MSJ's Doll Pit

My favorite dolls of 2011

2011-12-31T16:01:00.000-08:00

Here are my ten favorite dolls of 2011, in no particular order.

Target Basics #02 (Lara)

I think she's an unexpected mold and skin color choice. It's nice to mix things up. My only complaint is the lack of contrast between the skin and eyes.

Denim Basics #08 (Mbili)

This is a doll I didn't want until I saw it in person. The color palette is sweet and appealing. There's not much else to say for her.

Bratz Shadi

She's my favorite of the 10/10/10 Bratz, and since I never saw her in stores until a few weeks ago, she's a 2011 doll to me.

Bratz Ciara

I don't own this doll yet, but if I don't track down a good copy in person, I'll just buy her on eBay. The fashion and the doll are cute.

Dead Tired Ghoulia

She's pretty sweet for a shambling abomination of decaying flesh. I never thought Mattel would release a doll with a blood spattered fashion, wow! I love her.

2011 Japan Barbie

I need to restyle her hair. The bangs are so far back on the skull, she has to have some kind of updo. I love that yellow eyeshadow.

Green Lantern Barbie

She has such a simple face.

Stardoll in the red dress

AA Stardoll
I don't own her yet. Her face is lovely. Mattel hasn't released playline dolls this pretty in years.

Klimt Barbie

She's another unexpected kind of doll. I hope this series continues with more abstract dolls.

Happy New Years! This is an scheduled post, I'm probably lighting something on fire right now. Woo!

Fallen Angel Stardoll

2011-12-30T15:32:00.000-08:00

The price is high, but I think it's worth it if you can choose the best one in person. I also got the AA girl, but had to return her after realizing her head vinyl was full of small irregular wrinkle-like indentations. Mattel, get it together.

It seems that everybody likes this one best. She has nice proportions, a nice color palette, and color combos Mattel usually avoids.

I'll pop her out of the box once I find a body donor.

Barbie Basics Denim Model #14

2011-12-29T14:48:00.000-08:00

I went to Big Lots last week, because of a toys sale for card members. I wasn't looking for her, but found a Louboutin Basic with nice eyes. Most of them have heavily painted irises that cover or extend beyond the gray lower eyelid. I don't like that, it looks flat and fish-eyed to me.

I think it was a great purchase for $9 and tax.

Bratz on the Mic Jade single doll

2011-12-28T14:22:00.000-08:00

I got this girl on sale for her outfit. I love the asymmetrical lapel. She has flesh colored legs, black tights, and tall black boots.

There are two other versions of this doll packaged with a microphone toy. One comes in the same dress, the other comes in a cheap metallic dress. The doll in the metallic dress is a completely different doll. I don't think I've seen the gift set with the same dress in stores.

Bratz Style It Shania

2011-12-27T13:11:00.000-08:00

This is one of the strangest looking Bratz out there. The eyes are very orange in person. Every store has plenty of her, I got one for $2.50 at TRU. She reminds me of vintage Barbie.

The dress looks cute in the illustration, but the real world version is just crazy. You can see her black legs through the white sweater. She has those peep toe ankle boots.

Bratz Style It Maci

2011-12-26T12:50:00.000-08:00

Out of the four new "Style It" releases, Maci and Rylan seem to be the hardest to get. When I found a Maci with good face paint, I bought her. I like the contrast of the pale eyes with dark hair.

The outfit is just OK. The top and jacket are realistic. The skirt isn't much like current styles, but at least it's inoffensive. The shoes are those overused ankle boots. The legs are black plastic, rats.

This is the same outfit the Giant Bratz Cloe has. Even the illustration is the same, but heavily Photoshopped. I think the fabrics with large patterns worked better on the larger scale doll.

Bratz Meygan ($5 Wal-Mart Black Friday version)

2011-12-11T14:48:00.000-08:00

A stack of Meygans was somehow left over from Black Friday, and I grabbed this one. I like her face colors more than most of the other new Meygans. I think her hair has three different colors mixed in.

