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!

Mari

Mari, a photo by alington on Flickr.

This is a new addition to my BJD collection. It's Mari, a tiny 10.5" Asian BJD by Limhwa in the For You size. I found her from Junkyspot, who often has these dolls in stock.

She's wearing vintage Francie #1222 Gold Rush and a petticoat from one of the Perfect Beginnings fashion Paks.

I think she's quite lovely with her tan skin tone--she's just a little shorter and thinner than Barbie, and curvier than Francie, but she can wear her clothing. I do need to find her some shoes, however.

You can see additional photos on Flickr. She wears a size 3-4 wig and 6mm eyes--so tiny!

More mixing of vintage and contemporary

Naomi in Let's Dance, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Here is Naomi (Peak's Woods/Dollmore BJD hybrid), modeling a wonderful (and minty!) vintage Barbie fashion, Let's Dance #978.

Naomi is also wearing eyes by Mint on Card, a wig by Glib (from Junkyspot), and shoes by Tonner Doll from a Tiny Kitty wedding ensemble. I believe I've also added a petticoat to the outfit.

More photos on Flickr!

Mixing vintage and contemporary

Naomi hybrid, a photo by alington on Flickr.

The lovely Naomi hybrid (Peak's Woods normal skin head on a Dollmore 12" Fashion Model Doll (FMD) body) is modeling #1658 Garden Wedding, a vintage Barbie fashion.

She's also wearing a wig by Leeke, eyes by Mint on Card, and Tiny Kitty shoes from Tonner Doll Company.

More Barbie videos on You Tube

Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel for the latest updates in doll-related videos. (Can you tell I'm really trying to make the best use I can out of technology these days?) Here's what's up there so far:

• Sleep-eyed Sleeping Beauty Barbie from 1998
• 1964 Miss Barbie sleep-eye action
• JennyGrey's Strawberry Festival show - fashions for dolls, human and vinyl
• 1968 Talking PJ
• 1968 Talking Barbie
• 1969 Talking Julia

Leave me a comment if you like them!

Display issues and fixes - vintage Barbie!

Vintage Barbie shelf, a photo by alington on Flickr.

I thought I'd share a photo of my doll display today, featuring my vintage Barbies. I use the Billy bookcase system from IKEA.

A fellow doll collector, Mario, suggested I use more of the space of the shelf with a riser of some sort, and I think his suggestion was fantastic. (I have to confess, I want all their stands to match now.)

I had my dear hubby cut a few of the extra shelves in half lengthwise (to half the depth of the shelf), and then use extra pieces to make 4" blocks for the new shelf to stand on. They match perfectly, since you can use the outside of the shelf.

Of course, a spice rack or wood block would work, too. And you might consider draping it in fabric or covering it with decorative paper, or just paint for some pizazz.

Now, my vintage girls have much more elbow room. For the curious, here's who is in this display. In the top row:

• 1965 blonde Swirl in #1660 Evening Gala
• 1694 Miss Barbie in Red Flare #939 and Silken Flame #977
• 1963 Fashion Queen in #987 Orange Blossom
• 1963 Bubble Cut in #947 Bride's Dream
• 1965 American Girl (blonde) in #1647 Golden Glamour
• 1966 Lemon Color Magic in #1635 Fashion Editor
• Walking Jamie (Sears exclusive)
• 1963 Midge in #983 Enchanted Evening

In the front row:

• #3 blond ponytail in #969 Suburban Shopper
• #4 blond ponytail in #1646 Magnificence
• #5 brunette ponytail in #1667 Benefit Performance
• 1968 Talking Julia in #1649 Lunch on the Terrace
• 1969 Marlo Flip TNT Barbie in #1456 Dreamy Blues
• 1970 Standard Barbie Ash blonde in #3404 Glowin' Out
• 1968 Talking PJ in her original outfit
• 1968 Talking Barbie in #1864 Close Ups

One day left for auctions on my eBay store!

Don't forget to check out the auctions (some are closing Sunday!) to pick up some great deals for Tonner Dolls, Barbie and Integrity Toys. My home is non-smoking but cat friendly. I have my items displayed behind glass, but cat hair has a tendency to travel.

For Tonner collectors:

• Lady Emerald, from the 2009 Wizard of Oz line, complete and near mint, bid at $53.63, with free shipping!
• Lot #1 of Tyler Boutique Clothing, bid at $28.89, free shipping!
• Lot #2 of Tyler Boutique Clothing, bid at $36.79, free shipping!
• 2011 Theatre de l Mode Noir #99 outfit only, just $90!

For other 16" dolls:

• Miniature resin Alexander McQueen angelwing shoes, designed for JAMIEshow dolls, just $19.99.

