Jana - Dark Twin

Jana, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Another fun tiny doll by Mattel from the mid 1990s, it's Jana, from the Princess Tenko and the Guardians of the Magic line.

These dolls were based on a TV show that ran for a season (maybe 13 episodes, I think), and the dolls were limited run and 6" tall. Jana was an evil character, and her doll is actually an exceptionally rendition of the animated version. Personally--maybe it's that I'm in a Steffie mood--she looks like a miniature version of Mattel's Steffie mold.

I mean--consider All American or All Star Teresa of the same era. The red hair, the green eyes... can't you see the similarity? I think she looks great.

You can see a few more photos on Flickr as well.

Family Corners - Lacey

Lacey, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Mini Steffie? Mini Mackie?

In researching Mattel dolls for Volume II of Steffie: Out of the Box, I came across this line of dolls, Family Corners, created by Mattel in the late 1990s. They are 6" tall with articulated arms and legs, and use miniature sculpts. I think Lacey (shown here) and Melody (coming soon) look a little like a small Bob Mackie or possibly Steffie face.

Each doll includes a cardboard doll house and extra outfit. Interestingly, the dolls are designed with different hair and skin tones, and have boy dolls that can be mixed and matched together anyway you like.

I think they are awfully cute. You can see a few more photos of Lacey on Flickr.

Steffie of the Day: Resort Summer

Resort Summer, a photo by alington on Flickr.

From 2007, this is Top Model Resort Summer. She's uses Mattel's Steffie sculpt, and is one of three Top Model dolls (Premier, Hair Wear and Resort) which were released around the same time.

She's on the slim model muse body and includes several fun outfits and accessories.

Steffie of the Day: Style Magic Whitney

Style Magic Whitney, a photo by alington on Flickr.

A fun pink box Barbie from 1989, this is Style Magic Whitney. Whitney is one of my favorite Steffie-face characters.

She features a new style of Quick Curl hair called WondraCurl--it holds the style with tiny wired hair rooted in her original style. It's softer than the original Quick Curl, but it can also get a little messy.

I have a few more photos on Flickr.

New items from Wilde Imagination and promo code

Save $20 off your $100 order from Wilde Imagination with the promo code SMILE22 entered at checkout. The offer expires on February 23 at midnight EST, so don't delay!

A few new items are available:

Grand Despair Ellowyne (above) has inset blue eyes, rooted platinum hair, and comes in a dramatic black top and skirt. $175 to ship tomorrow

Ruffled Up outfit is a gorgeous peachy pink ruffled gown with gold brocade top, shoulder wrap, lace tights and matching gauntlets, gold sandals and brooch. $99 in stock

Tweed, Seriously? outfit includes a tweed suit with lace trim, chiffon bodysuit with front bow and long sleeves, jeweled belt, tights and strappy shoes. $99 in stock

Romance outfit is a cute little black and white dress with gauntlet, tights, hair bow and shoes. $84 to ship tomorrow

Two new dressed dolls from Evangeline Ghastly have also been announced:

Midnight Dance is a resin Evangeline with changeable green eyes and dark red wig. She is dressed in a lovely burgundy dress with a black train, black gauntlets, stockings, shoes and a brooch. $450 LE 200 shipping tomorrow

Gothic Rose Parnilla has a blonde wig and lavender inset eyes, and comes dressed in a lovely lavender lace dress over gold lining, fur wrap, gauntlets, stockings and designer shoes. $185 LE350 in stock

Whispers from Below outfit is the latest outfit addition: one-piece dress with separate corset top, short boots and matching hat. LE350 $128 in stock 

Photos are property of Wilde Imagination.

Ralphie promo photos from Tonner - except I didn't say "fudge"...

Two new promotional photos were released today by Tonner Doll Company for the new dolls, Ralphie from The Christmas Story movie.

He uses the 12" Harry Potter body in cameo skin tone with a new Peter Billingsley head sculpt. He has blue eyes and blonde molded hair, which looks pretty accurate. He also wears his trademark glasses and includes a resin faux BB gun (but no photos yet!).