RainbowDoll489 on Flickr grabbed five of the six-ish dolls released. I think they were a pretty good deal, the dolls are the same quality as the regular $11 Bratz. The clothes aren't that exciting, but the $11 dolls are the same way.

Bratz Xpress It Sasha

2011-12-10T13:11:00.000-08:00

I love the hazel eyes on this girl, I think the colors of the doll are very well chosen. I can pass on the outfit. The drawing is cute, but the real thing has issues. The sleeve shape is all wrong, and the top stretched out, so now every Xpress It Sasha is flashing the world. The skirt has some kind of glue on the edges to keep it from fraying.

Brown Box Kisara #F5

2011-11-17T11:42:00.000-08:00

Limited Edition Friend Kisara #F5
Headed for eBay, because she's a bit too much like Totally Hair Barbie for me.
I tried to love her, but she ended up under my bed for over a year, so out she goes.

Barbie Basics 2.0/Denim Aphrodite

2011-11-06T11:41:00.000-08:00

I got her for her clothes, the doll will go. She's pretty enough, but kind of plain compared to most of the others made with the same mold. I threw in some pictures of the 1.0 model 07 as well. 2.0 has less red in her hair.

Disney Store 2009 Belle and 2011 Belle

2011-11-04T14:09:00.000-07:00

After kvetching at the Disney Store for their horrid site failure on the 18th, I got an unexpected apology coupon and went on a splurge. Now I have several piles of dolls to keep, return, exchange, and a few headed for eBay.

2011 Belle is definitely not a keeper. I love side-glancing dolls, but she looks nervous and bloated next to the 2009 version. I'm glad they're trying to improve their dolls, it's too bad this one is a step backwards.

I saw the new Fashionistas single fashions.

2011-10-24T11:11:00.000-07:00

And I didn't buy any. I looked at the leopard one for a while, but there are so many good playline dolls coming out right now, I have to budget.

The Christmas rush is officially on.

2011-10-23T18:44:00.000-07:00

People of all shapes and sizes are trying to find the perfect gift for that special someone.

I hope he found what he needed.

2010 Frankie Stein is finally mine.

2011-10-21T18:24:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the Target sale a few weeks ago, I was able to get the first edition Frankie, for her clothes. I feel like half the stuff I buy these days ends up in my sales box. I'm fine with only having one Frankie doll, Gloom Beach is my girl.

Giant toys on the bottom shelf

2011-10-18T00:43:00.000-07:00

These make me feel a bit guilty, just looking at them. They seem so excessive.

Cinderella finally got a carriage, I wonder if any of the other princesses will get giant accessories.

22" Giant Bratz Wal-Mart exclusives

2011-10-17T00:13:00.000-07:00

I don't remember when these two dolls showed up, but they're still hanging around, after most of the regular dolls have sold.

The outfits seem very simple for $35 dolls.

Jakks Pacific Disney fairies

2011-10-16T23:42:00.000-07:00

These are so bright and pretty, especially the extra fashions. I love looking at them, but I can't justify buying them, since the clothes are already ragged at the edges. Maybe parents feel the same way, the dolls never sell.

Queen Clarion caught my eye, she seems to be a grownup fairy.

10-10-10 Bratz Tyla

2011-10-15T16:31:00.000-07:00

Tyla's outfit isn't that great, but I like the doll. There are a handful of other 2011 Bratz I would like, but I have no idea if I'll ever find ones with good face paint. Most stores got one or two cases and never restocked anything.

10/10/10 Bratz Shadi

2011-10-14T12:40:00.000-07:00

Wal-Mart put out a "new" case of 10/10/10 Bratz, and I was finally able to get Shadi. The eyes aren't perfect, but I'm happy just to have one.

Her hair is terrible quality, though. It's the worst hair I've ever encountered on a doll. Blegh. I think it's nylon, but worse quality than both Dollyhair and Katsilk sell.

Her beautiful turquoise and hazel eyes remind me of Yellowstone.

Her fashion is simple, but actually fashionable.

