Alyrenee's Copious Spare Time

I'm taking fashion illustration again at the college to get some more practice and learn some different techniques. Fashion drawings are very different then costume renderings.  The figure is slimmer and more stylized and I am very realistic with my costume style usually so making the switch to fashion has always been tricky. So here is my first project in progress.  The theme is New Atlantide.  I choose to combine the idea of ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome with the decadence of the twenties.

This is me finding out that I did not get selected for the Funny Face Lottery doll. I really hope I can get this set later on.  Sometimes they end up with a few extras.  Fingers crossed

A feeling familiar to all Integrity collectors...the dreaded wait.  From the moment that you see the gorgeous new dolls and then frantically email a variety of dealers (trying in vain to optimize your W Club dealer coupons while also trying to be loyal to your wonderful local dealers)....then you have to sit and wait....and wait...and wait...and squirm...and then wait some more.  Some get back to you in a jiffy and you can take a small breath in relief...others are longer.  Now during this wait, you start to second guess yourself...What if you miss out?  What if they sell out while you are waiting?  Why did you order so many to begin with?  Ugh. Then finally, you get a pleasantly worded confirmation email.  Down payments are placed.  You can finally sit back and relax and spend a restful night dreaming of all the new beautiful things coming to you shortly... UGH!  Coming TOO shortly...now you have to worry about paying for all these darn p...

Oh so tempting sale at Dollmarket has both Gwen Cooper and Martha Jones on sale for $99.  If I weren't trying desperately to reduce the doll collection, I would be all over these as I think the sculpts are really nice and the outfits have some nice basic pieces to them.

If you haven't picked up the latest issue of Dolls Magazine February 2013...well I am pleased to let you know that they have featured me and my little hats in an article called "Driven to Create".  I also contributed a millinery project to the issue.  Very exciting.  I will be putting some of my hats up for sale shortly so keep an eye on the blog for future announcements.

So Tullabelle.  This is Integrity's 16" doll challenger and direct competition for Tonner's Cami & Jon line.  I was prepared to not like her.  I had an Avant Gard for like a year and then sold her.  I never warmed up to her body sculpt, jointing, or face paint. Also I hated the wigs.  But this Tullabelle is adorable.  I love the fresh youthful look and the playfullness in the fashions.  Plus the accessories!!!!  For the price of these dolls, the stuff that they come with blows Tonner out of the water.    I pre-ordered Pomp & Circumstance right away. I kind of want to get Yeti To Wear as well...and Trend Spotted.  Oh the decisions....ugh.  I feel like I should decide really soon as I imagine these are going to sell like hotcakes. Item #86001 J'Adore Blond Basic Tulabelle™ Doll Suggested Retail Price: US $115.00 Limited Edition of 300 Dolls 16 inch Doll Estimated Delivery Date: Early May 2013 During a lazy Saturd...

 SQUEAL!!!!  So excited. I was both surprised and yet not surprised at the same time.  I knew we would be getting some other characters, but I suspected we would only be getting one or two from the Holograms and maybe one of two from the Misfits.  I much prefer getting the Holograms in one chunk so that I have a nice complete set without the risk of the series being cancelled before they are complete (seems unlikely but I have been burned MANY times).  I called my dealer and I am now waiting for confirmation. Item # 14026 KIMBER BENTON™ The JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™ Collection Limited Edition of 1000 Dolls Only Suggested Retail Price: US $119.00 Estimated Ship Date: Early March 2013 KIMBER BENTON  is romantic, rebellious, and emotional, and she sometimes envies the attention that is paid to her big sister, JERRICA BENTON.  Ever since she was a child, KIMBER has been writing and playing music.  Her father had hoped that she would follow he...