He's dressed in a red plaid shirt, ivory sweater, and brown cords, white socks and brown faux leather boots.

He's limited to 1000 and retails for $159.99 with shipping info to follow. You can preorder yours from many Tonner dealers or from Tonner Direct.

Photos are property of Tonner Doll Company.

Steffie of the Day: Quick Curl Cara

Quick Curl Cara, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Finally added to my collection, it's the original 1975 Quick Curl Cara. She even still has the plastic attached to her hair and face--I want to remove it so badly, but I know I'll just end up messing up her hair.

You can see a few more photos on Flickr.

I this Cara is one of the most beautiful dolls Mattel has ever produced. This doll comes in several outfit variations, and they are pretty hard to find in good condition--those sheer sleeves aren't real sturdy.

I'm looking to add Quick Curl Deluxe Cara to my collection as well. I'll keep you posted on my progress!

Romantic Gold

Romantic Gold, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Wowie! It's Romantic Gold Precarious by Tonner Doll Company. She's my last preorder from the 2012 collection, and I'm really thrilled with her softer look and outfit.

She has gorgeous flame red hair, styled in a braided undo--nice and tight right from the factory. She has painted green eyes with applied lashes. Her salmon-color lips highlight the rest of her soft gold and brown eyeshadow.

Her dress is just amazing. Pardon the blurry photo below--you can see other shots on my Flickr photostream. It's one piece, with a layered tulle skirt than hangs perfectly. The bodice is created with a studded gold fabric, with an attached belt, and appliqués of the gold studs hanging at the waistline.

I'm even impressed with her accessories. While no jewelry is included, Romantic Gold has a 1920s era inspired feathered hair clip, and her gold foil pumps are anything but traditional--they are peep-toe with a tiny gold buckle on the side. I love that detail.

Compared to the other Precarious girls in my collection--Scandal, Intriguing, and Fierce--Romantic Gold is much softer in coloring and style. I think she's just lovely.

Let's Kiss and Make Up

Let's Kiss and Make Up, a photo by alington on Flickr.

She's here--and she's lovely!

She includes three outfits, a dog and a "faux wicker" basket. Super cute!

If you weren't able to get your hands on this LE400 W Club doll from Integrity Toys' Funny Face collection, check out my listing on the Dollpage.

You can also see more photos of her on Flickr.

Denver Doll Emporium is offering several adorable Pullip, Dal and TaeYang dolls again by Groove USA Inc. Many of these dolls are in stock now and ready to ship, but the two shown here are available to preorder.

Above, it's Nella Retro Memory Version for $139.99, newly released in January of this year. Oh her pink hair is so cute!

Below, also released in January, it's Aurora Steampunk - Eclipse for $189.99.

Photos are property of Groove USA Inc.

Silver Sensation

Silver Sensation, a photo by alington on Flickr.

At our last 16" doll meet, one of the group members shared "vintage Tonner." I had to smile.

This lovely lady is Silver Sensation Daphne, from the 2005 Effanbee Brenda Starr line. She was a basic open edition doll, dressed in a silver swimsuit. (Thanks, Carolyn--I love her!) Here, she is dressed in DeeAnna Denton's New Look fashion from 2012 (Tonner).

While Daphne tends to be a coveted sculpt, you can often find this particular bendy-arm articulated doll for reasonable prices--close to her original $59.99 retail. If you don't have Daphne in your big-girl collection, I think you need one.

You can see a few more photos on Flickr.

Steffie of the Day: DOTW India

DOTW India, a photo by alington on Flickr.

This Dolls of the World India is a harder to find version of the original 1981 issue. I believe this version was manufactured in smaller numbers.

She differs from the other version (also made in 1981) in the following ways:

• Her eyes are even larger and lined a little differently.
• The gold fabric of her top is lamé, like the fabric used in Golden Dreams, rather than mesh.
• Her hair is very dark brown, not black.
• The red fabric is shot through with a brighter red metallic thread. The other version uses a metallic burgundy.