Kid Connection created the cloniest clone giftset ever.

2011-10-14T08:42:00.000-07:00

These girls are clone dolls in more ways than one. Behold the Princess clone giftset, featuring Snow White, Belle, and the same exact blonde doll four times over.

Kid Connection is Wal-Mart's store brand, but I suspect Chic Boutique is behind these. $19.99 seems like a lot for clones, parents might as well buy 2 or 3 real Disney dolls instead.

Snow White isn't too bad.

Kids can't get enough Monster High.

2011-10-13T20:22:00.000-07:00

The Wal-Mart nearest me can't keep new Monster High dolls on the shelf. The Halloween display only lasted about two weeks, now it's picked over except for a handful of things. The non-Halloween costumes don't seem to be going anywhere. The regular wigs are worse quality than the Halloween ones, go figure.

I wanted to get all my MH dolls before the Christmas rush started, but sloooooooow local stores foiled my plans.

Barbie Basics 2.1/2.5 Model No. 14

2011-10-12T12:29:00.000-07:00

Oddly enough, I think this is my favorite 2.5 Collection doll. She's not amazingly beautiful, but different from most Mattel dolls.

The Basics are nearing their end, and I'm a bit relieved. It's been frustrating to hunt everything down.

Barbie Basics 2.1/2.5 Model No. 04

2011-10-11T16:31:00.000-07:00

I like this girl more now that she's out of the box. One eye is larger than the other, apparently all or most of this edition have this problem. Mine isn't as bad as some others, and she is pretty.

Mattel doesn't do many Hispanic dolls anymore, so I'm happy to have her in my collection.

Slowpoke Bratz

2011-10-08T19:24:00.000-07:00

I guess these two ship separately from the others in their lines, because not all stores have them.

Wild Wild West Meygan is even funnier than the other two. I love the denim bloomers.

Platinum Shimmerz Sasha has a pretty cute fashion. I like the style, though pearl pink PVC is a bit much. I would love to see it replicated for Mod Barbie.

Barbie Basics 2.5 Look packs

2011-10-08T14:25:00.000-07:00

I think the boots are the only new shoe mold in these collections. The jacket is OK quality. It's not as nice as the Models on Location, but it's better than current playline.

I wish Mattel had released more shoe colors before ending the line.

Birthstone Beauties AA Miss Diamond

2011-10-06T19:02:00.000-07:00

I picked her up at the BC "Dream Sale" last week, for her dress. I think it will look great on the AA Celebrate! Disco doll from a few years ago. They both have similar facial colors, but Disco has more personality.

Barbie Basics #02

2011-10-04T18:18:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick shot of Lara being beautiful, I finally got it together and tossed her on eBay. I regretted it for a few seconds, but I need fewer dolls.

Bratz Boyz roundup

2011-09-26T01:03:00.000-07:00

The Boyz ship separately from the Girlz, maybe MGA doesn't trust them in a sealed box together. They seem like good boys to me.

Masquerade Gable
He's very Robin Hood: Men in Tights.

Masquerade Penn
I would buy this guy if he had a smaller head. He could hang out with Deuce.

On the Mic Eitan
I want to get this doll on sale, just for the shirt. The print is cool, and it's really screen printed, not a plastic decal.

On the Mic Thad
No more fauxhawks, please.

Dollar Tree clone dolls

2011-09-25T21:26:00.000-07:00

Dollar Tree is preparing for the Christmas rush. It's been years since I last saw so many clone fashions in one place. They're very cheap, and don't even have shoes.

They only have one Barbie clone in the store, Summer Cruzin 66. I love how the clone box themes never have anything to do with the dolls inside, and it's always the same doll.

They also have these fun Kelly clone furniture sets. I won't buy them, but I think they're a good deal for kids.

The cute bags remind me of vintage Barbie, but I don't need any more random bags.

Bratz All Glammed Up Designer Streaks

2011-09-24T07:40:00.000-07:00

Bratz All Glammed Up Designer Streaks are Cloe and Yasmin. If there are more characters, I didn't see any. I'm so glad there are so many dolls with wild hair colors these days.

