Just when you thought collecting Integrity Toys dolls couldn't get any more stressful, Jason Wu goes and produces two dolls wearing miniature versions of his couture items and makes them super exclusive by selling them in the Net-A-Porter stores.

Collectors actually watched for these dolls FOR WEEKS!  They would get up in the middle of the night and check the websites.  They would hang up on friends in the middle of conversations because they had an alert from Net-A-Porter.  People couldn't sleep.  It was a nightmare.  When the opportunity showed up in foreign countries first - domestic collectors got mean.  It was like a pack of wolves fighting over a caribou carcass!  (Photo by Integrity Toys)

I sat that one out!  I'm still not completely sold on the Aymeline mold.  I own the first one, Celebration, from the 2019 Legendary Convention.

I like her gown.  I love her hair.  Her screening is quite beautiful.  When I look at her, to me, she looks like she is holding ice in her mouth.  

The Spring 2019 Aymelines are lovely dolls.  I really don't care for the gowns though.  The dolls look like they should be performing in a mariachi band.  The gowns just aren't my cup of sangria.

This is a photo of a Halloween costume I found on line.  Maybe that's where Jason got his inspiration.

I know some of you love this gown.  Please do not send me hate messages - (I'll just delete them and I'm too old to care).   I'm glad at least one collector felt they needed this gown in their life but didn't want the doll!  My favorite of the two is the Plum version.  I truly love the richer skin tones in my collection.  The collector sold the nude doll at a price very close to the original retail price.  I couldn't pass it up.  I put her in a playline blouse, the coat from the 2020 Style Lab "And Scene", Sister Moguls "leather" pants and "The Beast" ear cuffs.

The Number 3 doll added to my collection in 2022 - Spring 2019 Plum Aymeline.  I imagined her more modern.  (LOVE that hairstyle!)  I think this is a very fierce doll that can prove to be very versatile.  I'm so glad I was "in the right place, at the right time".  And I didn't have to get up in the middle of the night to check websites for weeks.

I have been waiting for the perfect time to take this doll out and spend some designated playtime with her, but things have been so busy this winter.  Since I am trying to be completely upfront with my collecting this year and not get too far behind, I decided to proceed with my review anyway to allow myself the opportunity to get caught up.

A Doll's Life Vanessa Perrin was my only "Must Have" doll from the 2021 Integrity Toys Obsession Convention.   She was designed by Mark Tinkey.  I have been a big fan of Mark Tinkey since I started collecting Misaki dolls in 2006.  Mark was recently given the design task to takeover the much-neglected NuFantasy line from Integrity Toys.  He has created two stellar dolls for that line already with Divining Beauty Adele Makeda (mold 3.0).  Photo property of Integrity Toys (IT).

And her predecessor Smoke and Shadows Vanessa Perrin (mold 3.0).  Photo property of IT.

A Doll's Life Vanessa Perrin was the "Welcome Event" doll and was a gift to online attendees as part of their convention registration ($525).  There seemed to be two complaints from collectors regarding this doll:

1. She looked very similar to Smoke and Shadows

2. She was too pink and reminded collectors a great deal of Mattel's Barbie dolls.

In regard to the first complaint, I can see the comparison to Smoke and Shadows.  I actually passed on Smoke and Shadows because it reminded me too much of several other dolls in my collection with smoky eyes and low blonde ponytails:  Renegade Dasha D'Amboise (2011), October Issue Agnes Von Weiss (2013), Secret Garden Eugenia Frost (2018), Passion Week Elyse Jolie (2018), and, most recently, Violet Obsidian Vanessa Perrin (2020).  As a matter of fact I had thinned out my collection of similar dolls in 2020 (See blog entry: Blonde IT Dolls With Ponytails )  Smoke and Shadows is a lovely doll, but I have a great deal of difficulty bonding with mold 3.0.  My favorite that is still residing in my collection is Star Power from 2015. 

Since I didn't purchase Smoke & Shadows Vanessa Perrin, the similarity with A Doll's Life didn't affect my decision to add her to my collection.

Now about that complaint related to Barbie.  Doll collectors can be a fickle group of people.  I was surprised so many convention ticket holders complained that A Doll's Life was too much like "Barbie".   Didn't David Buttry just do an entire Style Lab on this concept in 2019 (Poppy Parker:  She's A Real Doll)?  He did interpretations that were almost duplicates of vintage Barbies and collectors lost their minds over this line.  Several grails came out of it.  Was A Doll's Life just too literal an interpretation of the first doll from the "Barbie Style" line?

Personally, I don't mind in the least.  If anything, A Doll's Life is "Barbie Style #1 on steroids".   Mark Tinkey commented that he wanted this to be a "fantasy of mix and match play".   There were so many incredible mix and match pieces.  This is a photo of the actual doll as packaged.

The next group of photos are all from the promotional post by Integrity Toys. 

And just look at all the accessories!

I immediately thought "Grail Status" and was afraid I would never be able to buy this doll.  I now realize there is no predicting what collectors will do - this doll can still be picked up on secondary market for less than $400.  I was blessed to be in the right place at the right time.  One attendee who doesn't collect many female dolls offered A Doll's Life NRFB for sale for $200.  I was in tears when I was able to acquire her at that price.  I will always appreciate that individual and hope he reads this post.  

Here is a closeup photo of my doll.  When things slow down a little, I plan to spend a lot of time with her.

I think she is one of the most beautiful versions of Vanessa Perrin ever produced.  #4 for 2022 is A Doll's Life Vanessa Perrin (mold 3.0)

For some reason, poor Dominique Makeda seems to have a very rocky relationship with collectors.  

The Integrity Toys (IT) Nuface line was introduced in 2006, the same year that Fashion Royalty moved to a taller body.  IT has a habit of trying to squeeze the most juice from every mold they've ever used, so  at the 2009 Iconic Convention, IT decided to introduce a new Nuface character using the Josephine Baker mold and called her Evening Glow Dominique Makeda.  Similar to the relationship of Giselle Diefendorf and Agnes Von Weiss, Dominique was supposed to be related to the Fashion Royalty character Adele Makeda.  (Photo property of IT)

There was not a lot of love for this doll.  Most collectors did not like her at all.  The Josephine Baker mold didn't realize any popularity until the Vaughn Sawyer workshop doll at the 2010 Dark Romance Collection.   The mold was produced as a white doll with platinum hair that had a very uncanny resemblance to Lady Gaga.  (Photo property of IT)

The mold has only been used once since that time, again as a white doll, as 2015's Cloudscape Dominique Makeda.  (My Photo)

In 2010, IT introduced their FR2 body and launched a line that eventually replaced the regular FR dolls.   Dominique Makeda received a serious makeover (new mold) and made several appearances in 2011.  (Photos property of IT).

Left to right:  Impossibly Beautiful, Grand Gesture, Rare Appeal, each produced in an edition size of only 300.  They represented more mature versions of Dominique Makeda and were quite popular with collectors.

When IT decided to abandon the FR line and switch characters over to FR2, it was decided that the Nuface line should receive a similar change so the dolls could share wardrobes.  The Nuface2 line was launched at the 2014 Gloss Convention and Dominque Makeda (mold 2.0) finally found a home as a Nuface2 character with Tantalizing.  (My photo)

Dominique Makeda made it into the mainline in 2015 as Electric Enthusiasm. (My photo)  

Neither Tantalizing nor Electric Enthusiasm were as popular as the FR2 girls of 2011.   For some reason, the 2015 Cinematic Convention version, Evening Blossom, also has never been very popular.  Evening Blossom is actually a personal favorite and has often been referred to as the Rhianna doll.  (My photo).

Evening Blossom redresses beautifully and I believe she is one of the most under-rated dolls ever produced.

