Disney Cinderella by Mattel

Four new Barbies have been released and are available for order very soon as part of Disney's latest theatrical release, Cinderella. The first doll, Cinderella's Royal Ball, features her typical fairytale presentation in her blue dress and "glass" slippers. I think this is a new face sculpt. She seems to retail around $70-75, per most dealer sites, but her MSRP from Mattel is $39.99, and she's currently in stock. 

The second version of Cinderella is called Cinderella's Wedding Day. She retails for $39.95 (dealer price) and is in-stock at Doll Genie. She's dressed in a pretty white wedding gown with sheer sleeves, a tiara, and coordinating jewelry. Also, she's available for just $24.99 from Mattel.

Lady Tremaine is another new addition to the collection in the likeness of Cate Blanchett. I love her sculpt and her hair, but I'm not crazy about the fake gloves or plastic feather. I do adore her dress, though.

Cinderella's Fairy Godmother is also available for purchase. She is dressed in a retro ballgown, in fabric similar to Crystal Barbie, only with a high collar. She includes wings, tiara and silver wand.

Photos are property of Doll Genie.

New Tokidoki Barbie to be released this year... and more!

The Doll Genie is offering a special preorder for the latest Tokidoki Barbie to be released later this year. No actual photo is available yet, but she is part of the Pop Like Series, scheduled to be released in August 2015 for $75 MSRP (that we know). She celebrates Tokidoki's tenth anniversary, and includes a Tokidoki printed skirt with an underlayer of bright tulle, silver sequin top, plus her standard heels and coordinating jewelry. She's said to have blonde hair with pink tips and a headband. Additionally, she includes her pink cactus pet on a leash and a shopping bag.

New Holiday Barbies announced at Doll Genie

The 2015 Holiday Barbies have been previewed at Doll Genie. They are dressed in a red ballgown trimmed with lace, as a blonde or African American skin tone. Both dolls are scheduled for August 2015 release, and Doll Genie is offering them at $44.95 per doll.

Photos are property of Doll Genie.

2015 Barbie - a new repro coming soon!

There are several sketches in the Sneak Peek section of the Barbie Collector bulletin board, including a brand new reproduction Barbie, Superstar Forever, who appears to be dressed in the Dream Date fashion. She is a Superstar head sculpt on a Model Muse body, with a planned release date of the middle of 2015.

I'm not sure, but I think the photo above shows the original Dream Date Barbie from 1982. I'm borrowing this photo from Papusile Mele, another great resource for doll fans.

Latest Steffie project...

I received a fun little package today from Belgium, containing at least one European exclusive Steffie. Above, it's Princess Laura (sold as Jewel Secrets Whitney in the US). I've been wanting to add this doll to my next Steffie book, and I'm thrilled to have her in my collection.

In addition, I received what I believe is a California Dream Midge, also from Europe. She has aqua eyes instead of the US green. I know Cool Times Midge has a similar color eye in the US release, but her lips are a pale pink, and her hair is different--she has full bangs and a little more curl.

As you can see, both dolls needs a little work, but that's easy enough to do. Additionally, there are two fashions included with the dolls which I also don't recognize. I'm really excited to get started!

Popular fashion doll photos from 2014

Here are the top ten fashion doll photos (sorted by number of favorites) on Flickr. Above, it's On the Rise Elise Jolie, taken at IFDC in July. She was displayed in the Integrity Toys booth. This photo has 30 favorites.


Elise was popular this year, and one of the dolls I did not order from the collection. This photo has 28 favorites, and was also taken at IT's display booth at IFDC.


On the Prowl Eugenia was another favorite, coming it at #3 with 25 favorites. She too was on display. I didn't add her to my collection, either.


Interestingly, this photo of the yellow dress Barbie Look Red Carpet collection doll (I think with the Louboutin face) comes in at #4 with 25 favorites (and fewer views). I took this photo at the Grant A Wish convention in April.


A second Grant A Wish photo from April comes in at #5 with 24 favorites. This Barbie Look Red Carpet doll uses the Lea face and is wearing a silver gown.