I think Yasmin has particularly nice face colors, but white pants and hair dye are a bad combination.

Target Exclusive dolls (Playline)

2011-09-24T06:28:00.000-07:00

I like the clothes on Sweetie and Sassy, but I'm not buying any more full price playline dolls just for the clothes. Especially not for 21.99, yikes! Sassy reminds me of Clash.

I can live without Gloom Beach Ghoulia. I'm not re-buying duplicate dolls, especially not for a series with so many poorly painted dolls.

Target Exclusive dolls (Collector)

2011-09-23T23:46:00.000-07:00

I don't go to Target often. My prize was the new Target Lara Basic. I'll post a good photo as soon as I can find my camera. The Demin Basics boxes are falling apart everywhere, I think it's scaring away collectors.

I always use cash, so I won't buy expensive things, like the Gloom Beach 5-pack. I left a lot behind. I grabbed two Monster High dolls on sale, and a NYC Fashionistas pack.

I didn't buy either of the red accessory packs. I've got so much already.

Monster High Killer Style at Big Lots

2011-09-23T04:44:00.000-07:00

I went by Big Lots and bought a Cleo/Deuce set for $15. They both have pretty good faces, I'm happy.

I also saw the Killer Style dolls. The dolls are the same Gloom Beach dolls, but wear simplified versions of the Day at the Maul fashion pack. Cute, but I already have both Gloom Beach girls.

10/10/10 Bratz Party Jade

2011-09-20T07:48:00.000-07:00

I held out and didn't buy this, kind of regret it now, but not too much. It's in a store 750 miles away, so I'm safe. I like the clothes, but the doll didn't impress me.

Mad Science Lagoona Blue

2011-09-20T01:57:00.000-07:00

A perfect 2010 Lagoona in a worn box mysteriously appeared at my WM a few weeks ago, but I didn't want to buy it before traveling. I should have, it was gone when I went back.

I don't think I've ever seen a doll series sell out so quickly for so long.

I think these are cute, but I want to grab the 2010 versions more.

Spectra variants

2011-09-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

I feel like I've made too many Monster High posts in a row.

dms_a_jem on Flickr has discovered that Spectra come in two variations. It's more than a slight variation, one looks to the side, while the other looks forward.

I don't know if I want Spectra, I always have to see these things in person. I get the impression that her eyes are transparent, and you're staring through them, into her purple hair.

Some Takara doll news

2011-09-14T17:13:00.000-07:00

The Jenny website has a PDF file of the 2011 fashion book. You can download it here.
New dolls are available for Jenny, Mirai, and Ayano.

They seem to be pushing younger and younger looks. Anything is better than the 2007-2010 blackout, though.

Licca Castle went back to its regular hours this month. They got a little fluff piece in the news, with a picture of employees with dolls. Workers were furloughed in March, and the Castle was only open on holidays and weekends.

I'm addicted to Draculaura, how did this happen?

2011-09-13T13:51:00.000-07:00

I can't explain it. I see a Draculaura, I have to have it. She's the most obnoxiously pink thing since Sailor Chibi Moon, but I need every single one. I have the Clawd set, and now Gloom Beach and Dawn of the Dance. I need the original, and Dead Tired. I think I can avoid the Fearleading pack, as long as I don't see it in person.

Seeing the new Monster High dolls made me want all the old ones.

2011-09-12T08:25:00.000-07:00

Ghoulia is the first one I followed through with a purchase. After looking at the Physical Deaducation doll, I saw an original with perfect eyes. I bought her.

Wal-Mart LIV score

2011-09-11T17:39:00.000-07:00

The LIV playsets all ended up deeply discounted, pretty much everywhere.

I feel sorry for Spin Master. For years, parents have complained that companies only make fashion-based playsets and dolls. The problem is, nobody buys action playsets when they are released.

I picked up the cabana and windsurfer for my Gloom Beach girls.

