Lovely Lea & Friends : adventures in doll collecting

Mattel has finally jumped on the articulation bandwagon. Both the 2016 collector and playline collections will feature articulated body-types. For those of us that love photographing and interacting with our dolls, this is welcome news. Below is a summary of the info we have thus far. Barbie Look Collection articulated model muse bodies (like Barbie Basics 2.1/2.5) Wave 1 has 3 dolls with a price point of $30-$35. I have one "Sweet Tea" doll so far. Her skintone is nostalgic, which matches most of my dolls. Playline made to move I have the "purple shirt" (asian) doll from this line  This body is amazing. I want to carry her around with me to take photos and play.  I will be hunting down this line, full force. At $14.99, they are re-body perfect. IMHO Only downside is the glue in her head. Why, Mattel, Why?! BFMC new articulated silkstone body I'm not a silkie collector but this has me taking note of this line for the first time.  I hope BFMC collecto

News about the Moschino Barbies: the release date is Nov. 9th. It's confirmed that the dolls will be available on net-a-porter.com and moschino.com. Most likely, they will also be for sale on barbiecollection.com. Price is $150. Edition size is TBA; they are Gold Label editions. They aren't my style but I do love the handbags. (my weakness). Won't be trying for these but good luck to those that do!  WWD has an article about the collaboration, with great photos.  http://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/moschino-barbie-doll-capsule-collection-jeremy-scott-10268599/ Mattel & Moschino released a fun retro-80's video today promoting the dolls. Check it out! See also:  Buzz | The Barbie Collection

The 2016 Barbie Fashionista dolls have made their way online, and not just as sneak peaks!   Mattel Shop currently has 6 dolls in stock. amazon.com only has the two guys. The in-box photos are new, so I'm posting them here.  "Dolled-up in Dots" "Fancy in Flowers" "Ice Cream Romper" "Powder Pink" "Smile with Style" "Glam Team"

Amazon.com  has 3 new Barbie Style dolls in stock. They are the previously leaked 2016 trio. I don't know if we'll see any more dolls in this series but I'd hope for at least one "ethnic" doll. 2015 saw Grace & Nikki. I'd love 2016 to include a Lea/Kayla face. (I can dream, right?) The new "heels to flats" ankles have been kept, as have the two pairs of shoes. The fashions, however, are mostly a remix.  We've seen these before in the fashion packs. (Teresa's Jacket, skirt & Raquelle's top) Barbie's jacket is very close to the one from 2014's "Stylin' Friends" set. The "Be Yourself" top on Teresa is from a 2015 Fashionista. The print on Barbie's skirt is the same as a 2015 single pack dress.  I'm rather disappointed by the lack of new fashions. Personally, I don't even care for the styling on these dolls. Raquelle's outfit is the only one I kind-of like.  Unless I need more repla

Over the past few years, Barbie playline has been getting a lot of complaints from collectors. Namely, poor quality. We were once able to utilize these fashions in our collection without cheapening it.   I really enjoy adding “Chic and Cheap” elements to my dolls’ wardrobe. Asian facemolds are a passion of mine and playline was also a great place to find them. This year, Mattel overhauled playline.  Since 2015 is almost over now, I think it’s time to ask:     Is there anything for the thrifty collector in the Barbie playline these days?   So far, I would say a hesitant "Yes". The GOOD: Nice Fashions and accessories. The release of individual and group fashion packs  this year have been promising. The looks are current/stylish, not ALL pink, quality is decent and the price is reasonable. These fashions have been popping up on dolls all over flickr. It's fun to see how others mix & match them. Also, I love that they work well for so many other doll body ty

I was not one of the lucky few that was able to purchase a Purple/Platinum version of the 10th Anniversary Tokidoki Barbie.  I missed out on her not once, but twice. At the Barbie Collection site, I wasn't fast enough for the treasure hunt. It definitely hurt my chances.   A week later, she went on sale at the Toys R Us website. I had the page up for days, refreshing and checking. Even signed up for an email notification that never came. Sadly, I wasn't available when she went live around 3-4PM est.  There's still some faint hope though. A few of them might be floating around retail stores, randomly placed in shipments of the "Pink" dolls. It's a long shot though.  Another option is eBay, where the doll is currently selling for between $1000-$1300. (Let me go shake down my money tree...) This is the first platinum doll I tried for and didn't get. I really loved this doll and wanted her for that reason only. Not the edition size. It has been very dis