These little variations make collecting Barbie quite fun and special--like a treasure hunt!

Here's a quick photo of the more common first version I had in my collection.

Presidents' Day sale at Angelic Dreamz

Angelic Dreamz is having a great sale through February 18, 2013--something for everyone. All orders over $200 get free continental US shipping, also.

Just a few specials that might interest you:

• 15% off Integrity Toys
• 20% off Barbie
• 25% off Tonner
• 15% off Sideshow Toys
• 15% off Monster High
• 50-60% off final clearance

These are for in-stock items. Go check it out, and happy treasure hunting!

Toy Fair special from Tonner Doll Company - X-23

Tonner is having a Toy Fair special this week. If Marvel character X-23 isn't in your collection yet, you can pick her up for just $99.99 (retail $159.99).

This doll uses a raven haired Breathless head sculpt with green eyes on a cameo skin tone 16" Heroic body. She has two sets of hands--those shown and an additional set of cameo skin tone hands as well.

The sales ends Friday, February 15, 2013, or while supplies last.

More new Barbies - It's Batman!

Again, you'll have to settle for links instead of photos due to my overly cautious self.

Two more new releases have been announced, these designed by Bill Greening. They are available to order, and are Pink Label dolls. They should be delivered on June 7, 2013, and each retails for $34.95.

The first up, it's Batman. It's a blonde vintage sculpt Ken underneath this original 1960s TV show costume.

Of course, you'll need Catwoman, too. I particularly love her textured costume, gloves, and the fact that she uses a vintage sculpt. So cute!

New Barbies: Wizard of Oz

As shown on the BarbieCollector.com site, there are three new Barbie related to the Wizard of Oz available for preorder. It looks like you can order them now, and they will deliver on May 24, 2013.

Another set of Oz dolls, you ask? What's the big deal? Well, these have been designed by Linday Kyaw, and they actually have fairly good (according to their promo photos) celebrity likenesses. Click on the links to go to the individual pages. (My paranoia about posting Barbie-licensed images is getting to me, just a little.)

Wicked Witch of the West - in the likeness of Margaret Hamilton (she includes a broom)
Glinda the Good Witch - in the likeness of Billie Burke (she has a crown and wand)
Dorothy - in the likeness of Judy Garland (she has a basket with Toto and her ruby red slippers)

The dolls are pink label and retail for $34.95.

Tonner Doll - Surprise! It's Tyler and Sydney!

Welcome back, Tyler and Sydney! Two new basic dolls are available. LE500 $114.99, delivery TBA

All Glamour Sydney Deluxe - includes a golden blonde wig, grey eyes and the Tyler skin tone 16" Tyler body, gold and yellow swim suit, molded plastic shoes and sunglasses, plus a stand

All Glamour Tyler Deluxe - includes a sparkling amber wig, blue eyes and the Tyler skin tone 16" Tyler body, pink and gold swim suit, molded plastic shoes and sunglasses, plus a stand

I don't really need more dolls to dress, but I think they are both lovely.

If basics aren't you thing, two new dressed dolls are here, too!

Classic Elegance Tyler $199.99 LE 500 - flame rooted hair, light green eyes, black velvet dress and black velvet skirt, rhinestone accessories

All Drama Sydney $224.99 LE 500 - mink rooted hair, blue eyes, red ruffled gown, red fascinator with veil and flowers, rhinestone accessories

Plus, Shades of Grey $89.99 LE 300, an outfit, is also available for preorder. It's a grey bodysuit with grey chiffon overlay, taffeta skirt with rosettes, belt, tights and shoes.

I'm delighted to see these classic girls added to the Tonner Line, and I really hope they sell out!

Tonner Dolls - DeeAnna Denton

For Tonner Dolls DeeAnna Denton collection, there are two new dressed dolls, two new outfits and two new basic dolls available to order. Unfortunately, none have estimated delivery dates yet, but they are available to pre-order.