For the Barbie Collector:

• Lot of two hard to find Steffies (nude) - Style Magic and Jewel Secrets. Need some TLC, but great for the OOAK artist. Starts at just $.99
• 1991 near mint, near complete HTF My First Ballerina, hispanic version, Steffie face, $9.99!
• 1989 deboxed, near complete hispanic Flight Time Barbie, Steffie, $12.05
• 2007 Birthstone Beauty, AA Miss Emerald (May) $15! NRFB!
• 1980s era Barbie Fashion, pink, blue and paisley, $1.54
• Bargain lot of pink Barbie clothing $9.50
• 1986 Peruvian Barbie (Steffie) NRFB, $30 OBO
• Barbie Basic accessory pack 1.0, look #01, NRFB, $20 OBO
• For Silkstone dolls: 2007 The Interview suit, blouse and necklace, $7.50
• Also for Silkstone, 2011 pieces from Ekatarina, suit, hat and boots, $8.51

For the vintage collector:

• Crisp white apron from Barbie-Q/What's Cookie/Utensils Pak, $2.46
• Peignoir Robe only from #965 Night Negliee, $.99
• Blue Belle Dress, very good condition, $7.50
• OOAK 1973 Miss America wigged doll, excellent condition with dress and shoes (was a Quick Curl), a lovely Steffie! $30.00
• 1968 Brownette Talking Barbie, who has been stored to talking, nude, excellent+, a little facial fading, otherwise perfect--see item for details. $200 OBO
• NRFP What's Cookin? from 1964-5, vintage Barbie Fashion, $125 OBO
• 1962 Brunette Ponytail #6 in excellent condition, $140 OBO

For Integrity Fans:

• 2009 Mint Mod Misaki, complete, near mint, display FR Nippon doll. Includes original outfit. $101.99

For BJD collectors:

• Mandarava slim MSD, by Angell Studios. She is gorgeous, and includes face-up, eyes, outfit, wig, and boots. See description for details. $375 OBO.
• Peak's Woods Yeru, includes face-up, eyes, your choice of wig, and dress. She is a full size SD (Fairy of Color) and stands alone at 58cm tall. She is gorgeous. $525 OBO.

Thanks for looking!

Vintage Barbie little theatre costume #0873, Guinevere

Barbie little theatre costume, Guivevere, was on the market from 1964-1965. It coordinates with Ken's King Arthure costume. It includes:

• blue gown with tapestry braid trim. Has back snaps and this is the piece containing the Barbie tag.
• chain belt
• red knit armlets
• wimple and snood
• brocade slippers
• theatre program (same as the one found in Ken's fashion)

Look for a gown with no velvet rubs and a snood which retains its' elasticity. You can find this fashion in near mint and complete condition for about $150.

Vintage Barbie travel costume #0823, Barbie in Holland

Here is Barbie's travel costume from 1964, Barbie in Holland. It coordinates with Ken's in Holland fashion. It includes:

• blue blouse with white edging and lace trim. This has two sets of front snaps and this is the piece containing the Barbie tag.
• striped skirt
• white apron with lace edging
• long white socks
• Dutch girl hat
• plastic shoes
• travel pamphlet

The skirt and top in this fashion are easy to find. The rest of the pieces will be more difficult to locate with the travel pamphlet being the most difficult.

Vintage Barbie fashion #944, Masquerade

Here is Barbie's Masquerade fashion from 1963-1964. It coordinates with Skipper and Ken's Masquerade fashions. It includes:

• black and yellow costume with tulle fringe and ribbon ties. Snaps in the back. This is where the Barbie tag is located.
• black pantyhose
• paper invitation
• yellow and black felt hat with elastic chin-strap
• mask
• black open-toe shoes with yellow poms

When purchasing this fashion look for pantyhose with no runs and good waist elastic. Also check the elastic on the hat and mask. If the elastics are too stretched they will not stay on the doll. The cost of this fashion near mint and complete (loose) is about $95.

Vintage Barbie shoe PAK

This package of vintage Barbie shoes was available in 1963 and called "shoe pak" and again from 1964-1965 named "shoe wardrobe". The PAK consists of pink, orange, white, brown, green, mustard yellow, red, royal blue, black, and clear with gold glitter open-toe shoes. It also contains blue and gold wedge shoes.

Most of these shoes are relatively easy-to-find loose for $15 or less. The exception is the clear with gold glitter shoes which are difficult to find, especially without splits. When shopping for these shoes check to make sure you have a true pair of open-toes: one is marked Japan and the other unmarked. Also check the straps carefully for splits. The wedge shoes are unmarked.

Vintage Barbie fashion #937, Sorority Meeting

Barbie's Sorority Meeting fashion was on the market from 1962-1963. It coordinates with Ken's Fraternity Date fashion. It includes:

• cocoa colored sleeveless sheath with back snaps
• sweater vest. This is where the Barbie tag is located.
• faux pearl necklace and earrings
• brown open-toe shoes
• felt pillbox hat

This ensemble looks great on a titian Midge doll. The sheath and hat are very easy to find, the sweater vest almost always is found with holes so check it carefully before buying.

Mod Barbie fashion #1476, Dream Wrap

Barbie's Dream Wrap fashion was on the market from 1969-1970. It consists of:

• pink cotton robe with lace trim and floral print. Ties with satin ribbon. The Barbie tag is located here.
• matching panties
• pink felt slippers with or without white floral applique

This is a very affordable fashion at about $50 near mint and complete.