I managed to pass over Sydney Opera House Barbie. She's a bit more interesting than the promo pictures make her look, but I don't need another blonde Mackie-faced doll. I have to draw the line somewhere.

Wild Wild West Bratz

2011-09-11T12:08:00.000-07:00

These are pretty funny. I don't need one, but they do make me smile.

Bratz Wild Wild West are Cloe and Yasmin.

ETA: Meygan

2011 Bratz On the Mic

2011-09-11T04:00:00.000-07:00

I disagree with the "ROCKIN' VALUE" label, since the dolls have very plain dresses, and the microphones go essentially nowhere. The set is $35 at Wal-Mart.

The prototype and production dolls have completely different fashions. The budget must have been slashed at the last minute. There's a prototype pic of Sasha, but I didn't see one in the store.

(ETA:It looks like there are two more versions of this set. They both have the prototype clothes, one of the two comes with hair extensions instead of the electronic toy. Guaranteed to cause heartache on Christmas day.)

ETA 2: Bratz on the Mic Boyz

I love all of Jade's red hair, but it's way out of my price range.

Bratz On the Mic dolls are Cloe, Jade, and Yasmin.

Hudson's Dirt Cheap

2011-09-10T20:00:00.000-07:00

Hudson's Treasure Hunt and Hudson's Dirt Cheap are a single chain of salvage stores located in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. They buy unsold, returned, and damaged merchandise from regular stores, and resell it at their stores. The best bargains are at the Dirt Cheap stores.

The dirtier and messier the store is, the better the bargains are. Merchandise is totally random in age, type, quality, and quantity. The longer it sits out, the more it gets marked down. I almost always shop there when I visit family.

This visit wasn't very productive for doll buying. I felt pretty guilty leaving this girl there, both her legs were in the bag. 50% off of $21.99 was too much. Easily repaired dolls can be a good buy, but Draculaura is $18 brand new.

"Designer" Disney Dolls

2011-08-22T13:53:00.000-07:00

"Designer" is in quotes, because there isn't a famous designer brand behind them. It looks like they're using the current Disney Store doll molds. They're $60 each, with an edition number of 8,000 per doll. (ETA 10/15/11: Due to various issues, the remaining 5 dolls will be sold on Oct. 18th. Read the full notice on the Disney Store Blog. Edition numbers vary per doll, Rapunzel 6000, Jasmine 6000, Tiana 4000, Aurora 4000, Pocahontas 4000.)

Here's a slide show of promo photos and art.

Somebody got photos of the real dolls.

They will be released one doll per week, over ten weeks. Cinderella is already on the site.

They also debuted 17" Queen of Hearts and Alice, for $100 each.

In my opinion, the 12" dolls look poorly executed for $60 "collector" dolls. The dresses don't fit the dolls as well as they should, and some of the materials look cheap. I rant about Mattel a lot, but their $60 dolls definitely have nicer fashions.

I really like the regular dolls. I hope they will keep adding to that line. I hope I can get out to a Disney store and buy some regular dolls in person.

Pivotal Barbie Basics 2.1 or 2.5 Mbili

2011-08-21T06:36:00.000-07:00

I bought these mostly for the bodies and clothes. They came in, and the only face I was really impressed with was #14.

I think this #08 might be made with the same painting stencils as the regular 002 Denim doll. The eyes look very similar.

I think it's a great buy for people who don't already have a box full of Mbili faced dolls.

Mattel's Rapunzel from Tangled

2011-08-20T22:11:00.000-07:00

I didn't want this doll, but after months of seeing them every week, I broke down. They were put on clearance, and I knew I would miss seeing them.

She's very cheerful, I have a weak spot for sweet, happy dolls.

Wal-Mart had a bunch of these, even marked down they aren't selling. Maybe the pastel and blonde princess doll market is over-saturated.

Barbie Basics Denim Mbili

2011-08-20T15:38:00.000-07:00

I didn't want this doll until I saw her in person. The hair and skin tones are so complimentary. I feel burned out on the Mbili mold, but she's sweet.

