Couture Barbie Angel #2

This wasn't a doll I was planning on buying. When they came out, I saw three in person, and all had very empty, dazed expressions. I came across a fresh pile at Big Lots, and picked a good one.  I like her for $15, but can't believe Mattel originally priced her higher than the holiday dolls, that usually have more complex dresses and embroidery.

The selling point for me is the eye color.  The irises are light blue, with a brown outline instead of the usual black one.  The colors are pale and a bit muted, but still glamorous.  The right eye has two more eyelashes than the left, an interesting intentional asymmetry.  It's a really beautiful doll, I'm surprised she ended up at $15.

2012 Dolls of the World India

India was my 4th quarter Barbie Collector purchase. I grabbed her at their Pink Friday sale. 20% off and then $20 off that, it was a good deal. Most of the ones I've seen in person have pretty wonky eyes, mine isn't the worst I've seen. The lips and eyeshadow have a yellow glimmer to match her dress. The inside of the skirt is overlocked, and the shoes are sewn fabric instead of plastic. The dress is a soft fake silk, it's really not too bad.  It's a shame they didn't budget for better face painting.

I think the boxes for this series are too busy and overwhelm the dolls inside. The dolls will look a bit nicer once they're free.  Mattel usually avoids yellow and orange clothing, so this girl will really stand out in any collection.

My pre-Black Fridy Haul Pt. 2: Monster High

When I went to Wal-Mart, I intentionally waited over half an hour after opening, to avoid stampedes and nastiness.  I figured the $10 Monster High dolls would be cleared out by the first scalper in the building, so 45 minutes was as good as coming at the opening time.  I lucked out, there were maybe a half dozen dolls left with damaged boxes, stashed haphazardly under baby dolls.

I got Mad Science Lagoona.  I didn't want this doll until they had all sold out, I'm glad she got a second run.

I also picked up Frankie for her clothes.  I'm not crazy about bright red lips on a mint green doll.  I'll stick with Gloom Beach Frankie.

I also re-bought the Sea Monster CAM set at full price, she's the first one I've seen with good paint since I returned the first set.  I felt kind of iffy dropping so much on dolls in one trip, but but but.  I don't have any excuses and still feel pretty bad about it.  The wig doesn't fit at all.

The best part of the Black Friday sale is that they cleared out all the ratty unwanted stuff that had been taking up shelf space for months.  My store had about 30 wonkey-eyed Cupid re-issues, they're finally gone.  I halfway wanted a Cupid, but I never saw a satisfactory one.

My pre-Black Fridy Haul Pt. 1: Bratz

I ended up not doing anything for Thanksgiving, so when I found out Wal-Mart had opened at 8:00 with their doll deals, I decided to go.  My goals were all Black Friday Bratz.  These ladies showed up in Canada weeks ago, I wanted Cloe and Meygan.  I got both, so I'm happy.

The face paint on these is much messier than the $5 dolls from last year.  I had to hunt for good ones, and Cloe still has melted hair.  Meygan is almost perfect, and her design is beautiful.  When I brought her home, I felt like I could toss out all my other Bratz, and I'd never miss them.  After I got Cloe out of the box, I cut off half her hair.  I de-tangled a Rock 'n Curl Jem once, and that was a cakewalk compared to Cloe.  Life's just too short.

Dead Tired Clawdeen (single version)

I was hunting for cat food last night, and came across an almost perfect DT Clawdeen.  She has a tiny paint scuff on her left pupil and a lip rub, but I can live with that because her eyes are perfectly centered.  I love cute, sweet, natural looks, as silly as that sounds relating to Monster High.  She's as sweet as Draculaura here.