2015 is the 10th Anniversary of Momoko Doll.  To celebrate, several anniversary dolls are being produced. Sekiguchi released Deep Violet Momoko, Petworks will release 2 CCS dolls: MFC (Momoko Fan Club) China and Korea editions. I broke my dolly bank account to pre-order Deep Violet Momoko and  Today's momoko China MFC 10th AN.  I'm very excited for them both.  Deep Violet is, in my opinion, a re-interpretation of Pure Violet Momoko; she was one of the first Sekiguchi Momoko dolls produced. I haven't been lucky enough to add her to my collection. DV has a new, center-eyed face screening; that sold me on her as well.  Deep Violet Momoko is still available on petworks global site, which offers international shipping:  http://petworks.ocnk.net/    See also additional photos:  http://petworks.ocnk.net/product/857 Fabric & Friends and Cherished Friends (both USA) have her on their websites also. TD's Momoko China MFC is just stunning. She has some of my favorite f

The announcement of the 2015 tokidoki x Barbie collab has finally arrived. There are two dolls: one pink & sweet, the other purple and goth.  While the pink edition is a black label, the purple is a platinum.  I missed out on the first tokidoki doll and really want both of these. The purple doll is my favorite, of course. *eye roll* This time, instead of the usual fray on the barbiecollection website to get a platinum doll, they are offering a "treasure hunt".  Read all the details at the link below: Buzz | The Barbie Collection I'm not sure what to think. In the past I've been able to get 2/2 platinum dolls I've tried for, thanks to a super high speed internet connection and some persistence.  I don't know if this treasure hunt will help or hurt my chances. The new BC site is still a little buggy also. I'm anxiously awaiting 9/1. Wonder what other "retail outlets" will have the dolls?  Good luck to those that are trying for these

It's Halloween in July!  I was stalking amazon for the newest Barbie fashionistas when I found Moonlight Halloween Barbie . She makes a nice consolation prize. ;-) This is one of my favorite Halloween Barbie fashions. I won't buy the ones with too much pink. (Sacrilege, I know!) It's just not suitable for the holiday IMHO. While the doll is very cute with her purple streaked hair, she's not for me. I'll rehome her. Most Barbie playline dolls these days have hollow bodies with very little articulation. This doll is no exception. As for the adorable dress, it has solid fabric on the back. (disappointing but not surprising) The kitty headband is a nice touch and I like the shoes. (for once!) It would have been nice if a kitty purse variation was included. (like the one from the fashion packs) I may customize one of mine to better match. I took a few pictures of this outfit re-imagined on another doll. It's almost possible to pass it off as a cosplay. I think

Aristocratic Baroness Agnes Von Weiss arrived a while ago. I haven't had time to post about her. Originally, I thought I would just keep her lovely outfit. After seeing IRL photos of her online, my resolve was fading. Shortly after her arrival, the Baroness demanded to be released from her box and promptly made herself at home. She now refuses to leave. Kyori and her posse have made their displeasure known. They started by hiding all the clothes. She will make a proper introduction once she has found "appropriate attire". Agnes discovers that all the clothes are a cardboard display. Except one.  "Whoever left me with this 'where's waldo?' get-up is going to pay!" She is currently plotting her revenge... 3rd in Faraway Forest Series After two backorder delays, The Dark Forest Queen is happy to make her debut. She's glad to be free from her plastic prison. Also, may or may not be planning to wreak havoc amongst the dolls. ;-)  Bonus

Some new dolls and images have been released for Barbie Fashionistas. I'm very eager to own some of these ladies. We now have a time-frame on the release of these dolls. Click on the link to the LookBook to see when your favorite ladies are coming out. :-) Barbie Fashionistas Lookbook:  FashionistasLookbook "Who is Barbie?" stop-motion video showcasing the dolls. (and some upcoming fashions) : These are the dolls I'm most excited for:

The dust has settled on Integrity Toys "Doll Days of Summer".  The week got off to a slow start and some were disappointed.  By week's end, we had a Nu Face reveal, new ITBE lotteries and pre-order and/or lottery opportunities for previously announced dolls.  (Poppy, Jem) Not sure about everyone else but I, for one, was thrilled.  Since IT went all out, I figured I would too. Pre-ordered 2/3 Nu. Face dolls I wanted (dang you elusive Nadja!), went in on 4 lotteries. I won them all! These are my first lottery wins. After missing out on ITBE Dark Side Anja, I was a bit soured on them. Now, I'm over it. ;-) Needless to say, this means spending a lot. I haven't even posted about my other recent purchases/new arrivals.  I am, dolly-budget-busted. :-P  BUT, I will be selling several outfits/dolls from these wins & purchases to pay for my other (keeper) dolls. Some hard choices to make! Additional Pre-orders added from last post (Due F/W 15):  Nu. Face Voltag