Vintage Barbie fashion #1610, Golden Evening

This is Barbie's Golden Evening fashion, available in 1964. Two of the pieces (the skirt and top) were also sold separately as PAK pieces. The fashion includes:

• knit blouse. The Barbie tag can be found here.
• knit skirt. As you can see in this NRFB example there is a ton of glitter which is often missing on played-with skirts. There are two snaps in the back.
• gold dimple belt
• charm bracelet
• mustard colored open-toe shoes

All these pieces, with the exception of the charm bracelet, are relatively easy to find. The knit pieces in excellent to near mint condition can be found for $10-$20.

Vintage Barbie fashion #947, Bride's Dream

This is the most common of several vintage Barbie bridal fashions, Bride's Dream. It was available from 1963-1965. It consists of:

• white satin, short-sleeved wedding gown. There is a ribbon bow in the front and snaps in the back. The Barbie tag is located in the bodice.
• white open-toe shoes
• bouquet: this is the same bouquet as Wedding Day Set
• faux pearl necklace
• long white gloves
• blue garter
• tulle veil with faux pearl headpiece

When searching for this fashion try to find a gown that is still clean and look carefully in the veil for holes. This ensemble near mint and complete sells for about $155.

New reference book for vintage Barbie collectors

Here is a much-needed reference for vintage Barbie collectors: It's All About the Accessories for the World's Most Fashionable Dolls by Hillary James. In this over 350 page book Hillary lists every vintage Barbie and family accessory available from 1959-1972. Fashion completers are listed by category and include a full color photo. Next to each photo is a list of all the fashions the accessory can be found with and current market value. Categories include jewelry, gloves, hats, luggage and bags, cummerbunds, belts, kitchen, toiletries, sports, telephones, hair ornaments, just for fun, books and paper, skis, jobs, trophies and awards, scarfs and boas, travel costumes, little theatre, glasses, ties, corsages and emblems, muffs, umbrellas, pets, weddings, and shoes. Whew! This is an exhaustive reference that I highly recommend. I LOVE this book. It is available on Amazon, Ebay, and from many doll dealers for $35-$45. Hardcover. 352 pages.

Vintage Barbie On the Go sheath PAK

Barbie's On the Go PAK sheath was available on the market from 1964-1965 in a floral print or in cherry red, rust, forest green, olive green, or blue with white mini-dots. The hardest sheath to find is the floral pattern. In 1962 and 1963 this PAK was issued only in the red, green, and blue shades and was titled simply, "sheath with gold buttons". The sheath was cotton and is the same pattern that was used in Barbie's Sheath Sensation fashion. There are four gold-tone buttons, 2 front pockets, and it ties in the back with snaps.

Vintage Barbie fashion #1622, Student Teacher

This is Barbie's Student Teacher fashion which was available on the marked from 1965-1966. It consists of:

• red and white dress: the skirt is houndstooth and the bodice is red knit. There are two red buttons, two red belt loops, and a back zipper. The Barbie tag is located in this piece.
• blue geography book
• pointer
• red vinyl belt with gold-tone buckle
• plastic globe, the earth model actually spins!
• red closed-toe shoes or spikes. The presence of spikes increases the value of the outfit.

Most of these pieces are difficult to find. Expect to pay about $195 for a near mint and complete, loose version. This fashion coordinates with Skipper's School Girl ensemble.

Lemon Color Magic

Lemon Color Magic, originally uploaded by alington.

Another new trade acquisition, a lemon/golden blonde Color Magic. She's just gorgeous.

A friend of mine mentioned you can change their hair, with the help of baking soda, but I think I'll wait till I have a second one I can practice on, LOL!

It occurs to me I might be a high maintenance vintage Barbie collector. At our last doll meet, I was green with envy at a friend's purchase of Golden Glory (#1645 from 1965). (Val, would you PLEASE post photos??) She bought the gown and coat in near mint condition, and oh my! It's gorgeous. Me? I'd "require" the golden glitter open toed heels, also.

See some more photos of my lovely Color Magic on Flickr. I'll be redoing the vintage shelves today, I think.

Vintage Barbie open-toe shoes

Barbie's plastic open-toe shoes were made from 1959-1972. Each pair has a right (unmarked) and a left (marked Japan) shoe. The colors produced were:

• clear
• clear with gold or silver glitter
• ginger ale
• white
• white with silver glitter
• white with white poms
• white with melon poms
• light pink
• light pink with silver glitter
• light pink with pink poms
• light pink with blue poms
• hot pink
• rose
• rose with silver glitter
• light blue with light blue poms
• aqua
• medium blue
• royal blue
• navy blue
• midnight blue
• black
• black with yellow poms
• black with black poms
• brown
• chartreuse
• yellow
• orange 
• red
• emerald green
• emerald green with pearls

The #1 ponytail shoes available in 1959 had a hole in the sole to accommodate the #1 Barbie two-pronged stand. #1 shoes were available in black, brown, navy blue, pink, white, pink with pink poms, and light blue with blue poms. #1 shoes command higher prices.

Open-toe shoes left on Barbie's feet for an extended period of time can split and/or stain her feet so display her shoes beside her rather than on her.