and selling everything on secondary market.  Or it could just be a combination of things.   For the first time, in 2021 I went looking for an alternative to IT dolls but still in 12".

When Jamieshow Dolls first introduced the new Jamieshow/Owensu Muses line in December 2020, I had spent all my holiday money on Legendary Convention Dolls (having to pay secondary market prices).   I didn't get to preorder anything from the Premier Collection.   I was okay with that.  

When the dolls and ensembles starting arriving in April, I couldn't get over the photos being posted.  I joined the Facebook Jamieshow Muses Group.  It turned out there were a few leftover items after everything was shipped to buyers.  There were five characters in this group and 14 ensembles.  I was able to acquire my favorite character Premier Eshe.  After waiting several months, I was able to get Look 7 (my favorite ensemble).  Yes, it even came with a crown!  There is gold threaded embroidery and little silk flowers and bead work applied by hand.  There are LAYERS and LAYERs of tulle built into the underskirt in shades of pale tiffany blue and cream.   

This is just a whole different level of doll collecting.  (She is wearing her original wig cap.  NOTE:  Jamieshow/Owensu Muses have skull caps with magnets.  That way you can interchange different wigs, and there have been well over 100 offered.)  Here is a closeup Premier Eshe.

Following the Premier line, Jamieshow/Owensu Muses released the Summer Kisses Collection, six more dolls (four were different screenings of Premier characters and the other two were new "twins").  There were also 18 ensembles.  I acquired five of the dolls this time and six of the ensembles.  These ensembles were less formal than those in the Premier Collection.

In July, there was a very special luxe edition of gowns and headpieces called Queen's Palace.  These were pricey, but I allowed myself my favorite gown, Sovereign , the headpiece, and the accessory set.  Here is Summer Kisses Sasha wearing the ensemble.

I can't get over the feel and design of this.  The fabrics are expensive.  The beadwork is exquisite.  This is just breathtaking work!

In October, there was another lineup, Dangerous Love, which included four more female dolls listed (two previously released sculpts with different facial screenings and two new characters).  There were also four male dolls.   There were 25 total ensembles.  This was truly doll overload.  The ensembles were a mix of everything.  No collector went away disappointed.   I purchased three dolls (one male!) and six ensembles.  These items are expected later this winter.

Just in time for Christmas, we got the Enchanted Collection.  Four previously released females and two previously released males made an appearance with new faces.  There were very luxe clothing options playing to the idea of Fairytales.  I ordered only one female and five ensembles.  These aren't expected until about mid-spring.

So Jamieshow/Owensu Muses is responsible for bringing back great joy in doll collecting.  Everything is so elevated.  I don't have to fight scalpers.  George and everyone at Jamieshow is so free with their time and so kind to collectors.  They listens.  They make me feel appreciated.  

I reviewed the Jamieshow/Owensu Muses line on my blog already (Jamieshow/Owensu Muses Review ).   I just wanted to share what made these dolls and their ensembles deserving of my Number 1 Spot of 2021.   

Best of 2021 - Number 1 was, without reservation, easily given to Jamieshow/Owensu Muses.  I hope you enjoyed this review and countdown.  Here are Sasha and Eshe to wish everyone a Happy New Year 2022!

I guess we start the whole thing all over again.   

The first doll I added to my collection in 2022 was one for which I had to pay secondary market prices, but I purchased it from a doll friend who was fair and kind (and I know they are not a scalper).   I only paid secondary market prices because it was a doll offered at a convention for which I didn't have a ticket.   By purchasing from a friend, I didn't have to pay E-bay sales tax, so I saved even more money!

Fortunately, there were not many dolls I couldn't resist from this convention.  A lot of ticket holders were very upset about the designers' interpretation of the term "Obsession".   Fashion Royalty was supposed to relate to military fashion and Nuface "sported" Athleisurewear.   Since there were 1300 dolls produced and they didn't receive a rave review, most of them are accessible for reasonable prices. Since this was only the second version of the Alejandra Luna and I really liked those boots, I decided to take a chance on her.

Most of the dolls from the Integrity Toys Obsession Convention were delayed in shipping.  It was anticipated this doll wouldn't be shipped until the end of January but it came much earlier.  That was a nice surprise.

Here is a full length photo in box.

And a closeup.

She has really nice eyes!  Her hairline isn't perfect, but I can live with the minor stitching problem.

I really love that Integrity Toys is including additional lower legs with flat feet.  That gives us a lot of versatility with the dolls.  Did I already mention how much I liked those incredible boots!  (They are every bit as nice in person!)  This is a photo of the accessories (property of IT).

Let's see what she looks like out of that box!

Alrighty then!   This girl is actually quite a show stopper.  I like the ensemble much more than I expected.  There are a lot of mix and match possibilities here.  I want to redress her soon, but I am actually loving her in stock!!  #1 added to my collection in 2022 is Varsity Alejandra Luna.  (I really can't say enough about how much I like this doll!  She is a great start to a new year.)

The "attendee" reception for the Obsession Convention was lukewarm at best.   As things settled down and dolls actually started shipping, there has a been a shift in public approval.  The prices of many of the dolls have crept up over the past few weeks.  That just supports what many collectors say about dolls being better than promo photos.  

In contrast, the price of one of the Style Lab Poppy Parkers has actually reversed!   When promo pictures were shown in December, Gorgeous was the collector favorite.  (Photo property of Integrity Toys)

She peaked at almost $450.   Purple-haired Darling has skyrocketed past her, as has the consistent favorite Alluring.  Glamorous started out slow from the gate, but when collectors realized she had almost the identical screening of Kicky from 2019, she has found a favored spot in collectors' hearts.

Gorgeous is now selling in the mid to high $200+ range.   Personally, I like a Poppy Parker with a different look, so she was an easy addition to my herd.  Here she is in the box.  Instead of the "milk chocolate color" of the promo photos, she is actually more of a "bittersweet chocolate" color.  This is one case where the promo photos were much better than the production doll.

The Style Lab Poppy Parkers were sold nude this year; not even a bathing suit!   

The proof of any doll is "in the pudding" ... I mean "in the dressing" (but not like turkey dressing).   Here is Gorgeous wearing the "Soft Focus" fashion from the 2018 Miss Behave Style Lab.  Pretty cute! This photo was taken in natural light.  

And  here she is in a Silkstone "Chanel" suit.  

Gorgeous seems to be pretty versatile.  Although she is nothing like the incredible promo photo, I think she makes a unique and special addition to my group of Poppy Parkers.  Number 2 added to my collection in 2022 is Gorgeous Poppy Parker.