Un-boxed...Journey Girl Chavonne- Australian Adventure

If it came down to which doll I felt was best dressed or my favorite it would be a tie between Mikaella & Callie, but since I needed a new Chavonne with long curly locks, I went with Chavonne.

Here she is...

Purchased with a courtesy @ TRU, she is styled in a floral dress, coordinating cropped blue sweater vest, with accessories: blue sandals, gold barrette, and an apple motif purse.  Released in July 2017, this collection of dolls rep the Aussie Adventure.

TRU aims to present a fully dressed fashion doll, so I will not begrudge them that effort.  However, I really would like to purchase these dolls without clothes, mannequin-like so that we can work our magic in the design department.  

Remember this is Aussie-themed, so if I try really hard, I would say this is a wonderful outfit for attending theater, lunch, a museum, or something equally sophisticated.  Not hiking the outback for sure, but it is a workable look that I am willing to re-imagine, B.O.C. Style!

Paracord Planet - Cording Haul

Yeah...you might think this is just another haul, right?  No.  This one will shock you and hopefully in a good way!

I am making military style field jackets for the Journey Girls Re-creation Project and I needed paracord.  In case you do not know, this cord is used as draw strings for tying together the jacket.

Rust and Olive (on the left) and Burgundy.

Craft stores carry it, usually near the beading section.  I needed bigger color palate.  Part of being a designer is living for the moment of stretching your imagination and not being limited to what is already 'fixed'. This is why I offered customers the option of bringing their inspirations to life!

I hit up Google and landed on the 'free shipping' standing out bold. I am thinking 'how much do I have to order to get this?'

It turned out to be a simple order of over $5.99.  They ship free...remember!  And they ship fast.  I placed this order on 10/19.  It arrived today! 

The colors and style vary.  What you see in my image are just what I needed and thus, ordered.  

Recreating 2017 Toys R Us Journey Girl Dolls

From the Australian Adventure 2017 release by Toys R Us, Journey Girls Callie and Mikaella hands down dressed the part.  It just so happened that they are also the most inspiring to reproduce!  I love the jackets, the boots, and the accessories!

I have begun to storyboard these ideas.  Here is one for Mikaella, who will likely get her recreation first!

I am so excited to do this recreation!  Follow us to see the process and the final!

Did You Hear the News?

Toys R Us is in the process of launching a brand new Journey Girls website.

This is just a small image of what it looks like currently, with the Australian Adventure group photo.  The site remains under construction. You are welcomed to click the image which can take you right to the preview! I know I will be bookmarking it!

I just love Journey Girls Dolls!  Ah...this is such an inspiration to look forward to! 

This is exciting news however is a bit shadowy, as it comes just days before the announcement that Toys R Us will be filing bankruptcy. Based on public opinion this has occurred before.  It is no surprise with the stores looking virtually empty, the neglect of the JG signature brand in exchange for the AG display, along with more customers choosing the wide availability of e-commerce over retail shopping.

Stay tuned to see what TRU has in store for toy lovers all over the world!

...More from the Land Down Under (Australian Adventure)

Even though I am simply admiring these lovely dolls from a distant place called "you do not need anymore dolls right now", I cannot help but gush at their cuteness.

Let us start by viewing Callie and Ilee...

Check out Callie's boots! She is adorable.  TRU is stepping up their game. Hopefully fan complaints about the shoes stirred their creative design team to improve the fashion.  I love Callie's vest too!  I can reproduce that!

Journey Girl Callie, in 2017 Australian Adventure 

...and Ilee's, maxi lace cardigan!

Journey Girl Ilee, in 2017 Australian Adventure

And now we look at the beauty that is Kelsey.  Again, those boots!  What you say now TRU!  The entire look is so fabsome!

Journey Girl Kelsey, in 2017 Australian Adventure

Again...boots!  Those hikers sported by Mikaella (below) remind me of Dana's boots from 2016 New York City Collection, only these are in brown.  Her jacket is something I want to reproduce too!

Journey Girl Mikaella, in 2017 Australian Adventure

Saving these two lovelies for last because they, according to some do not look apart of the theme.  And I think that is so untrue.  When we think of Australian Adventure, we think hiking, climbing, getting dirty, and roughing it in the outback.

(Just saying outback makes me want to go to the restaurant "Outback"! LOL!)

Australia is so much more than the outdoors.  There is containment adventure as well, such as museums, art shows, parties, and shopping! Australia has a rich cultural Aboriginal history that awaits you!

Journey Girl Chavonne, in 2017 Australian Adventure

I think these two lovelies definitely look the part to take in some indoor and street cultural venues.  Both Chavonne and Kyla wear bright colorful dresses and cute sandals.  I can see myself reproducing these looks as well!

Journey Girl Kyla, in 2017 Australian Adventure

Of course I only gave you a snapshot of their frocks.  See for yourself, experience the travel tour, and do a little history search on your own.  I am definitely ignited by this collection to take a trip to the land down under!  There is so much to see...Perth, Melbourne, Sidney, and Brisbane.  Where do I start?