It was around this time that another NuFace character, Nadja Rhymes, received a mold makeover.  Collectors have gone crazy for this version of Nadja and she is a much favored NuFace character.  This sort of put Dominique on the back burner.  Evening Blossom remained my only version of Dominique Makeda until a friend recommended the 2018 Counter Culture Nirvana version.  This is another doll that is seriously under-rated; just look at those gorgeous eyes.  I was able to buy her on sale from a dealer.  (My photo).

Fortunately, IT designer Jessy Ayala wasn't willing to give up on Dominique Makeda.  In 2019, he gave us a W Club lottery version called My Essence.  This doll received lukewarm attention but has steadily climbed on the secondary market.   (My Photo).

That's a little history of Dominique Makeda.  Which brings us to the topic of Number 5 added to my collection in 2022.   

It has become a tradition for the W Club to sponsor a luncheon at the IT Conventions.  For an additional fee, attendees receive one NuFace doll and the opportunity to purchase a second one.  Since 2021 was the second year that IT has had a virtual convention, the W Club announced that all W Club members would be offered the opportunity to purchase the W Club Event ticket.  Remembering that 2018 gave W Club attendees Afterglow Lilith Blair and Public Adoration Eden Blair, and 2017 gave them Natural Wonder Rayna Ahmadi and Wanderlust Giselle Diefendorf, W Club members purchased tickets in bulk (to the tune of 2700).

The theme for the 2021 IT Convention was "Obsession".   Collectors had super high hopes for this collection.   You cannot imagine the disappointment when the dolls revealed represented designer interpretations of what people obsess about:  military and sports.   The W Club Event doll was Adrenaline Rush Adele Makeda.  

It's been a very long time since I have seen such an uproar from collectors.  Some individuals were not very kind in their comments about this doll.  The IT team even went on the offensive and publicly stated things like "We don't try to produce an unappealing doll on purpose""We often try to give collectors something they don't even realize they want".  

It seems designers gave collectors something they didn't want.  A lot of W Club members with multiple memberships had purchased several dolls in speculation of being able to sell them on secondary market for a profit.  They were quite angry when they realized this doll wasn't going to be popular.  Collectors were selling Adrenaline Rush below her retail amount.    

The proof of any doll to me is the redress potential.  Here is my interpretation of the doll.  She looks more FR2 than Nuface to me, but I'm alright with that.

At least for now, she will remain in my collection.  Number 5 added to my collection in 2022 is Adrenaline Rush Dominique Makeda.

You have until 5 p.m. EST on March 16 to register for the 2023 W Club.  There are several perks to joining this collecting community for the upcoming year:

• You have the opportunity to purchase 3 upgrade dolls (more below)
• There will be at least five exclusive club dolls for purchase
• W Club members get "first to know" information about lines before they are announced to the public
• There are lottery opportunities for limited edition dolls that are only available to W Club members
• All W Club members will be allowed an opportunity to purchase tickets for the IT Virtual Convention this year
• You have access to a private forum where members interact to post messages and photos of their creativity; there is also a Market Thread to buy, sell, and trade dolls

The cost to join is only $50.  Each doll shown below costs $160.  When you register you choose any of the doll purchase options to add to your membership and have to pay a $30 deposit per doll.  Here is a link to the W Club announcement with detailed information for each doll:  2022 W Club Upgrade Dolls and Registration Information .

The W Club is really great about trying to provide something for the varied interests of its members.  The upgrade choices include a Poppy Parker, Fashion Royalty, and NuFace option.  

The Nuface Option is Earth Angel Eden Blair.  Here is a full length photo (photo courtesy of Integrity Toys)

I'm not really crazy about the ensemble here.  She reminds me a great deal of 2018's Free Spirit Poppy Parker.  One of the few Poppy Parkers that I just didn't like and was sold off the island.  The big selling point of this doll is all those accessories!

Eden Blair is a twin to Lilith.  One of the W Club exclusives this past year was The Nu Classics Lilith Blair.  

Since Earth Angel is the companion to that doll, the purchase of this version was an easy choice.  Into the cart she went.  

The second doll is a favored character mold for IT collectors.  She is Up With A Twist Agnes Von Weiss.  

Anyone else see 2019's Ocean Drive Agnes Von Weiss when they look at this doll?  She was a favorite doll of mine that year and still resides here.  Are they too similar?  I do like the dress Up With A Twist is wearing.  And the accessories are really great.

Unfortunately, I find it difficult to resist Agnes Von Weiss, so she went into my cart as well.

This year's club Poppy Parker is Ultra Violet.  At first I was confused by the hime hair; however, upon research, discovered that it was a style in the 1970's, so it is appropriate for Poppy Parker.  I didn't like it on 2020's Charmed Life Ayumi and I don't think I like it on Poppy any better.   

Another beautiful group of accessories though.  Those purple boots are needed in my Poppy wardrobe! 

I've learned the hard way about not purchasing Poppy Parker.  If you miss an opportunity at retail, you'll wind up paying more than double on secondary market.  Just to protect my interests and bank account, I added this one to my registration as well.

Apparently, Integrity Toys production has suffered from the global effects of Covid 19.  The design team announced that they had limited choices for production of these dolls relative to materials, screenings, hair, etc.  Scarcity of materials and man power has caused prices to climb this year.  The owner of the W Club tried to explain that the loss of the $50 coupon to members upon registration would result in W Club members getting retail dolls at special pricing.  This "perk" fell on many deaf ears.  

Mattel seems to have abandoned its collectible lines including Silkstones and Model Muses.  The upscale doll lines that use resin casting cost almost triple the amount of an IT doll.  IT continues to control a monopoly in the 1:6 plastic fashion doll community and has quite a  loyal following, so they can get by with a lot more at this time.  I'm not sure how long this will last, but I'm sure there will be a record membership in the W Club this year.  You better sign up if you don't want to be left behind.

I had every intention of being very selective with my purchases of secondary market dolls from the Integrity Toys (IT) Obsession Convention.   One of the dolls that I wasn't going to purchase was En Pointe Violaine Perrin.  (Photo by IT)

I had just received A Fashionable Legacy Violaine - a doll that I actually like a lot but reminds me a great deal of A Fabulous Life Rayna Ahmadi.  En Pointe also looks a lot like her sister Sweet Smell of Success Veronique Perrin - another doll that I already own and like.  Finally, one of my favorite versions of this mold is 2013's Funny Face, Let's Kiss And Make Up.  Here is a collage of the four.

Even though I was at peace about not purchasing En Pointe, I kept being seduced by the ensemble.  When someone offered it at a very reasonable price, I just couldn't resist.  

A "sleeper" for me last year was Such A Gem Dania Zarr.  I've always been fan of this character mold and was looking forward to her arrival.  Unfortunately, she looked so matronly for some reason; I referred to her as Mrs. Danvers from the 1940 movie Rebecca.  I took her out recently and tried a change of ensemble but still wasn't pleased with the result.  When En Pointe arrived, I was considering different dolls to try on this outfit.  Mrs. Danvers just happened to be out of the display cabinet already, so I thought, "What will it hurt?"

This particular doll is a "sore spot" with me.   I had decided that it was never going to be in my collection and had completely given up on ever requiring it.

During the first ever Virtual Integrity Toys Convention, Legendary, a photo of a particular doll kept making an appearance.  It was even on the convention packaging of all the dolls.   Collectors waited, holding their breath, for the release of this doll.  I remember I even put out feelers to purchase it prior to the final night's "gala presentation".  Everyone thought it had to be either the convention doll or the companion, but it was neither; collectors starting wondering exactly what was going on.

Legendary Status Agnes Von Weiss was the "Anniversary" doll for Integrity Toys and was made to order so all W Club members and Convention attendees could buy one!  How exciting!!  Unfortunately, when the promo photos started appearing everyone quickly realized the convention packaging had received quite a bit of editing!  The production doll wasn't quite the same - even the ponytail was placed differently.