Those sneak peeks of the Barbie Look collection were quite popular this year. This doll takes the #6 spot with 22 favorites. She uses the lovely Aphrodite face.


Weirdly, this dark photo comes in at #7. It's another photo from the IFDC convention, at Integrity's booth. Elusive Creature Natalia Fatale has garnered 21 favorites.


A blurry shot takes up spot #8, also with 21 favorites. This showcases the Mackie, Aphrodite and Lea sculpts of the Red Carpet Barbie Look collection previewed at the Grant a Wish convention.


Agent Lotta Danger (Poppy Parker) was manufactured by Integrity Toys, and displayed at IFDC in July. She comes in at #9 with 18 favorites.


French Kissed Tulabelle is a 16" Integrity Toys doll. She comes in at #9 with 17 favorites. I actually ordered just the fashion from this doll, and it's amazing.


Finally, coming in the 10the place with 17 favorites is Vivid Encounter Adele Makeda. I ended up ordering this doll, and she is great! I think her dress is amazingly detailed, and I really like her makeup.

After perusing these photos myself, I realize two things: 1) I should continue to attend conventions and doll shows, and 2) I need to take some more photos of dolls that are actually in my collection.

New Barbie Look collection coming in early 2015... and more!

Several new Barbie Look dolls have been added to the 2015 collection by Mattel, and as you might guess, I am very pleased to see one in particular. They will be available from dealers as well as Barbie Collector, and they are available for preorder for around $29.95 today.

I actually am borrowing these photos from Cheryl's Dolls, who has real-life photos of several of the dolls on her website. Please go check them out! They are quite cute, I think.

First, it's silver City Shine, in a one-shoulder silver dress, side glancing blue eyes with rooted lashes (yay!!), and nice heels. I'm fairly certain this is the Mackie sculpt. She carries a silver clutch, has silver chandelier earrings and a bangle, and a half-up-do.

Next, is the gorgeous brunette, black and silver City Shine doll. I think (but I'm not sure on this, as I'm really not a sculpt expert) she is an open mouth Mackie, with brown forward-glancing eyes, rooted eyelashes, and a parted bangs, with her hair long. She is wearing a sparkling (but not glittering) silver and black dress, black heels, silver clutch and dangling earrings. Again, I just love her eyelashes--and check out her real-life photo!

Next up, Mbili makes an appearance as the copper City Shine doll with gorgeous two-tone chocolate and copper hair, and brown eyes--again with rooted lashes. She's wearing a bronze cocktail dress, matching shoes, a bangle and dramatic earrings, and carries a clutch. Unfortunately, I don't see a real-life photo of this doll, but I'd love to!

My favorite, of course, is the Steffie version, the gold City Shine doll. She has lost of two-toned hair, in loose curls, brown eyes, and lovely rooted lashes. Her dress isn't my favorite, but I'll probably need to add her to my collection since she's a Steffie!

Next, there are several other dolls available, including a new ballerina, called Ballet Wishes. She is in stock now, and retails for $29.95 ($24.95 from BarbieCollector). She has the closed-mouth Mackie sculpt, new ballet arms, and even includes ribbon-tie toe shoes. The bodice of her dress is laser cut, and the fashion is removable.

A new design from Linda Kyaw is the new Birthday Wishes doll, in three variations: Hispanic (shown here), blonde, and African American. These are due spring 2015, and retail for $29.95.

Malibu Superstar Barbie

I was able to acquire my very first Barbie in close to mint condition at the last Barbie convention. My friend Kathie found this rather unique Superstar Barbie in a swim suit. I remember her, the vinyl doll case, and all her beach accessories from my childhood.

I'm almost certain this is the first Barbie doll I had and whose feet I chewed to bits as a child.

Isn't she lovely? I'm trying hard to restrain myself from chewing on her feet today. The fact that she's tied into the case with permanent plastic ties helps quite a lot.

Check out more photos of her on Flickr.

