It’s not my intention to turn my blog into a doll sales notification service, but I gotta share the love with this one. Tonner Direct sent out an email to its subscribers this afternoon alerting them to a liquidation sale on its Diana Prince (aka “Wonder Woman”) line. This line re-imagines Wonder Woman’s alter-ego, Diana Prince, as a fashionable woman about town. Robert Tonner incorporates into each ensemble subtle references to Diana’s true identity, such as elements of red, white, and blue, and star charms on earrings, bracelets, and belts. I think it is a brilliant re-imagining of a female archetype that strikes a chord particularly for my generation, which delighted in Lynda Carter’s adventures fighting bad guys every Friday evening.
Originally intending to purchase just two outfits, I somehow ended up with three outfits and two dressed dolls in my cart before I checked out. The one drawback fore me is the fear that such an awesome sale is an indication that Tonner Doll is falling on hard times. It’s difficult to believe that the company is making any profit by selling those ensembles for just $29 each. It seems to me that these emails about generous sales from Tonner Direct are coming into my mailbox more and more frequently. Collector dolls are a tough business, and Tonner Doll has been around for a long time. I appreciate the sales, but I would prefer to pass on them if it means that a company that has brought so much joy into my life is living on borrowed time.
My in-box has been filling up with new doll announcements and some super sales, so I thought I’d share as we count the minutes down ’till the weekend.
Integrity released photos this week of its new batch of Color Infusion girls. The CI line is supposed to be a more affordable line of fashion dolls with fashions and accessories that are a grade below Integrity’s top-line girls. But CI girls generally hold their own quality-wise, and they can be a very good buy.
That said, the latest girls will cost you $100 each–no small amount. And here they are:
Nyasha Lauder™
The Color Infusion Collection
Limited Edition Size of 450 Dolls
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Late May/Early June 2015
Suggested Retail Price: $100.00 US
Jacqueline O’Rion™
The Color Infusion Collection
Limited Edition Size of 500 Dolls
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Late May/Early June 2015
Zara Wade™
The Color Infusion Collection
Limited Edition Size of 500 Dolls
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Late May/Early June 2015
Suggested Retail Price: $100.00 US
You can pre-order these dolls at any Integrity retailer. None of them tempt me very much, so I am passing. If I had to choose one, it would probably be Nyasha for her groovy hair and outfit. The sausage-curl bangs on Jacqueline spell disaster, and I don’t know what Integrity is thinking with that boxer’s robe she is wearing. I like Zara’s dress and high ponytail, but her sculpt doesn’t appeal to me.
In other notable doll news, a few sales popped up today that caught my attention. The first is from Happily Ever After, which is offering two Victoire Roux dolls (Depart Pour L Orient and Victoire Roux) for $149 for BOTH. This is a terrific deal on two gorgeous and unique dolls. I am particularly fond of Depart L Orient.
Victoire Roux – Depart Pour L Orient
Victoire Roux – A La Maison
Samantha’s Dolls is offering its customers 20% off all in-stock dolls produced up to 2014, and their inventory is huge. Many of its doll lines are very expensive, so if you are a collector of any of them (from Kish to Tonner to Zwergnase to Plusckok and more), this can be a good deal. Use the coupon “MAR20.”
And finally, American Girl is offering free shipping on orders over $100 and 20% off select items. This is of particular interest to 16″ fashion doll collectors, as many of American Girl’s high-quality but pricey accessories and diorama pieces are perfectly scaled for 16″ dolls. Most notably, this sale can get you a great deal on “Caroline’s Parlor.” This diorama piece is huge, heavy, and high-quality. I saw it in person last week when I was able to visit an AG shop. If you’ve got the room and you like to photograph your girls, it’s a terrific piece. Originally $300, it is on sale for $135. No shipping with the sale, but you will be charged $20 for this “extra bulky” item and the applicable sales tax. For me, that came to $165.85. I haven’t pressed the “buy” button just yet. I’m sitting here trying to talk myself out of it.
So enjoy your weekend, and don’t burn up that credit card too much!
Doll Therapy 