I actually like Legendary Status quite a bit, green eye shadow and all.   For me, personally, I thought Legendary Status looked like a modern re-imagining of the grail, Optic Verve (right down to the yellow gown).  IT likes to re-imagine extremely popular dolls.  I sold Optic Verve because I knew the hair would have a lot of flyaways, which I just can't abide.

When the Legendary Status announcement went public, there was a lot of comment that the makeup was just too garish.  The gown was too yellow.  Everything was just "too" too much.  It was noted this doll would've been much better had she been a high ponytail blonde with a silver gown.  (But then she wouldn't have favored Optic Verve, would she?)

Now ... fast forward a couple weeks following the deadline to order Legendary Status Agnes Von Weiss, and Integrity Toys/W Club makes an announcement that there was an unadvertised doll just for Legendary Convention ticket holders that didn't make it to the convention package in time.  This doll just happened to be a color variation of Legendary Status.  This time in silver with silver hair in a high ponytail!  Some convention ticket holders felt duped; they wouldn't have purchased the yellow version had they known about the silver one.  Collectors who didn't hold convention tickets were upset because they didn't even get the opportunity to purchase the better version!

Legendary Status Color Variation Agnes was an immediate success and started selling at more than double her retail price.  As her prices soared, I gave up on adding this doll to my collection.    I just resigned myself to the fact that I would not own it.

Imagine my excitement when a dealer sold one recently at a modest markup!  I grabbed it immediately.  I do not regret paying secondary market to a dealer, especially when it is considerably below e-bay going rates.  This girl is just as beautiful in person as in photos!

I know I should release her from her box, but she truly was a grail I had given up on ever owning.  I need to display her NRFB for a little while to get used to the fact that she is actually in my collection.  Number 6 of 2022 is Legendary Status Agnes Von Weiss Color Variation.

The best time to purchase this year's convention dolls was during or immediately after the Virtual Convention.  There were 1300 ticket holders which made the dolls more readily available.  Many collectors were disappointed in the designers interpretations of the theme "Obsession", so several of these dolls were being sold at close to original retail price.  This all changed when the dolls showed up post convention and collectors started photographing them.

One of the dolls that most benefitted from post production photography was Chain of Command Natalia Fatale (although she stills seems a "sleeper" from the convention).   A lot of the Integrity dealers get tickets and convention collections.  They often sell their dolls for a modest markup.   I recently saw several convention dolls listed on a dealer's website and couldn't resist the prices.   After seeing photos of Chain of Command on flickr and the W Club and realizing I did not own a FR2-FR6.0 Natalia with dark hair, I went for it.

Here is a closeup in the box.  

When I look at the fully dressed doll, I can't help but hear the judges of Project Runway saying, "This is beginning to look like a costume".  

Chain of Command Natalia Fatale comes with a lot of interesting accessories.  I'm not sure about white shoes with this ensemble though.  I would've chosen to use black shoes, but I wouldn't be considered a "fashionista" by anyone I know.  Here is Integrity's photo of the accessories.

Here is a closeup showing those beautiful eyes.

Since I'm not a big fan of this ensemble, I started looking for something more casual.  Here is a photo her wearing Main Event Adele Makeda's skirt and blouse from the 2012 Tropicalia Convention.

Number 7 of 2022 is Chain of Command Natalia Fatale.  I just have to work a little more with her hair and find her "personality".

When I purchased Chain of Command, I rationalized that I was buying these dolls without having to pay sales tax (which is required on e-bay).  This made them even even less expensive than going secondary markup prices.  And the more dolls I purchased, the less shipping per item!  Also, since I was purchasing from a dealer, I was helping a legitimate small business owner.  Or maybe, it's just been this doll drought.  It was probably a combination of all these things, because I couldn't resist purchasing two more.

Number 8 of 2022 is Vendetta Agnes Von Weiss.  It's hard to go wrong with the purchase of Agnes Von Weiss.  Her mold is one of the most popular for Integrity Toys.  Her secondary market prices always climb.  Here is a photo by Integrity Toys.

Here is a closeup of the actual doll in the box.

My final purchase from this dealer is Number 9 of 2022, Belle Mariee Poppy Parker.  I tried to talk myself out of this doll several times but finally caved.  The Integrity Toys promo photo.

And a closeup of the actual production doll in the box.

Even though I've not released Vendetta or Belle Mariee from their boxes yet, I wanted to make sure I posted their additions to my collection to keep myself honest.  I think all three are lovely dolls in their own right.  The biggest surprise for me was Belle Mariee Poppy Parker; she's actually quite extraordinary!

My biggest complaint about virtual conventions is relying upon photos of dolls to make purchase decisions.   Lighting, cameras, software all play a part in the finished picture.  The buyer has to have a creative imagination to see beyond the presented images.  This has never been more apparent than the 2021 Obsession Convention.

After the convention, there were some very specific preferences among collectors.   Surprisingly, after the actual production dolls were shipped to collectors, the favorites quickly began shifting.

I remember how collectors were so excited about the Poppy Parker Style Lab and Gorgeous was on the top of so many lists.  That promo photo was amazing.

I threw caution to the wind and purchased this doll at secondary markup, fearing her price would only climb.   She was the second doll to arrive in my collection this year.  Here is the link to my blog review:    Review of Gorgeous Poppy Parker.

The production Gorgeous looks nothing like the promo.  The skin tone is very different as is the hair.  Although Gorgeous is a nice doll, I'm not sure I would've purchased her based on actual photos.  Her prices have fallen drastically over the past few weeks.  

On the other hand, Alluring Poppy Parker was running in the middle of the pack.  She looked nice but IT has produced several versions of Poppy Parker with long, straight red hair.  Although she was on my radar ... she wasn't a "must have".  Here is IT's promo photo.

She seems a little lifeless in this photo - her eyes look rather blank.  Then photos started appearing from collectors. I lost all resolve and was offered one at a very nice price I couldn't turn down.  

Although her head didn't perfectly match her body, she is still very beautiful.  I changed her to a FR white body.  Number 10 of 2022 is Alluring Poppy Parker.

Eight of the first 10 additions to my collection of 2022 have represented dolls from the 2021 Obsession Convention.  Most were added after seeing "real life" photos of the dolls.  The strange thing about the Obsession Convention photos was that the dolls that looked best in the promos, looked least appealing in production and those that I wasn't interested in adding to my collection were the best.  I took a chance on Sovereign Adele Makeda and A Doll's Life Vanessa Perrin because those are two of my favorite molds - and I'm glad I did because they were amazing when received by collectors and prices continue to climb.   It has been strange watching how secondary markup prices have reversed with most dolls!

As someone who photographs and posts pictures of my dolls, I know there are many considerations during the production.   Lighting, camera, and software editing can make a tremendous difference in what is captured of each doll.  Personally, I try to use natural light and minimize software editing as much as possible.  I try my best to have my photos represent the doll in front of me.

For some reason, IT's promo photos have gotten off for the last few months.   I'm not sure if the photographer or the software has changed.  Regardless, many of the dolls received by collectors aren't representative of the promo photos.   One of the most obvious examples was Gorgeous Poppy Parker (shown in my last entry).

Another example is Number 11 added to my collection in 2022.  When the new Meteor dolls from the Roaring 20's Remix Collection were promoted, they were an easy pass for me.  I don't actually collect Meteor dolls, although I have a couple that I plan to re-body soon.   

One of these dolls was Dangerous Curves Zuri Okoty.   Here is her promo photo by Integrity Toys.

And IT's closeup ...

I can see where they are going with the concept, but I just don't like anything about this doll.  It tries to merge the 1920's with modern styling.  I don't like the hair.  I don't like the makeup.  I definitely do not like the ensemble.  

But then ... collectors started posting photos. Some collectors were disappointed and were stating, "This doll doesn't look like the promos."   My response was, "No, this doll does NOT look like the promos.  This doll looks REALLY GOOD!"