Did you miss the Karl Lagerfeld Barbie?

I did--and man, am I bummed. You can see her original listing from Mattel at the Barbiecollector.com website. Her original retail was $200, and she was made in a tiny (for Mattel) edition size of 999 (Platinum Label).

She has a new face sculpt with a rooted platinum ponytail, and is wearing a darn cool Lagerfeld style black jacket, white men's shirt with French cuffs, black cravat, and black fitted jeans. She also includes fingerless gloves, a bag, glasses and ankle boots.

If you're sad you missed her--since she sold out in under an hour--you can still pick her up from collectors who apparently changed their minds and would rather be swimming in cash. On eBay, she is going for about $1000 (only five times her original price), and Marl & B has one available for even more, $1999, ten times her original cost. 

I try not to say this on my blog, but in this case, I just can't help it: holy shit.

The photos are property of Mattel.

Secondary market items--prices lowered, shipping included, Poppy Parker, IFDC exclusives, Barbie Convention and more

I have posted several items for sale on the Dollpage Show and Sell--feel free to check out my listings. Prices include US shipping, but I also ship overseas. You can contact me for further information via email. My address is in each listing.

Above, it's Evening Ingenue Poppy Parker. I have two of these for sale. This one is the second listing here. She was the IT Direct exclusive, LE300, available for sale to attendees. She is $260, including shipping and insurance in the US.

Next, it's the African American version of Midnight Celebration. She is available for $350 including US shipping and insurance. I brought this doll home from the convention in Nashville, and her box isn't quite minty--I have photos showing the dings in the box. I'll ship her in an outer box, as she doesn't include a shipper. She is designed by Artist Creations.

Another gorgeous Poppy Parker from IFDC is Glamorous Darling. She was also limited to 300 dolls, and I'm asking $325 for her, including US shipping and insurance. I think she's just gorgeous (I kept mine)--one of the prettiest souvenir dolls from IFDC yet!

I have a fun 16" Gene repaint for sale, as well, for $75 or best. I don't know anything about this doll (or the artist), I'm afraid, as no paperwork was included with her. She was a win at IFDC.

Also NRFB, I'm offering the caucasian version of Midnight Celebration for sale as well. She uses the Lara sculpt and is designed by Artist Creations. She is priced at $325, including US shipping and insurance.

Phyliss Pizazz Gabor was a surprise box win at the Premiere IT convention last year. I thought I might start collecting this size, but I just don't have room. She didn't include a box, paperwork, or shoes, extra hands, or her accessories (or instrument). She's priced at $60 as she is, including shipping.

I'm finding myself a tad overwhelmed with dolls, as you can see. Mahem in Monte Carlo Poppy Parker is so pretty, but I just have too many dolls. I'm offering her for sale at a price of $165 including shipping and insurance.

Last but not least, it's Code: Arm Candy Chip Farnsworth III. He comes dressed in a fantastic suit, with all his original accessories, including a really cute little briefcase. I should mention both he and Poppy are NRFB--all of the dolls are, in fact, except Gene and Pizazz. I'm asking $150 for Chip, including shipping and insurance.

If you live internationally, contact me for a fair price quote. I often ship first class, as well, as InsurePost offers good prices on insurance for first class shipments now. Thanks for looking!

Steffie of the Day: Barbie Style Midge

I found a new Steffie on Amazon the other day. She was new to me--which is unusual, but not impossible. Seeing as I wrote the book on Steffie--well, two books, and am now working on a third--I shouldn't be surprised--but I was, and quite delighted!

This is a playline doll from the Barbie Style collection, on an articulated body--like the original Life in the Dreamhouse, in fact. She differs from the original LitD Midge, though, in that her head is more to scale and her hair is a paler shade of red (more strawberry blonde, in my humble opinion).

I think the retail price on these dolls is around $20-25, but Midge was closer to $30 when I bought her, but she has since dropped in price (of course).

