Lovely Lea & Friends : adventures in doll collecting

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 man...