Here is a closeup of the actual doll in the box.  The hair actually doesn't have that burnt henna color from the promos.  It's not as frizzy either.  The bangs are actually parted into two separate "pom poms" (some collectors have been taming them with product and making them lie down like the promo).

And a full length photo.  The dress is actually much better in production and the color is quite lovely.

When I saw the first "real life" photos of this doll, I immediately saw Whitney Houston.  I was a young adult in the 1980's, so I have many fond memories of dancing to her songs and watching her videos on MTV.   Here is my interpretation of Dangerous Curves Zuri Okoty as Whitney Houston.

This doll looks so good in more casual attire.  It takes a little handwork with the hair, but it's actually quite nice when manipulated into a more modern style.  Here she is wearing one of my favorite playline dresses.  Her hair was produced pulled back into a big ponytail.  I pulled the hair down more to give it a modern look.

I'm so glad I caught on to the post production potential of this doll early.  I was able to still pick her up from an IT dealer at original retail price!   She should become more popular as more collectors receive her and post photos.  I think she is definitely a "keeper" but will need a FR2/Nuface2 body to be perfect!  Number 11 of 2022 is Dangerous Curves Zuri Okoty!

Last year I broke the first guideline for my collection - "Guideline 1:  Focus My Collecting.  If I don't already have some, I don't need one."  I was feeling sad because I had not gotten a ticket for the past two years to the Integrity Toys (IT) Convention (even though I had gotten through the purchase hurdle both years and was told later, "We're sorry we oversold; it was a glitch in our website.")  Add to that "feeling sorry for myself" moment the fact that IT factories were experiencing quality control and production issues relative to the pandemic, and I was quite vulnerable to the lure of an alternative source for my collecting addiction.    

I found myself seduced by the newly released Jamieshow/Owensu Muses doll line.  I fell in love with the quality of these resin ball-jointed dolls and their clothing and accessories.  They even claimed the top spot in my Best of 2021 countdown (the first time ever for a non IT doll).  

There was no denying the lure of their fall line called "Dangerous Love".   They offered four females (two new characters and two new faceups for collector favorites) and four MALES!  In addition there were 26 ensembles, several accessory packs, and new wig caps for both the males and females.  It was like Christmas!

These dolls are not cheap, so I had to be very selective in my purchases.  (Each doll costs $425 and comes with one wig cap, a robe, and undergarments.)  The clothing ensembles are truly amazing!  So here are some photos of my "stash".   

Number 12 of 2022 is Jamieshow/Owensu Muses Dangerous Love Orlando.  That's right!  I broke Guideline 1 even again!  I now have a male doll living here.  But I just couldn't resist him.  

Isn't he just amazing?  In the promo photos he reminded me of Spike from Buffy, The Vampire Slayer.  He is quite handsome and my girls are totally smitten with him.  I would show you more photos of his incredible body blushing, but he is very realistic right down to the "naughty bits".  According to collectors he can wear much of the Integrity Toys homme clothing, and vice versa.  I can neither confirm nor deny this as I don't have any other male dolls here.  I did purchase three of the male ensembles and one of the accessory sets that was offered in the Dangerous Love collection though.

Next up is Number 13 of 2022, Jamieshow/Owensu Muses Dangerous Love Ginnie.  I purchased the Summer Kisses version of Ginnie thinking she would be my favorite from that line.  Since she has been deboxed, I've struggled with bonding to that version.  I've not found just the right look for her yet; whereas, I've fallen hard for the Alexis, Grace, Nicole, and Sasha dolls.  Dangerous Love Ginnie is a whole other story!  This doll is one of the most beautiful dolls in my collection.  Those dark smoky green eyes and nude makeup is just gorgeous.

Several of the ensembles from the Dangerous Love collection were created with versatile mix and match possibilities.  I love using my imagination and combining pieces from different ensembles.  Merging Jamieshow/Owensu Muses and Integrity Toys is bliss!  Here Dangerous Love Ginnie is wearing the skirt from Jamieshow/Owensu Look 22. I have added several items, coincidentally all from 2017, of Integrity Toys: Poetic Beauty Blair Twins booties, blouse and belt from Merveilleuse Agnes Von Weiss, hat and scarf from Exquise Adele Makeda.

And here is a closeup, just because she is so beautiful.

One Muses mold that has been very consistent is Sasha.  Number 14 of 2022 is Jamieshow/Owensu Muses Dangerous Love Sasha.  

When I saw look #25 from the Dangerous Love Collection, I got so excited to see black gloved hands!!!  Fortunately, the ensemble is my favorite from the collection ... but those gloved hands are just everything!  I finally released the IT Wicked Narcissism from her box (so I could steal the lace cuffs from the ensemble).  I just knew those lace cuffs would be perfect to wear with the gloved hands to create short day gloves.  Dangerous Love Sasha is wearing the IT Royal Blood ensemble from the 2020 Legendary Style Lab.  This ensemble has gotten a really bad rap with some collectors because the fabric is stiff.  I don't care ... I think Sasha looks fabulous!

This photo was an "after thought" and happened as I was undressing Sasha.   Here is the closeup that I took from the planned photoshoot.

So I added three dolls from the Jamieshow/Owensu Dangerous Love line, including my first ever male doll.  I have enjoyed redressing them so much.  The fact that they can share wigs from earlier lines is a bonus since it changes each doll's look considerably.  There is a lot of play value here even if the cost of the dolls is a little steep.

Another favorite from the Dangerous Love collection is Look 14.  My Summer Kisses Nicole wanted to model this ensemble, so I changed out the cream colored top to the IT black lace bodysuit from 2018's Luxuriously Gifted Natalia Fatale.  This pantsuit is so dramatic and beautiful.

It came with incredible gold pumps, the little black "chanel" bag, jewelry, and fascinator.  I think Nicole really looks great in this.

As you can see, there is a great deal of play value in this line and the quality is exceptional.  I'm pretty sure more and more of Jamieshow/Owensu Muses is in my future.   As a matter of fact, collectors are waiting on the arrival of the "Enchanted Collection" within the next few weeks.  Stay Tuned.

Again, I am struggling with keeping myself honest ...  It seems three more Poppy Parker dolls have found their way into my collection, even though they haven't been released from their boxes yet.

First up is a W Club Exclusive that was ordered in 2021.  This is Resort Ready which shows the correct way to produce a doll in the Dark A-Tone skin variation (I'm still a little sore about Gorgeous and those deceitful promo photos).  She really is a lovely girl and will look great with my other versions.   I do not regret purchasing her in the least.  

#15 of 2022 is Resort Ready Poppy Parker

The next doll is one that I didn't think I needed to add to my collection.  She is Silver Soiree and was one of the 2021 IT Obsession Convention doll offerings.  I refused to pay secondary market price on this doll.  After the lottery results for leftovers was finished, I was able to acquire her at almost retail price.   I've seen some pretty phenomenal photos of this doll.  After seeing her in person, I'm glad I was able to bring her into the fold!

#16 of 2022 is Silver Soiree Poppy Parker

The final doll of this blog entry is the last version of Poppy I needed to complete my IT Legendary Convention collection - Party in the Hamptons.   I have been on the lookout for her for a long time.  Someone posted her for sale for a super price and I couldn't resist.

#17 of 2022 is Party In The Hamptons Poppy Parker.

There's always been a "hot/cold" relationship between me and Poppy Parker.  For some reason, since the pandemic, I just seem to spend more and more time with this doll.   

Recently there was a "Miss Poppylarity Pageant" on Instagram.  I decided to enter some photos and chose to use the same doll to model in each category.  I played with Alluring's hair until I got a cute little braid where I could pull the hair out of her beautiful face.  Here are my three photos:

First up is the swimsuit category.  Alluring is wearing a Barbie Best Models swimsuit.  She is modeling with 2014's Elusive Creature Natalia's hat.