Above, it's dressed doll Luncheon Date DeeAnna, green eyes and blonde rooted hair. I love her outfit. She's limited to 500 and retails for $209.99.

Below, Afternoon Cocktails is Peggy's appearance, with pale blonde rooted hair and purple eyes, $209.99 and LE500.

The two outfits available are A Day at the Races, a printed floral dress with white trim, and High Tea at the Plaza, a peach number with white embroidered organza overlay. Both are $99.99 and LE200. Both of these outfits remind me of vintage Barbie!

Two basic wigged dolls are available this year, and are limited to 500 with a retail of $134.99. All Vintage Peggy is brunette with green eyes wearing blue lingerie, and All Vintage DeeAnna is blonde with brown eyes and wearing purple.

I love this line of dolls--they each have applied lashes, and the outfits are exceptionally done. I think my favorite is Afternoon Cocktails--I love the asymmetrical look and the turban.

Tonner Ballet

For the fairytale princess in us all (?), Tonner has released one new ballerina and two new outfits. They are simply gorgeous. None have estimated delivery dates yet.

Above, it's Sugar Plum Fairy, an outfit limited to 300, retail is $124.99. It fits the 16" Tyler body, and it includes the shoes, tights, headpiece, and it's a single dress with attached tutu and panties.

Blue Bell is an outfit limited to 300 also, retail $124.99. It's a single-piece dress/bodysuit/tutu as well, and it includes tights, blue slippers, and hair decoration as well.

Wood Nymph is $224.99 for the dressed doll, and she uses Model #6 head (I think this is Gina/TDLM) with green eyes and rooted chestnut hair. She includes high heel feet in addition to ballet feet. Her dress is a single piece with attached panties, and she includes the hair decoration, shoes and tights as well. She's limited to 400.

Tonner Dolls - Cami & Jon, Antoinette and Precarious

Next, Tonner's release to the Cami & Jon line: Three new basic dolls have been released, and their delivery dates are to be announced. A new character has been introduced to the mix: Liu Liu.

All dolls retail for $124.99 and are limited to 500.

All Star Jon Basic (above) in Honey skin tone with brown eyes and chestnut wig
All Star Liu Liu Basic in Cameo skin tone with brown eyes and black wig
All Star Cami Basic in Cameo skin tone with blue/grey eyes and blonde wig (below)

Summer Swing is a dressed Cami in Cameo skin tone, with flame hair and brown painted eyes, LE 300, $169.99. Delivery is to be decided. Gosh, her bag is cute.

There are also four separate outfits available. First, A Day Away, LE 300 $99.99, TBA.

Purple Haze is a light purple ruffled dress with gold leather shoes and spiral jewelry, LE 300 $89.99, TBA.

Night Delight - LE300 $99.99 TBA. Green, orange and gold lace dress with ruffled bodice, belt, orange tights, gold bracelets, rhinestone earrings and gold shoes.

All Star Business - LE 300 $99.99 TBA - tan and black skirt, star bodysuit, red jacket, red belt, black platforms.

Next, additions to the Antoinette collection: Savage Basic Antoinette is LE400, $109.99, delivery TBA. She is in the cameo skin tone with hazel eyes and rooted brown hair.

Fanciful outfit - LE200 $149.99 TBA - This lovely blue/purple iridescent dress has a semi-open back and has beaded flowers on the front bodice. It includes a petticoat, matching shoes and earrings.

Enticing outfit - LE200 $99.99 TBA - Gold lamé dress with sequined overlay and feathered skirt, glittering shoes and tights. I love it!

Last but not least, to the slim fashion girls collection, it's Precarious. Think Pink Basic is a blonde wigged doll in a pink bodysuit with brown eyes and applied lashes. She is limited to 500, retails for $124.99, and her delivery is TBA.

Tamed is limited to 300 and retails for $199.99, also TBA on delivery. She wearing a non-removable brown wig with painted green eyes, green velvet bodysuit, jacket and skirt, necklace, green tights and faux leather shoes.

These dolls are available for pre-order from your favorite Tonner Dealer.