Bratz Platinum Shimmerz

2011-08-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

Both these dolls have glittery faces, like the Edward Cullen doll. It looks sweaty, to me. Yasmin has cute hair.

ETA: Sasha

2011 Bratz Masquerade

2011-08-18T16:37:00.000-07:00

I buzzed by Wal-Mart, and they're rearranging the dolls aisle. They have tags ready for a tiny amount of collector Barbie (YAY!) and new Monster High. Some more new Bratz are already out.

The Masquerade dolls are Brielle, Finora, Kirana, and Lian.

ETA: Masquerade Bratz Boyz

Finora has a spiderweb on her eye, complete with a spider. I want her head, but they're $20 each.

Barbie Basics Denim Steffie

2011-08-17T17:22:00.000-07:00

This is my iffiest sale purchase. I like Steffie, but this color combo is boring.

I would like to re-root her with a silver or white hair color, but I have a pile of needy dolls already.

Barbie Basics Denim Blonde Ken

2011-08-16T15:04:00.000-07:00

This is one of my sale dolls. I'm a bit iffy about keeping him. He looks gorgeous in photos, but in person, I don't know. A better hair cut might help him a lot.

Bye-Bye Basics

2011-08-13T17:29:00.000-07:00

The Wal-Mart nearest me seems to be dropping what little Collector Barbie they carry.

They marked down everything this week. They only put out the denim Basics about two months ago, and never restocked them, after the first bunch got picked over.

I grabbed a few good dolls, but left disappointed. The black dress dolls were restocked almost monthly, for a year.

New basic Bratz hit stores (part 2)

2011-08-12T11:35:00.001-07:00

I tried my hardest to avoid reflections and glares, but it's almost impossible.

Meygan, Myra, and Tessa

New basic Bratz hit stores (part 1)

2011-08-12T11:15:00.000-07:00

This six new girls are all nice. I need a Bratz sale, to pick up all these dolls. I'm breaking this into two posts because of all the pictures.

Brigitte, Dana, and Jaylene

Same doll, subtle variations

2011-08-11T11:57:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, a collector returned a hand-picked stash of 001 Basics. I grabbed up this #01, and will return my own #01 whenever I go back.

There are a lot of variations in the black dress Basics. One doll has lemony blonde hair, while the other is a more platinum blonde. The lemon doll also has a wider, flat face. It's hard to capture in a picture. The platinum doll has a more intense look on her face. I usually prefer sweeter dolls, but I like the platinum more.

The Disney Store is rolling out new princess dolls for 2012.

2011-08-10T14:05:00.002-07:00

Since I've had to mail-order the dolls, my experiences have been hit and miss.

New designs are showing up internationally. It looks like they aren't using that glitter print on everything anymore.

UK Mulan now has an extra puffy skirt.
Belle has new side-glancing eyes. I think I prefer the old version.
Ariel's new version looks the same as the old version.
Aurora looks very similar to the old version.
Cinderella looks similar to the old version. The eyebrows look different, eyes may be smaller.
Jasmine is less smiley than the old version, a whole new head mold.

I want to get old Jasmine now.

And Mattel has Disney VIP dolls out.

"Plus, be the first to see the Ultimate Disney Princess castle and VIP doll collection inspired by the hottest Disney Channel stars releasing this fall just in time for the holidays."

It's too late, Disney. The pictures are already on Flickr.

At $18 per doll, I don't expect these to fly off shelves. The bodies are similar to Monster High, unfortunately the feel aren't. The clothing packs look just OK on Monster High dolls. I'll pass.

Barbie Basics Collection 1.0 Model #06

2011-08-10T12:23:00.000-07:00

Here's another doll i grabbed for the dress. Though I hate to sell a doll who looks so happy, I already have a Frenchie, and Gabriella. Just like Frenchie, it seems the eyes on this doll are always pulled to the left side and never properly centered on the face.

Barbie Basics Collection 1.0 Model #02

2011-08-09T19:02:00.000-07:00

This is another doll I bought for the dress. She has pretty makeup, all in sweet pastels. I thought about keeping her, but I already have several more distinctive examples of this face.