The second category was casual wear.  I didn't want to go too casual, so I imagined Alluring being invited to a garden party.  She is wearing the ensemble from Mattel's Silkstone Day At The Races (one of my very favorite ensembles ever).  I found a little butterfly net for her.  She seems to have her eyes fixed on something fluttering in the nearby flowers!

The final category was formal wear.  This whole ensemble was quite by accident.  I was thinking of something completely different when I came across this 2011 Monogram Illumination gown.  I thought it would look good with the East 59th Street Festive Lights jewelry from 2021.  I think Alluring looks wonderful in sapphires!

I was involved in a kitchen fight between a knife and my thumb, so I didn't complete the written response to the prompt about Poppy Parker.  I still very much enjoyed participating in the photo portion and seeing all of the beautiful photos submitted by others.

Which dolls do you seem to be favoring lately?  Is there a shift in your collecting habits?  Almost 1/3 of the dolls I've added in 2022 are Poppy Parkers!  Am I feeling nostalgic?  

The Integrity Toys (IT) character, Elyse Jolie, was introduced at one of the most epic IT Conventions in history, 2009's "Iconic".    Blue Blood was the Convention Doll given to all attendees at the Gala Banquet Event on the final night of the convention.   She was initially released with her first name spelled with an "i" instead of the "y" but copyright issues required a change to the spelling.   As is usual, it took a little time for many collectors to warm up to this doll.  It didn't hurt that Jason Wu announced that she was his favorite sculpt and muse in the doll world.   

Blue Blood is the only version of Elyse Jolie released on the older body.   In this photo she is borrowing Paris J'Adore Tatyana's gown and Regal Solstice Anja's jewelry.  Elyse Jolie holds the esteemed honor of being the first mainline IT doll to transition over to the FR2 body, which happened at the 2010 IT Convention Dark Romance.   

Since 2009, there have been 35 versions of Elyse Jolie released (18 representing exclusive Jason Wu couture - six of which were convention items), and she has made an appearance at every IT Convention except one, the 2020 Legendary Convention (as a matter of detail, 2020 is the only year that collectors didn't receive a single version of this character; she took a brief rest after collectors voiced boredom with the mold being used so often - 17 versions in the previous three years).  

I have owned 21 versions of Elyse Jolie of which I have sold 7.  Yes, that means there are 14 versions of this character in residence here.  Three of those were received in the past eight months.

The first Elyse released after the 2020 hiatus was a 2021 W Club Registration Upgrade doll called Bijou.  Collectors were excited because this was the first time Elyse was in the A-Tone skin color.   The promo pictures were very promising of a doll with a sleek updo, classic face-up, and interesting gown.  She was compared to the model Iman.   The cost was $140.  She started arriving in collectors' hands in the fall of last year, so I will apologize for just getting around to reviewing this doll.  Here is a closeup photo in the box.

Here is a full length photo in the box.

Here is a photo of the accessories (photo by IT).

Bijou is a solid representation of the mold and the face is beautiful.  

Surprisingly, Bijou often sells very close to original retail price which may be attributed to her edition size of 2300.  She has never gotten popular with collectors; I'm not sure why.  She is very elegant and redresses wonderfully.

The IT Convention "Obsession" was later than usual this past year.  As Bijou had just shipped, collectors were not enthused about the official convention doll being Fall 2020 Elyse Jolie.  This time Elyse showed up in Dark A-Tone skin variation.  Fall 2020 was designed by Jason Wu and represents an actual original design created in miniature.  Here is the promo photo from IT.

In an effort to reproduce this doll authentically, IT used curly textured hair and then tried to create marcel waves with it.  This was very ambitions, but, unfortunately, the production team was unable to accomplish the desired result on most of the dolls received by collectors Some of these poor dolls had hair that actually looked "fried" and over-processed.  Sadly, I've seen NRFB Fall 2020 Elyse dolls sell for the price many undressed, played-with dolls are going for.  

I recently attended the Atlanta Doll Collectors Doll Show.  Shout out to Ebony who posts as Jewel and Georgia Girl for all their hard work to bring a doll show back to the public post-covid19.  It was so nice meeting them and getting to put faces to collector names.  I think I came away with a couple new friends!  While there, I was able to actually purchase Fall 2020 at a great price and see her in person before buying her.  I think the version I got was actually quite good.

Here is a closeup in box.

Here are the accessories in a photo by IT.  The makeup and perfume miniatures are a very nice touch!

Unfortunately, the problems start the second the collector removes the hairnet.  That curly hair just refuses to lay down on her head.  Little hairs stick up all over the place.  Not enough time was spent on the waves as there are hairs out of place and poking up on those as well.  I tried using product to tame this mess, but finally gave up and went in a different direction.  Here is my interpretation of the doll with a more modern hairstyle, taking advantage of the natural curls in the hair.

Although I am satisfied with the results, I am very disappointed I was unable to make my doll look like the one in the promo.  I find it difficult to believe that Jason Wu approved the production of such a doll representing his design name.  Fall 2020 simply just doesn't live up to the standard other Jason Wu designer dolls have established.   Number 18 for 2022 is Fall 2020 Elyse Jolie.  

After the hair disaster I experienced with Fall 2020 Elyse Jolie, I was not looking forward to Glamour Coated Elyse, a W Club Lottery doll from 2021.   This doll had an edition size of 1500.  Here is the promo photo by Integrity Toys (IT).  There is a A LOT going on with this ensemble.  As a matter of fact,  I entered the lottery at the last minute because I wanted the ensemble.   Not the ensemble as presented, but the pieces that were used to create the ensemble.  

Here is the IT photo of the accessories.   

As you can see, IT is beginning to up its game relative to purses.  I'm also very happy to see them creatively exploring other options for jewelry instead of reusing the same choices.  The shoes are quite interesting and unique as are the mint green gloved hands.

This doll arrived recently, and I was very nervous about opening the box.  Here is a closeup of the doll I received.

WOW!  Look at those eyes and the shade of red lips!  Even though this is described as "Japan" skin tone, it is much less gray and more luminescent.  This is one beautiful version of Elyse!  And a full length shot ...

I didn't realize there was a random pattern to this skirt!  I thought my favorite part of this ensemble was going to the swing coat/car coat, but I've said for years that IT should produce more knitwear.  That sweater is just amazing!  Here is a closeup out of box.  (I had to apply some Got 2 B Glued to get her hair to stay down, but I like it better out of her face.  It didn't require a lot of product and it set easily.)

Now let's have some redress fun, shall we?

Let's start with the sweater and maybe the pants from Wild Feeling Rayna Ahmadi (2020).  The shoes are also Rayna's, but the purse is one of those little "Mini" blind ball purchases.  I changed out the earrings also.

Since I had out Wild Feeling Rayna's ensemble, let's try the skirt.  Not bad.  It appears this sweater will get quite a bit of redress opportunities.

Now for the skirt.  Let's try pairing that with Fresh Perspective Agnes's top (2019).  We'll add a shrug from the Jamieshow Muses collection and the shoes from The Faces of Adele.  I can get on board with this.  I mean if you are going to look naked, you might as well look truly naked, right?!   

That car coat needed something different, maybe a sheath.  I've been waiting a long time to take this ensemble apart from the 2007 Kyori Sato A Brighter Side.

This just screamed East 59th Street to me, so Lady Aurelia Grey offered to model it.

Again, this is another piece that will get a lot of camera opportunity.  There are so many mix n match possibilities with this ensemble, but the true star is this version of Elyse Jolie.  After the previous two versions, it's fair to say that she is like a phoenix rising from the ashes.  Number 19 of 2022 is Glamour Coated Elyse Jolie and I couldn't be more pleased with her.

