Surprise Find at Valu-Plus, 52nd & Market Sts.

A Valu-Plus store had five Integrity Studio It playline dolls, one of the last Janay series. Three of the Janay dolls, I have in my collection already; the two Alysas were new to me. So I bought an extra Janay and the two Alyssa dolls. I call this a surprise find because

a. I had not seen any Janay series for at least a year

b. these dolls were outside Wal-Mart and/or a specialty doll dealer and

c. the dolls cost $4.00 EACH, which is half what the original cost was for this series.

Below are photos of the Janay with the Alysa head mold and two Alysas* as well as a photo of the back of the box:













Corrected - all 3 of these head molds are the last Alysa head molds. Including the dark complected one with the Janay wrist tag.

Three Versions of Mixis Opal

Thus far, there are two versions of three of the Mixis dolls: Emerald, Opal, and Rosa. The Sunset Edition Dolls wear sundresses and lace-up espadrilles and are priced around $49.95; the Limited Edition Dolls wear a cotton tank top, jeans or jeans skirt, and cropped bodice sweater and are priced around $59.95. Actually, on the Mixis web page -- http://store.mixis.com/catalog/1/mixis_dolls -- there are THREE Opals: one Limited Edition Doll and TWO Sunset Edition Dolls, one with curly hair, the other with straight hair.

Aside: a photo that could be Houda in a denim jacket and denim mini skirt can be seen on this web page:

http://www.toydirectory.com/monthly/productsbymfr.asp?id=1890

However, I haven't seen a Houda in the Limited Edition jeans outfit for sale. On that same web page, there is mention of other Mixis dolls: Amber, Amethyst, Coral, Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz and Turquoise. Eight new dolls. Possibly, one of those doll can be seen with Rosa in the Mixis logo shown on this web page:

http://www.toydirectory.com/monthly/ToyShow/toyshow.asp?id=324

Wow doesn't suffice.

Exciting News -- Mixis Webpage Updated!

The website for the Mixis Dolls now shows not only the four dolls -- Emerald, Houda, Opal, and Rosa -- but OUTFITS for them. There are nine ethnic-themed outfits that can be seen on this web page:

http://store.mixis.com/catalog/2/outfits

Some of the outfits have kitten-heeled slippers, moccasins, or platform shoes. I don't usually moan over shoes -- I don't care much about my own shoes as long as they are comfortable and vaguely attractive -- but these shoes appear to be miniature art. Rosa's zip up boots and Opal's slip on pumps wow me. My photos shown in a previous entry don't do these pieces full justice. They resemble the Fashion Royalty shoes except that they are more everyday fashion than couture fashion.

I am almost loathe to report these outfits because I am afraid that they would be bought out BEFORE I can get back to hobby purchasing. But YNU Group CANNOT go out of business. Not before I buy at least one of each outfit and ALL of the dolls. That is selfish of me, I confess, but wow, what wonderful, delightful creations.

Bound Collection in Photos

I've got some photos of my doll/action figure/computer/pet room or of the bound collection. The collection will have achieved unbound or free status once ALL dolls and action figures and 1:6 scale pets have been liberated from their boxes.

Kitbashing Idea

My eyes went from the High School Musical 3 Ryan and Kelsie Prom Date set to a When I Read, I Dream Heidi head that I have partially on a Teen Skipper body. The Kelsie head does look a little large on her roughly 10" body. Maybe the Heidi head can go on that body and the Kelsie head can go on the 11" Teen Skipper body. The complexion seems to match -- from where I sit.

Oh, no, it won't do. Heidi is very pale while Kelsie is pinkish. Ah ... but just as one idea bites the dust, another rises. Maybe the Queen of Hearts body could be used for Heidi -- nah. The Queen body looks bigger than I want for the Heidi head. Shrug.

Mixis Revisited -- Dolls and Boot Photos

Here are some photos of the Mixis dolls I mentioned previously, Opal and Rosa, as well as Rosa's fabulous boots.

Lukas and Scottie Play Basketball

Nu Face Lukas and Scottie Pippin are the tallest guys in my doll and action figure community. They're both 13" tall. Here they are in an impromptu basketball game -- Lucas isn't properly dressed. (He's in his fashion jeans, his black ruffled shirt, and dress socks.) Lukas will need some more casual clothes to avoid ruining his wardrobe AND to avoid injuries. Shouldn't play in dress socks -- tsk, tsk.