The selling point on the dolls is their outfits! They have really great clothes, fun to mix and match. My favorite outfit is Barbie Style Raquelle Gold-Denim Jacket Doll, who has a great jacket, shorts, gold sparkling tights, and a denim shirt. I'll add a link to both her and Midge below this post. But Midge's outfit is really cute in a country chic way, too. She includes:

• an aqua cardigan
• a lace collar shirt
• polka dot capri jeans
• red peep-toes
• a silver bracelet
• a red watch
• silver earrings
• white glasses
• a brown shoulder bag

Plus, she's got long applied eyelashes (mine are applied a little weird--I ended trimming them a little), smooth hair, and a nice articulated body for easy posing.

You can see more photos of her, and also comparison photos of her with Life in the Dreamhouse Midge, on Flickr.

Two new direct exclusive dolls at BarbieCollector.com: Venetian Muse and Mistress of the Manor

Two new gorgeous dolls are available from Barbie Collector. Above, it's Venetian Muse, the second in the Global Glamour Collection.

It's been a long time since a doll has tempted me so much! Venetian Muse uses the Louboutin sculpt and Nostalgic skin tone. She retails for $100 and is only available through BarbieCollector. Also, she's a Gold Label edition, with no more than 5000 dolls produced.

She was designed by Linda Kyaw, and she is similar to an auction doll sold at the Italian Doll Convention last year, called Masquerade Beauty. (You can see photos of the auction doll on Dutch Barbie World's blog.) You can read more about Venetian Beauty here and here.

As if that weren't enough--check out the latest installation from the Haunted Beauty collection: Mistress of the Manor. She is designed by Bill Greening, retails for $100, and no more than 6100 dolls will be produced.

Mistress of the Manor uses the Mermaid sculpt (I didn't know I liked her so much!) with black hair with a white streak in a top knot. She uses the Peace skin tone.

As no more than five dolls (of each doll) are available per order, my guess is that we will also see this doll available from dealers at a higher price.

Both dolls are available for sale now, and I bet they will sell out quickly! Check out BarbieCollector.com for more information.

The photos are property of Mattel, and I'm using them to promote their dolls.

Barbie steps up to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge!

Barbie meets the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge! I think it's pretty cute. I can't wait to see Bill Greening, Linda Kyaw, and Robert Best meet this challenge as well.

Summer Blockbuster sale at BarbieCollector!

Save 25% off select movie and TV themed dolls while supplies last when you shop at BarbieCollector.com. As of yesterday, 22 dolls were on sale!

Photos are property of Mattel.

If I worked for Mattel... Betsey Johnson Barbie #2

Betsey Johnson Barbie #2 by alison-boyd-rasmussen featuring floor length evening gowns

Betsey Johnson floor length evening gown / Betsey Johnson black high heel shoes / Betsey johnson tote / Betsey Johnson bracelet watch / Betsey Johnson vintage crystal necklace / Betsey Johnson flower bracelet / Betsey Johnson vintage heart jewelry / Betsey johnson perfume

Yep. I'd do two versions of this Betsey Johnson Barbie, if I worked for Mattel. This one would have more of a punky, evening vibe--featuring a floor-length, polka-dot tulle gown (without glitter, thank you very much), sparkling vintage-feel jewels, and a little spice with (neutral) leopard print.

This doll would probably have pink hair, I think.

I think I might be working in the wrong field, here, at home, doing laundry. ;)

If I could make a Betsey Johnson Barbie...

Betsey Johnson Barbie #1 by alison-boyd-rasmussen featuring betsey johnson jewelry

Betsey Johnson dress / Betsey Johnson intimate / Betsey Johnson robe / Betsey Johnson peep toe pumps / Betsey johnson purse / Betsey johnson jewelry / Betsey Johnson bracelet charm / Betsey Johnson watch / Betsey Johnson drop earrings / Betsey Johnson beauty product

If I worked at Mattel, I'd do my best to collaborate with Betsey Johnson to create a Barbie using her style of products.