One of the reasons I always encourage readers to join the W Club is the purchase opportunities offered throughout the year.  This year members were given a lottery offering for a rarely seen NuFace character, Annik Vandale.   Since her introduction in 2011, Annik has only been offered in three other versions.  

For every fault Jessy Ayala has a designer, he has about 10 strengths.  That's why I often have a weakness for his NuFace girls.  I was thrilled to win the opportunity to purchase this version and was thrilled by the production doll.

Here is a full length of Mademoiselle Annik Vandale in the box.

And a closeup in the box.

This doll came with some pretty amazing accessories.  (Photo property of Integrity Toys)

I love this handbag!  The twisted jewelry watch is out of this world!  The ensemble consists of baggy pants and over-sized matching jacket.  There is a little light blue bustier.  Which brings us to ...  I guess sometimes you just need to rip the bandage off ... so ... here is an IT promo photo of Mademoiselle IT vs. the Mattel promo photo of Model of the Moment Marissa.  

They really could be sisters!   I actually still have this Marissa on an articulated body.  She is one of my favorite versions of Barbie.   The similarity cannot be denied.   Integrity's quality, though, easily surpasses the Mattel version.

So here is a photo of Mademoiselle Annik Vandale out of the box.

So, it's the end of August and attendees (and W Club Members who participated) finally received the last doll from the Integrity Toys Obsession Convention.   The event took place on December 3, 2021; it only took 8+ months for the doll to make it through production and shipping, but who's counting?

Here is the promo photo from Integrity Toys (for those who may have forgotten what she looks like):

I do not plan to continue the discussion about Athleisure wear and the theme "Obsession" - that horse has definitely died.  Here is a closeup photo of the doll in the box.  

I had to turn her head this way for a good shot because my doll's head looked a little "lopsided"??!!!  I've read that a few collectors are having this same complaint.  Even though IT dolls are produced by hand, they do have an "Assembly Line" type of production.  I used to think the numbered Certificate of Authenticity was important until it was reported at an IT Convention that the heads were "thrown into a barrel" after forming.  Then the hair rooter pulled them out one by one for rooting, to just throw them into another barrel.  Next, the person doing the facial screenings pulls them out of the barrel one at a time and throws them into another container after the screening dries.   It seems like quite an arduous task that takes several different employees to complete.  I guess it's fairly easy to see how quality can suffer.  It also emphasizes that the Certificate 001/??? may just as well been the last doll through the process as the first.  Add to that the ridiculous number of dolls being sold by IT family members on e-bay without Certificates of Authenticity and they just seem valueless.

Although not a new problem, the head reforming can be completed by warming the head with a heating pad.   When the head is "pliable", just use your fingers to hold the head in the correct shape until it cools.  It's doesn't take long.  Here is a photo of my doll before the correction.   

To me, it looks like she has a toothache on her right side.  Once I saw it, I couldn't "unsee" it.  Out comes the heating pad.  

Now, this is speculation and I don't believe IT has confirmed, denied, or even addressed the issue publicly, but I agree with a few other collectors who have surmised that IT has changed the rubber formula for doll heads.   This doll's head actually warmed up much quicker than other dolls' heads that I have heated in the past.  I was also surprised by just how pliable the rubber actually was!  That could explain the "toothache" syndrome on this doll.

Here is a photo of the doll after I changed her head shape a little.

Now for my personal opinions:   

This photo of the accessories is the property of Integrity Toys.  

I'm not sure there is anything truly spectacular here.  We've seen these sunglasses multiple times; the frame tint may be a little different and more coppery though.  I was excited to get the watch in a gold tone (after receiving it in silver with Mademoiselle Annik).   The rings are simple, the earrings look like little pieces of jewelry chain molded onto earring backs.  I'm just not sure of this purse in the least.  It looks like a "granny purse".  It just doesn't go at all.  I would've loved a gym bag!  

MVP Rayna Ahmadi is one of the first IT Nuface dolls to be produced with the flat feet already on the doll.  The 2020 Off Duty Collection and Varsity Alejandra come with flat feet, but they were produced with regular high heeled feet in place.  I really wish there had been an alternate pair of shoes for the heeled feet like they did with Off Duty.   I may be going against general opinion, but I do NOT like these orange shoes at all.  Even though they are well designed and constructed, they just look odd on the doll.

Here is the redressed doll in full length.

I LOVE the hair color.  It is advertised as "Copper", but it looks like a blend and has a heavy dose of black.  I do not mind the style except for one little detail.   I am not a fan of the hair "tendrils" on the sides of her face.  DO NO LIKE THIS - PLEASE STOP!   To remedy this, I used a needle with thread and tied them back behind her head.  Fortunately, my doll's hairline looks pretty good and there is plenty of hair with a very long length.  With the correction to the "tendrils" and a good hairline, I think the hair on this doll is very nice.

I am a HUGE fan of the Rayna Ahmadi mold.  I am proud to say that I own every version produced for the public.  She reminds me of Angelina Jolie.  I think she could be a relative of Poppy Parker.   For some reason, she always gets the best iris coloring.  This doll's makeup is no exception.  She's just an extraordinary looking doll and the faceup is amazing on this wonderful Japan skin tone which is just luminescent.  This dolls truly glows.

The ensemble is questionable.  The oversized jacket with deconstructed edges at the shoulder looks like the sleeves have been detached.  The fabric is nice, but the effect of the coat just doesn't translate to this scale.  I really like the football pants - the colors make me have a hankering for candy corn for some reason (as does her manicure).  The standout piece from this ensemble is easily the bodysuit.  It is actually an incredible clothing piece and will get lots of use in my collection.

Let's redress a little.  I decided to put her alternate legs on without the ankle joint and change out the pants and shoes with Mademoiselle Annik. 

Much better, don't you agree?  I think MVP Rayna Ahmadi will be around for some time.  She's a very nice, unique version of this mold and is Number 21 added to my doll collection of 2022.

 Last winter, JAMIEshow/Owensu Muses previewed a special capsule of dolls and clothing entitled "Enchanted".  Just like Integrity Toys (IT), there are different molds in the collection with different character names.  One character that I have not warmed up to is Lilly.  Her mold is Asian.  

When I saw the Enchanted Lilly, I just knew she was going to be the version to represent that mold in my collection.  Muses come dressed in simple pieces of clothing with minimal accessories, similar to the IT Basics line.  They include 1 wig cap, a pair of earrings, dressing hands, a blemish sponge, a stand, and sometimes a pair of shoes.  

The packaging for Muses is extraordinary.  Here is the link that details the packaging from a review I did last year when the first Muses entered my collection: Muses Packaging Review .   

So here is Lilly in her box ...

And a closeup out of box.  I think I chose very wisely for my first Lilly.  She was the only Muses doll I pre-ordered from this line.  Here is a closeup of her gorgeous face, wearing her original wig cap.

If you have been following my blog for the last couple years, you may remember that my Best of 2021 was the Muses line and I included a photo of Summer Kisses Sasha wearing the gown from Queen's Palace.  The construction of the train on this gown is phenomenal.  When I saw that one of the ensembles offered in the Enchanted line used a similar styling, I jumped right on.  The fact that it was a gorgeous shade of blue didn't hurt matters in the least!  Here is Lilly wearing Look 5.  (I really wish JAMIEshow/Owensu would consider giving their ensembles names.  It's impossible to keep up with the Look Numbers)

The earrings came with the ensemble.  I didn't include the necklace because I didn't think it matched the earrings well.  Instead of the more casual shoes that came with this ensemble, I used her original packaged silver pumps (which I think look great with it).   I added the bracelet.  Isn't this dress just amazing!  Look at the design detail in those sleeves!  This is the type of quality you can expect from the Muses line.  Total luxury!  

I purchased one of the headpieces offered with Enchanted meant for a different ensemble.  I wondered how it would look with Look 5.  It totally elevated the ensemble to a completely out of this world level.  Number 22 of 2022 is JAMIEshow/Owensu Lilly.

