Alyrenee's Copious Spare Time

Sorry it has been FOREVER since I have blogged.  I have been working my fanny off at my new day job (professor at UW-Madison) and had little time for anything else. And, I have to say bluntly, I have been feeling a whole lot less enthusiastic about a lot of things lately, but dolls especially.  Don't get me wrong, I still love them and have still bought more than a few over the last year. But I have only managed to unbox a few of my purchases in the last year...so I've got a big pile up waiting for me. I finally have a bit of time off and I am hoping to spend some more time with the collection. Also, I want to do some serious purging.  I am registered for the 2024 convention and planning to do room sales. So I am considering bringing a serious checked bagged filled with dolls. I think pairing down will let me focus and enjoy what I actually have more. So planning a brutal "no mercy" purge. But there are always lows and highs with a hobby right? Of the dolls released i...

  It is that time of year again...to join the W Club.  I will definitely be getting a membership.  In previous years, I had gotten more than one but since they got rid of the coupon, I don't see the need.  Club membership gets you access to several made to order dolls and then right to buy lottery opportunities for others. Club members also get first access to new doll lines dropping so that they can potentially secure preorders before the general public.  Onto the upgrade dolls: I am WIDELY UNDERWHELMED by the upgrade dolls. Not just one, but all three of the dolls are color variations. And variations that possibly no one wanted. I don't even have words really. Just meh.  The only thing giving me hope is that Poppy will be mod again. That will be great. I am hoping that the Poppy "rewind" moment that David mentioned is a companion piece for the Alien Poppy or Black/White Poppy from Stay Tuned...or a friend sculpt for the Palm Springs line.    You...

  So...yeah. While the doll is cute...and I love dark a-tone and the afro puffs...hell to the no on paying $175 for this fashion fever outfit at this price point. This is bland and BASIC. Mint fur on a tired faux Chanel boucle suit. We have had three Chanel looks in the last year between 2020 Not Pretending Eden and the Little Day Ensemble Veronique. Both of those were infinitely more inspired than this offering. I am just at a loss really.  How is East 59th priced at $160 and coming with accessories and all sort of details and we get $175 for a shirt without buttons? Nope. I have to draw a line in the sand. I am dreading what is coming for the W Club upgrade dolls.  Be as sassy as you want girlfriend...but that outfit is a no. Item # 82150 The NU. Classic Lilith Blair ™  Dressed Doll The NU. Face ™  Collection 2021  W   Club  Exclusive Doll Edition Size: To Be Determined Expected Ship Date: Late Summer/Early Fall 2022 Retail Price: $175.00 (Only...

  For real y'all...these prices are ridiculous. I really cannot afford to buy dolls that I don't 100% love anymore.  I really feel like a sucker for buying this...but I desperately love the outfit...not all together but I want the pieces. I hate that bag and will be selling it. I have really failed to connect with the bulk of Jessy's design choices for most of this year. While all these pieces are interesting...would a little coherency kill them? These girls are looking like thy got dressed in the dark lately. Le sigh. Well who's the sucker? I still ordered her. I have not decided on keeping the doll yet. I do love Elyse and I do not have one like her currently but will wait to see her in person. Hmmm, I wonder if those gloves are the same mint shade as the purse from Violane A Fashionable Life set? That would be a nice bonus! Item # 91509 Glamour Coated Elyse Jolie ™   Dressed Doll The Fashion Royalty ®  Collection: Maison FR Edition Size: 1500 Expected Ship Date: ...

  More dolly days offerings.  This Monarch Romaine was nice...but I don't love this sculpt so I resisted.  I am hoping to find a good deal on the outfit and accessories at some point...but I will also live just fine without them. Interesting that he is on the regular Homme body and not the Monarch. Item # 21028 Sound Individual Romain Perrin ™  Dressed Fashion Figure The Monarchs Homme ™  Collection Edition Size: TBD Expected Ship Date: Late Summer 2022 Retail Price: $175.00 (Only $30.00 Due Now to Pre-order!) Head Sculpt: Romain Body Type: Homme 1.5 Foot Sculpt: Articulated Ankle Skin Tone: Sunkissed Hair Color: Darkest Brown Eyelashes: No Quickswitch: No The Story: Romain Perrin is always looking to grow his impressive music library and our favorite financier turned urban adventurer is also known as one of the most skilled crate diggers on earth, able to smell a mint copy of the classic album "The Facade" from a mile away! Dressed just right to blend in with ...

  Dolly days has come and gone. I am a little behind because, well, life.  But here is one of the offerings from that week. Desert Dazzler is cute...but I somehow managed to resist.  I think if the fur had not been a color that I already had, then I might have been swayed.  However, I have two in this same color actually...one from Hold That Tiger and another slightly shorter one from the recent Doll's Life gift set. I do like her face and this skin tone but don't really need the ariana ponytail hair. Had this come with some cocktails, I might have caved.  I will be keeping an eye out for the outfit and shoes for a good price though.  Item # 77210 Desert Dazzler Poppy Parker® Dressed Doll Poppy Parker® In Palm Springs Collection 2021  W   Club  Exclusive Doll Edition Size: TBD Expected Ship Date: Late Summer 2022 Retail Price: $160 (Only $30.00 Due Now to Pre-order!) Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker Body Type: Poppy Parker Foot Sculpt: High-heeled ...