Notice a few things:

• This version uses pastel shades and floral prints--the softer side of Betsey.
• She includes a floral day dress as well as a set of PJs (robe and nightie).
• Her jewelry is a little over-the-top and fabulous!
• Her bag and wedges are almost neutral and would look great restyled with other pieces.
• She even includes a miniature version of Betsey's signature fragrance, Too Too Pretty.

Oh yes. I see it in the near future!

Barbie - How I'd restyle her.

Barbie by alison-boyd-rasmussen on polyvore.com

This is how I'd style Barbie, if I were given the chance. Scroll through the photos below, and you can see the wardrobe I've selected. And why hasn't there been a Betsey Johnson Barbie yet? Wouldn't that be perfect?

I've been staying far away from Polyvore lately, due to budget restrictions and how much I recently spent on Urban Decay products at the Ulta store recently. (Why can't I just have one hobby?) But really... when you change your hair color as often as I do, you sort of need to update your wardrobe and makeup. Right?

Anyway--let me know what you think. And try it out! Polyvore is a LOT of fun. :)

Struggling with vintage Barbie or Japanese exclusive fashions on a budget? Consider repros!

I have to confess that when it comes to vintage Barbie and Francie, the fashion I love most seem to be the ones that are hardest to find. Whether it's the delicate tulle or metallic fabrics that don't last through children's play over the past 50+ years, or if it's the elusive Japanese exclusive that people just talk about, perhaps you find yourself with the same budgetary issues.

I've recently discovered that my small bust Integrity models (FR:Nippon's Amelie and Misaki--above--as well as Poppy Parker and friends) can often share outfits with Francie. While this won't save you anything as far as budget goes, let me direct you again to Silvia Campell of Snowdance Originals and Reproductions.

Some time ago, I have the absolute privilege to pick up this lovely Japanese Wedding Gown (original is on page 95 of Barbie in Japan), shown above as modeled by Misaki, as well as Silvia's version of Fall in the Air for Francie (page 99 of Barbie in Japan), modeled by Ask Any Girl Poppy Parker.

Please check out Silvia's website. The outfits do run around $125 and up, but you will indeed get amazing sets with serious attention to detail that I haven't seen elsewhere. While Fall in the Air is no longer in my collection, I really do miss it. I'm pining for a new fashion right this moment!

My top contenders:

1. Irresistible 
2. Glimmer Glamour - for Mod Barbie - but where can you find this outfit for $125?
3. Fancy That Formal - I just know I have a Poppy who needs this gown!
4. Prom Pinks - oh, that gold netting!
5. Black Magic in White - for Barbie, and simply stunning, for $85!

Form Finale - from Barbie Collector

Today is the last day to get a free Silkstone Barbie dress form (when you spend $50 or more) at Barbie Collector. It will be automatically added to your shopping cart, once you've added enough items. (You can use your $20 shop reward towards this purchase, if you like.)

Whoops--I missed a sale at Barbie Collector!

Sorry, dear readers, I missed a sale going on now at Barbie Collector. Today is the last day--it ends tonight, May 30, 2014, at 11:59 pm CT, so you still have time to take advantage of it. Here are the details:

Save up to $25 on the Red Carpet collection. When you buy

• two dolls, take $5 off your purchase.
• three dolls, take $15 off your purchase.
• four dolls, take $25 off your purchase.

That's like saving up to 30% on these dolls. They cost $19.95 each, and if you're a member of the Barbie Fan Club, you can add your quarterly $25 reward to your purchase as well to save even more!

The dolls that qualify for this special are:

• Red Carpet Barbie Gold Gown - Goddess sculpt
• Red Carpet Barbie Blue Jumpsuit - open mouth Mackie sculpt
• Red Carpet Barbie Pink Gown - Mackie closed mouth sculpt
• Red Carpet Barbie Green Dress - Aphrodite sculpt

The dolls have great details, including applied eyelashes, and they use the slim Model Muse body. I love the earrings in this collection, and the bracelets are pretty, too.

For the fine print and details, click here.

Photo is the property of Mattel.