There are two things you can always say about David Buttry, Integrity Toys (IT) doll designer.  The first is that he is very consistent; that's probably why the Poppy Parker line has such a loyal following and continues to build momentum in the collecting community.  The second is that he is dependable, even when there are supply chain issues and dolls just aren't making it into the hands of collectors, David is going to give collectors something special.

You cannot imagine the excitement felt by Poppy Parker collectors in April of this year.  It started on April 3 when W Club members received two announcements about a very special collaboration between IT and Hasbro (now parent company of Milton Bradley), the maker of a vintage board game called Mystery Date.  I guess that means this author is "vintage" because I remember playing this with my sisters and cousins when I was a little girl.

In the board game you shuffle two sets of cards:  one set represents the different ensembles and accessories you are trying to put together so you can go on your mystery date; the other set is different male stereotypes for dating.  The cards are placed behind a door and when you land on certain spaces on the board, you get to spin the door knob and "Open the door to your Mystery Date".  There were several different types of dates - "Is your date going to be a dream or a dud?" There have been several versions of this game produced, but IT wanted to recreate the original 1965 version by Milton Bradley.  Here is a link to the original commercial for this game:   Mystery Date Commercial .

If you are familiar with this game, you realize David did an amazing job of reproducing it in Poppy Parker form.  The graphics, the ensembles, even the accessories are true to the game.  Here is the promo photo from IT of all the sets.

Each set cost $240 and were produced in limited editions of 2000 per set (1875 with the "dream date" and 125 with "the stud").  

The giftset had different compartments for the dolls.  You had the Poppy Parker in an open compartment where you could see Poppy, and then the male counterpart was behind a door.  There were four sets in all with the "dud" randomly popping up in 1/16th of the gift sets.  A promo photoof the packaging by IT.

The sets could only be purchased through a W Club lottery.  The first two sets offered were Formal Dance and Bowling Date.  I entered for both and got the opportunity to purchase Formal Dance.  The turn around was pretty fast.  After winners were announced, the Ski Date and Beach Date lottery opened up.   Again, I entered for both and this time I won the opportunity to purchase Ski Date.  All winners were notified by April 19.   For some reason, production of the gift sets switched order from that of the lotteries.   Ski Date and Beach Date arrived first in early/mid August.

I was actually quite excited about this set because of the all the accessories and the ensembles.  The Poppy outfit reminded me quite a bit of the vintage Barbie ski vacation ensemble.   I don't collect IT male dolls, but I was hoping to use the ensemble with my JAMIEshow Muses Dangerous Love Orlando.  Here is the IT Promo of the dolls.

Here is a closeup of the actual Poppy Doll in her box.

Although we've seen red haired Poppy Parkers with a bob in the past, this version actually holds her own!  Her face up and hair are very nice.   And a full length shot.  This is one beautiful Poppy and I am glad I got the opportunity to purchase her at regular retail.

The closeup of the actual date, which uses the Bellamy sculpt.

I'm not sure why, but he looks like he came out of an old black and white gangster movie.  And a full length.  In order to be authentic to the game, they had to screen print the pattern on the shirt.

Here is the IT promo of the accessory set.  Sadly, there were no skis for the Date; not sure how he is going to ski without them.  This was a serious oversight.

I was disappointed when I opened my box because it seems the liner posed some difficulty to the factory workers.  The liner is thin cardboard stock and is raised to accommodate the door.  After folding the liner to fit inside the box, the workers have to maneuver the Poppy and Date compartments into cutout areas.  Apparently, it's not easy and there are a lot of tears in collectors gift sets.  Here are some photos from my own set.   (The factory workers were aware of the issue because they even tried to tape over the tears!)  From my four examples, not one of them has a perfect liner.

I contacted patient care and they sent me a replacement liner.  That is another positive of the W Club, they do stand by their products.   

I do not like buying my dolls secondary market and avoid it whenever possible.  I do like to stalk the different IT dealers websites often though.  Many of the dealers have multiple W Club memberships and win doll purchase opportunities.  Oftentimes, they will list dolls on their websites.  Since they are paying regular retail price plus shipping for their dolls, they do have to put a markup on the dolls they offer.  I understand this and realize many small business are struggling in this economy.  Rather than buy from individuals who sell secondary market on e-bay, W Club, or Facebook, I prefer to support my IT dealers when possible.  Another positive for doing this is that the IT warranty isn't questioned if you purchase directly from an IT dealer with a receipt proof of purchase.  It eliminates a great deal of hassle.   

I am thrilled that I won the opportunity to purchase Ski Date, but I had fallen hard for the Poppy version of Beach Date; I purchased the Beach Date giftset from an IT dealer at a very reasonable secondary market price.

Here is the IT promo of the dolls.

And here is a closeup of the Poppy.

Beach Date is consistently a favorite among collectors.  She redresses beautifully.  There is casual beauty that is unquestionable.  A full length shot.

Here is a closeup of her date, using the Milo sculpt.

And a full length.  Some collectors have questioned the "age" of this doll in relation to Poppy, but I think he is quite handsome.  

The accessories.  Although some collectors have stated this giftset had a weak set of accessories, I think these are my favorite accessories from the four sets.  I love the little cooler and transition radio.

A couple weeks after the first two gift sets arrived, W Club members started getting notices to pay the balances on the last two sets.   Here is the IT promo of Formal Date.

A closeup of Poppy.  (This faceup is truly beautiful)

Full length in her ridiculously glittery gown (albeit true to the original game version).

Her date uses the Chip sculpt.  This pompadour is just too much.  Although some collectors have mentioned he reminds them of a vampire, I fondly think of him as the Nicoloas Cage character in Peggy Sue Got Married.

And full length.  I really wanted this ensemble for my Orlando.   It is so well constructed.

Here are the accessories for Formal Dance (photo by IT).  Obviously, this giftset was a little lean in the accessories department, but the ensembles were more elaborate.

And I had to go to secondary market for Bowling Date, which was my favorite of the four gift sets.  Promo photo by IT.

Here is a closeup of Poppy.  This dolls reminds me of Mary Tyler Moore.  Love her hair color.   Her ensemble is just spectacular; there are so many mix and match possibilities here.

Full length photo.

And the date using the Cabot sculpt.

You can't do a review of this series and leave out "The Dud" which IT changed to "The Stud".   Here is the IT promo.

A closeup of The Stud, which is the Keiron sculpt.

Now, I don't collect IT male dolls, but if I did, this one would be coming home to me.  He reminds me so much of the actor Peter Gallagher.

So ... I added all four Mystery Date Poppy Parkers to my collection.  (I mean how couldn't I?)  This one collection really bumped my additions to 2022 number, and, even though I don't plan on keeping the males, I'm having trouble releasing these dolls from their boxes because it's such extraordinary packaging.

Thank you David Buttry for bringing a ray of sunshine into a dreary year for IT doll collectors.

Saying that it has been a lean year for collecting Integrity Toys (IT) dolls would be a grave understatement, especially if you are referring to Fashion Royalty or Nuface dolls.  We are in the 10th month of 2022 and the W Club has just announced the second of five W Club exclusives within the last couple weeks.   There is still no word yet about the IT "Convention".  No major retail capsules have been offered in 2022.  What's a collector to do?

I have been tirelessly trying to organize my collection.  I am very proud of the fact that I have sold off over 30 dolls (and almost 20 ensembles).   This season has been an excellent time to find homes for some of my lesser loved dolls.   It has also helped me re-discover my love for some of my forgotten favorites.  I've gotten to the point in my decision-making process where I find myself waiting on the replacement IT bodies that were ordered months ago!