Doll Pre-orders are starting to make their way home.  Barbie Collector took the City Shine dolls off of backorder a couple weeks sooner than expected, which was nice. I ordered two of them because with my quarterly BFC reward it was like buy-1-get-1-free. At first, I thought I might keep two. Once I had them both in-hand, I decided one was enough. Especially with the size of my collection right now. :-/  Below are a couple photos of the ladies and a quasi-review/first impressions.  I was very excited for the City Shine Lea doll. Short hair isn't that common for Barbie dolls. As for the fashion, these 80's inspired looks aren't my style.  Of the 4 City Shine dolls, I  tolerate  like hers the best though. Red is one of my favorite colors for raven haired dolls.  Leggings can be re-purposed; I see these getting good use.  Not sure about that top--yet.  The clutch is nicely done with two colors; the purse fiend in me is happy. Earrings are a great style but too large

There are so many dolls on the horizon right now.  Last month, Integrity announced the spring 2015 line up. Barbie has at least a few dolls coming out this month; City Shine, 3rd offering in Faraway Forest line. Plus there are rumors of designer dolls in the near future (tokidoki in august, moshico in ?) Convention season is also creeping up.  Though I won't be going to any conventions this year, I will most likely be seeking out some convention dolls on the secondary market. With something of a budget-consciousness in mind, I'm trying to be picky about my choices this year. My collection has grown to the point where I have to take space into consideration now as well.  So far, I have pre-ordered the following dolls:  IT Fashion Royalty: Aristocratic Baroness Agnes Von Weiss®  Due June 2015    Barbie Look Collection: City Shine Red (Lea) Due Mid-July 2015    IT Fashion Royalty:   Fame Fable Kyori Sato™   Due Mid-July  August 2015  IT: Mood Changers Poppy Parker™

I was eagerly anticipating two events this week: Integrity Toys 2015 Spring Unveiling Event and the Barbie Fan Club exclusive platinum doll sale of Classic Evening Gown.  These are two perks of the fan clubs I joined this year.  This is my 3rd try at a platinum doll. (Previously went for and got Karl Lagerfeld & Beaded Gown) It's my 1st time experiencing an IT webinar. It turned out to be a bad week for doll collectors. On Wednesday, the BFC platinum sale was abruptly rescheduled due to a server failure. This once-a-year frenzy to acquire a limited edition doll usually ends within an hour. Complaints, pouting etc continue on for a few days after. ;-)  Some people go so far as to take off work for the chance at a limited edition of 999 dolls. I'm fortunately enough to be self-employed and able to work the sale into my schedule. I know others aren't so lucky. This was only a minor annoyance to me. On Saturday, the W Club's Spring 2015 Collection unveiling webinar

Well, it's my third year with BFC this renewal. It's gone by fast. This more or less marks 3.5 years of doll collecting for me as well. In my opinion, the BFC is well worth the $25 membership fee. I enjoy the discussion boards and try to participate as much as I have time. There are some really great members that make the BFC special.  I have always managed to make the most of the shop rewards offered; I would join just for those. Since I don't collect repros or silkstone dolls, I don't purchase many of the club exclusives. (I did get 1 of the platinums, didn't try for the other.)  I suppose that might seem a little strange. In spite of that, there are always enough dolls to catch my interest. Though, last year it was less than usual and mostly black or pink label.  I haven't found anything to spend this quarter reward on yet. Since it's still early, I'm hoping something new will catch my eye.  This will be my first year in both BFC and W Club; it wil

I just signed up for Integrity Toys W Club for the first time. This is the 10th year, which I think makes it feel extra special.  At present, I only own 4 Integrity Dolls but that might change. ;-) With your membership, you may upgrade and purchase up to 3 club exclusive dolls. The offerings this year are: Agnes Von Weiss FR, Poppy Parker and Ollie Lawson Color Infusion.  After much deliberation, I went with just Agnes. I love her outfit and can see keeping her in my collection. Poppy is cute too but not my style.  I debated picking up the CI homme to resell but wasn't sure it would be worth the trouble. So far, I liked the presentation and offerings of the club. I'm hoping it will be a fun year. The forums don't open up right away. I wonder what they will be like in comparison to the BFC ones? There are a lot of great bonuses offered with membership. I think my favorite is the digital membership to Dolls and Haute Doll magazine! The cost of a W Club base membership

Parts of the 2015 playline are hitting store shelves in some areas and amazon.com. Amazon.com's inventory changes quickly though. Watch out for 3rd party sellers with inflated prices! Since these were sneaked at the end of last year on various blogs, flickr etc.  I've been eagerly awaiting their arrival. While I add very few playline dolls to my barbie collection, I do gather up the higher-quality fashions for mix & match. So far I have found: Barbie Style fashion packs (2 outfits) for $7.98 at Walmart & Target (higher price) stores Barbie Fashionista 2015 Dolls (no articulation)  same price as above @ wally. I bought up several of these fashions & 2 dolls (Nikki & Summer/Lea)  The fashions are great quality for playline. I haven't found very many of the separates & accessory packs yet--all sold out in the stores or not in stock yet. UPDATE: Walmart now has the fashions online: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Barbie-Fashion-2-Pack/40447280 http://