Goldie in Under the Boardwalk

Goldie in Under the Boardwalk., originally uploaded by alington.

What a difference a face-up makes!

This is also Goldie by Peak's Woods. She has an original face-up by Peak's Woods, and was my second SD-sized BJD ever. She and Claudine (from the previous post) share the same face mold, but as you can see, make-up colors and styling make a huge difference in the doll's appearance.

Goldie is dressed in a Val Zeitler/Haute Doll outfit called Under the Boardwalk, and is wearing a wig designed by Val Zeitler and produced by Haute Doll as well.

She is wearing smaller diameter glass eyes in violet, as well, and her make-up is an original factory face-up.

Can you tell by comparison what your aesthetic preference is? Personally, I can't narrow it down. I love both girls.

See more photos on Flickr.

Claudine in JennyGrey

Claudine in JennyGrey, originally uploaded by alington.

One of my Goldie-sculpt Peak's Woods BJDs, Claudine, posing in JennyGrey Designs. She's just adorable like this.

Usually, I have my Peak's Woods girls dressed in historical or historically inspired outfits. I find she can wear jeans just as easily.

Claudine is unsuccessfully trying to cover up her vampire bite marks. She was an Haute Doll exclusive several years ago.

Jeans and tunic by JennyGrey Designs (jeans have working front and back pockets, plus working belt loops). Wig and choker by DollHeart (sunstreaked), purse by La Boutique. (Click for our interview with La Boutique for more information about their miniature doll purses and handbags.)

More photos can be seen on Flickr.

1970 Twist 'n Turn Barbie doll (TNT Flip), stock #1160

This is the twist 'n turn Barbie doll many collectors refer to as the "tnt flip". The TNT flip was also issued in 1969 and 1971 with different swimsuits. Her hair color was available in various shades of blonde and brunette. My doll's box is marked "dark brown". She had shoulder-length hair in a flip style with right sidepart and spit curl.

Her eyes were blue and had rooted lashes. Brow color varied with different hair colors. Her lips were coral with "hi-color" cheeks. The nose is often faded to white. Her skin tone was pink and she had bendable legs. Both the finger and toe nails were painted. The toenail paint is often missing in played-with dolls. She was dressed in a one-piece pink and white nylon swimsuit and her accessories included a fashion booklet, hot pink and silver foil wrist-tag  and a clear X stand. The box graphics depict Barbie in Tangerine Scene, Lovely Sleep-Ins, and Gypsy Spirit. Current market value for a near mint loose doll is about $125.

Vintage Barbie fashion #948, Ski Queen

Barbie's Ski Queen fashion was on the market from 1963-1964. It includes:

• turquoise stretch knit pants
• red cotton mittens 
• zippered ski jacket with fur-trimmed hood (this is the piece containing the Barbie tag)
• black ski boots, unmarked
• skis
• ski poles
• blue goggles

When shopping for this fashion check the accessories carefully for melt marks, chips, and cracks. The current market value of this ensemble near mint and complete is $95-$125.

Talking Julia in Lunch on the Terrace

Julia in Lunch on the Terrace, originally uploaded by alington.

I am the lucky recipient of several recent trades with Kathie, my local vintage Barbie dealer and friend. Fortunately (or unfortunately, if you get my gist), she knows my style of collecting perfectly.

So, when I tell her via text or email that I have such and such dolls I'm considering selling or trading, she will bring "something special" for me to consider.

And sure enough--I am blown away.

This is the first part of my most recent trade: a mint and complete Lunch on the Terrace with spikes. Originally for the American Girl line, I thought I'd give it a try on Julia, of my girls who can pull off a hat really well. I think she's fabulous.

And how great does this outfit look in my green room? Aye! I love, love, LOVE it!

See a close-up on Flickr.