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The Big Girls

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You know guys, I've been thinking about 16 inch dolls for a while. I could just get a few, let's say two, a couple. Or maybe 5 so I can create a little drama. I could build sets only for them. I could build a collection from the bottom up without being tempted by the cheap easy allure of pink plastic. I could take my time.

Or maybe just one and I could make clothes for her.  I dunno, I'm feeling tempted.  I'll start small, with a Tonner. I can't say I'm in love with much of it. But I've always found Tyler Wentworth/Esme very pretty, if soulless and snooty looking.  There's one called Deanna Denton who is lippy and beautiful. These dolls don't have much life when they pose. I wonder what their range of motion is really like. I took a look at Urban Vita but man those are some terrible paint jobs. (did you see that link? The hell?) Some clothes are nice but it's like the dolls were an afterthought. Jamie Show is nice, but pricey for a beginner. Don't get me started on the prices for Japanese BJD's. Yikes. But if you just get one it's not so bad, is it? Imagine for a moment what we have spent on zillions of Barbies and Integrity gals...

If you have any favorite 16 or 22 inch blogs, flickr groups or forums, please pass them on. I have research to do!

smooches,
dani

Comments

  1. MOctober 30, 2012 at 9:36 AM

    Hi Dani!

    Try the Cami & Jon or Antoinette lines by Tonner. The Cami basics are gorgeous and I think they're much more expressive. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Vita PlasticaOctober 30, 2012 at 11:39 AM

      Thanks so much Matty! I see some cheapie Tonners on The Doll Page. I might just have to get a practice girl!

      Delete
  2. Super Cool Doll HouseOctober 30, 2012 at 10:47 AM

    I got the 16 inch bug after last Christmas. I have amassed quite a community since. I have yet to activate them into a full blown hobby though. I love Gene and the fashions associated with her. My favorite from the Gene line is Violet Waters and the Trent doll is handsome, especially if you take the time to sand his hair off and flock him. I also have some Tonners and one Alex. Have fun... beware, they are big and take up room on the shelf :). I took one photo of my Violet and Trent here... http://www.supercooldollhouse.blogspot.com/2012/02/brag.html ... oh and finding kids for them is fun too.
    -Mark

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Vita PlasticaOctober 30, 2012 at 11:41 AM

      Oh your Violet is so pretty. I didn't even think about Gene! Okay off to go obsess about that. Thanks for the link. You know what really did me in? I was at a yard sale and saw small beer mugs. Too big for 1/6th, but for 1/4th the look like they'd be perfect. I better go ahead and buy a doll just to be sure! hee!

      Delete
  3. VanessaOctober 31, 2012 at 10:19 AM

    Oh Dani, not the big girls. LOL! I have several of them and the guys. They are a wonderful size to sew for. I will be interested to see which one(s) you choose.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Vita PlasticaOctober 31, 2012 at 10:40 AM

      How do you feel about the posability of these dolls. I'm not entirely sold yet. We'll see.

      Delete
    2. VanessaOctober 31, 2012 at 1:35 PM

      I will have to check the posebility out again. I haven't really done anything, but look at them for a number of years now.

      Delete
  4. SergioOctober 31, 2012 at 11:37 AM

    What about Jamie Show dolls? The girls have bitchy expressions but the guys are HOT!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Vita PlasticaOctober 31, 2012 at 12:01 PM

      Oh my goodness, I know, I've been eyeing them. I'm in love with this one: http://www.angelicdreamz.com/zoomify.asp?catalogid=11773&img=assets/images/000000000000000home2011/jssum12/summer-2012-kyra-1.jpg

      But $275 for a beginner? I dunno. They do look like they could pose well though... Going to have to give this some thought.

      Delete
  5. AlruniaNovember 12, 2012 at 9:19 AM

    16" dolls were my first love, I got rid of most of my collection by now but I still own two, one Angelina (friend of Tyler's with the Tyler body) and an Antoinette. You're 100% right that they don't have much life when they pose- especially Tylers. My advice is do NOT get a Tyler as your first 16", the posing- even compared to a simple Fashionista- is so poor it might discourage you. She is stiff, lifeless and blank no matter what you do with her. She's a gorgeous display mannequin for clothes more than she is a poseable doll. Antoinette/Cami bodies are a bit better in that regard, the bodies are graceful and gorgeous and not stiff at all- but they are definitely made to lounge around dramatically on a fainting couch and not to be posed doing real people things. I mean, have you seen Cami's hands? They're prettily sculpted with all the fingers splayed apart meaning the only convincing pose they can pull off is "posing prettily". Basically Tyler/Antoinette/Cami are the last thing I'd recommend if you want dolls that are real people who do stuff that's NOT sitting around in ballgowns and cocktail dresses. Just my three cents :D

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousMay 30, 2014 at 5:08 PM

    Hi, Some people were wondering about poseability of 16" fashion dolls. I have six Horsman Urban Vita dolls and I am completed enamored with them. They are so much fun to pose. To me, they have a great retro and sometimes almost kitsch appeal, but the more recent ones look more modern and sophisticated. For some great photos of their agility, please check out this blog: http://flamingomoon.blogspot.com/2009/09/little-stretching-in-morning.html
    and search "urban vita" on flickr.com.

    ReplyDelete

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