As I try to determine values of my dolls, I wind up visiting e-bay often and checking the prices of completed auctions and buy-it-now sales.   Unfortunately, there is quite a bit of danger to doing this.  It seems a lot of other collectors are also evaluating their collections.  Even though the prices of many dolls (especially Poppy Parkers) have escalated over the past several months, some collectors are selling some of the lesser desirable IT dolls from other lines NRFB for close to original price!  Sometimes these offers are impossible to resist.

When the W Club released the IT Anniversary dolls, The Originals, in 2020 I was just coming out of the Legendary Convention diabetic coma.  I passed on both dolls, even though Adele Makeda mold 2.0 is one of my favorite characters.  How could I pass up this doll NRFB at original retail price?  Apparently,  I couldn't.  Here is the promotion photo from IT:

And her picture in box.  Number 27 of 2022 is The Originals Adele Makeda (Edition size 450).

Also from 2020 is a very controversial doll.   I entered the W Club lottery for this doll but didn't win the opportunity to purchase it.  It was a new character mold named Iselin and she is wearing a miniature version of a Fall 2018 Jason Wu original gown.  It seems some collectors really like this mold and some collectors don't like it all.  I was able to snatch it up NRFB below it's original retail price!  (How do you pass that up?)

Here is the promotion photo from IT:

And a picture in box.  Number 28 of 2022 Fall 2018 Iselin (Edition Size 500).

The last doll is one that I acquired very recently but have been yearning to add to my collection for a very long time!   This doll was part of the 2005 Royaltini Convention.  She is an elegant doll (even without eyelashes) and rarely comes up on secondary market NRFB.  One of my favorite doll couture designers and good friend, Hoang Anh Khoi, uses her often as one of his models, which only made me pine even more to bring her into the fold.  

Promotion photo by IT:

And a picture in the box.  Number 29 of 2022 is Something Hot Kyori Sato (Edition Size 1100).

All she needed was a new body and a lovely evening gown by Antonio Realli!

With the international supply chain so out of whack and the Integrity Toys' doll drought reaching epic proportions, there have been a few joys of collecting sprinkled about.   One of those comes from Chris Stoeckel who designs the East 59th/Victoire Roux line.

At the height of Victoire Roux's popularity, the edition sizes edged up from 300 to 500 to a resting place of 600.  Unfortunately, dealers had trouble selling these dolls at the higher edition sizes with some of them discounted to the public.   In 2017 when Chris revitalized the line with additional characters and changed the name to East 59th Street, the edition sizes were lowered to a conservative 400 each.  As popularity increased, the edition sizes climbed to 500 in 2018 and 2019.  As more sources of collecting dried up and Vintage/Silkstone collectors sought alternatives, we saw editions sizes of 550 in 2020 and early 2021.  Although promoted in 2021, the La Femme Godiva Collection finally made it into collector's hands within the last few weeks and was produced in "sold out" edition sizes of 750 each!

I adore the East 59th Street line and own most of the dolls and ensembles.  They are a personal favorite of mine.  When the La Femme Godiva Collection was promoted last year, I immediately ordered my two favorites.

In 2018, Victoire Roux copied Fashion Royalty counterparts Natalia, Veronique, Vanessa, and Kyori by getting a mold change.   This new mold has become very popular with collectors.   In 2020, Victoire Roux got a darker skin tone and became a separate character, Della Roux.   (In the early days of Integrity Toys, a character mold could get a skin tone change and become a different character - Isha/Luchia, Nadja/Colette.   Most characters remained true to their original skin tone with slight changes to represent being tanned.  That has all changed with characters being produced in every skin tone in the book and keeping their original names.)

There were four dolls in the La Femme Godiva Collection of which three were sold directly through dealers.

Della Roux is very popular with collectors.   Her previous version, Merry & Bright, was an immediate sell-out and rarely becomes available on secondary market.   It was no surprise that Frosted Passion Della Roux was the stand-out success of the La Femme Godiva Collection.  

Here is the Integrity Toys promo photo of Frosted Passion.

Chris is very generous with his accessories (photo by IT)

Frosted Passion was an easy choice to add to my collection.  Here is a photo of my doll still NRFB.

La Femme Godiva included two new characters.  The first, Maeve Rocha, is reminiscent of the original Victoire Roux sculpt.  This dolls' min-giftset is just gorgeous.  Here is an IT promo photo of Pink Mist Maeve Rocha.

As this was a mini-gift set, some incredible capri pants were included.  Another IT promo photo:

The accessories (photo by IT).

I love pink - always have - and am not ashamed to admit it!   Another easy purchase.  This doll is more beautiful in person than in the promo shots.  The ensemble is total perfection!  The photo of my doll.

The third doll, Pressed Perfection Evelyn Weaverton, came in under the radar.  Many East 59th Street collectors compared her to The Americano who has similar hair and faceup.  Here is a photo of my The Americano.

Like so many other collectors, I initially passed on Pressed Perfection Evelyn Weaverton.    Here is a promo from IT.

Accessories continue to be impressive (photo by IT)

When IRL photos started appearing of this doll, collectors had to do a "double-take".  Me included.  Fortunately, I found one at retail and added her to my collection.  Here is a photo of my Pressed Perfection Evelyn.

The fourth doll in the La Femme Godiva collection was offered through a right-to-buy W Club lottery.  She is also a new character, Arctic Moon Coralynn Kwan.   I'm not sure why, but I'm not a fan of this doll and am waiting for her next version. Here is a promo photo by IT.

And her accessories.

Part of me feels like I should love this doll.  She reminds me a great deal of one of my very favorite IT dolls ever produced, Ginza Blonde Kyori Sato (photo below), although I still think Ginza is more beautiful and exotic.  Recently, IT opened a waitlist for this doll, so I caved and put my name on the waitlist.  We'll see if she makes her way into my collection.

The retails prices of these dolls have consistently increased in price.  In 2017 - 2019, they cost the collector $135 (not including larger gift sets or convention exclusives) which was a great deal for the quality of the ensembles and accessories.  The 2020 spring line brought a $10 increase which jumped an additional $15 for the winter line.  Presently, these dolls are selling $160 + shipping.

Additions #30, #31, and #32 to my collection in 2022.

I really cannot emphasize enough the perks of being a member of the W Club.  Not only are you on the "First To Know" list and get preference for Convention Registration, there are some fantastic dolls that are available only to the members.   This was especially true this year when there were so few Integrity Toys products available to the general public.

Unfortunately, many dolls are received months to even years (cough ... Mothership Dania Zarr ... cough, cough).   This is mainly true for dolls that are "made to order" based on the number of collectors who are purchasing.  

My latest doll received from Integrity Toys is Desert Dazzler Poppy Parker, a W Club members exclusive opportunity from 2021.  She is in the "Sunkissed" skin tone which is a personal favorite.  This doll retailed for $160 + Shipping, with a $30 deposit due at order.

Here is the IT promo shot of Desert Dazzler (photo property of IT):

And their photo of the accessories (yes, there are two sets of lower legs!):

The minute I saw this doll I just knew she was going to be very special.   She arrived a few weeks ago and I couldn't wait to take photos.

Here is a closeup in the box:

Closeup out of the box.

I'm not sure what I'm going to do with the ensemble.  It is fun, but I'm not a big of fan of it.  It might look better on Viva Las Vegas a la Ann Margret.  I thought I would try a different coat with this - it is from the 2018 Miss Behave Style Lab Collection, Not Your Puppet.

I enjoy redressing and styling some of my dolls.  Desert Dazzler will probably get quite a bit of camera time.  Here she is wearing a Mattel Barbie Extra fashion.  (Yes, the jacket is actually lined!).  The boots are also from the Not Your Puppet ensemble!

Here is a closeup.  I am so glad I purchased this Poppy Parker.  She is one of my very favorites produced.  I love her hair, her faceup, and her skin tone.   #33 of 2022 is just a perfect little addition to my collection, Desert Dazzler.