Monster High Draculaura and Clawd Wolf

2011-08-08T11:31:00.000-07:00

I like Clawd, but I'm probably going to sell the Draculaura nude and keep her clothes. I'm only fond of the first edition doll.

Frustrating week

2011-07-29T18:37:00.000-07:00

It's been a frustrating week. When it rains, it really pours. Frustration piled on top of frustration. I wish it would rain literally, it's steamy hot on top of everything else.

But I feel a bit better, after capturing Wiggles in an unladylike pose.

Gloom Beach Cleo de Nile

2011-07-29T01:27:00.000-07:00

She is finally mine. I decided to stop putting off buying her, because I don't want to miss out.

This is the best one I've seen so far, but she' still got a little damage to the eyeliner. If I can find a better one, I'll return this one, but I think this is as good as it gets.

Short morning eBay rant before my jog.

2011-07-26T02:12:00.000-07:00

eBay makes such a big stink about seller stats, but their site is frequently buggy, and I really don't trust them anymore.

Take this for example, off my current selling dashboard.

I did sell one doll earlier this month for $10.49, they got that right.
But I have six active listings right now, and two with bids.
For some reason, everything ending today has escaped their tally, even the one with a bid.
It's not a huge deal, but what if their broken calculations affect something important some day? Ugh.

New Monster High dolls showing up, yay!

2011-07-21T18:04:00.000-07:00

I can't tell if the newer dolls have smaller heads, or if only the eye prints are smaller. This release of Cleo looks much more intense than previous releases. I hope to get this one, but not this specific doll, her tinsel hair is a mess.

I'm really looking forward to the new dolls with smaller eyes.

I also wish they would make smaller boxes. The huge boxes make shipping so impractical.

2011 Japan Barbie and Ken

2011-07-19T19:20:00.000-07:00

I just listed their clothes on eBay, so they're currently hanging out nude. I'm going to try to make Ken a casual doll, but I have a backup in case I ruin him.

His face is so wide. Mattel's current face sculptor really loves extremely wide faces. I wish they would hire a another person, because all the dolls after Edward Cullen, even the Monster Highs, have the same jaw line.

Barbie Basics Collection 002 Look 02

2011-07-10T15:17:00.000-07:00

These have been sitting in a box for a few months, somehow I forgot about them.

It's a bit funny that the template has three digits for "Collection" numbers, but Mattel canceled the line after only 3 collections. We'll never see Collection 010, much less Collection 100. All those redundant zeros everywhere.

Moxie Teenz Shoe Pack

2011-07-09T17:14:00.000-07:00

I bought this to see if the shoes fit Monster High and Sakurana. They're too wide, but I'm desperate for Sakurana shoes, so I'll keep them. The packaging is fabulous.

Batgirl gets a body thanks to Basics #13

2011-07-09T11:27:00.000-07:00

Half of my Gilt orders came in last week, and several of the dolls were a mess. That's not Gilt's fault, that's all on Mattel. Luckily, I already purchased the Basics I wanted most in person.

#13 got mauled at the factory. You can see the line of shredded eyeshadow, and the damaged "skin" over her nose.

But it turned out OK, the skin tone is a perfect match for Batgirl's head. No more yellow hands. I've been waiting a year or two to match it, awesome.

Gloom Beach Frankie

2011-07-03T20:22:00.001-07:00

The box is really cute, and I felt a bit sorry to open it.

Ugh, the doll has glue goop in her head. It's already seeped into the back of the card.

But she's still an adorable little waif. I love seeing these for sale, even though I can't own them all.

My first Monster High doll

2011-07-03T20:07:00.000-07:00

I liked the concept, but none of the dolls really did it for me. I saw Gloom Beach Frankie a few weeks ago, liked her, and decided today to get one. Wal-Mart had re-stocked, though about half the remaining dolls were various Cleos. Nobody wants Cleo.

I hand-picked my Frankie to avoid sloppy paint. This poor Frankie "kissed" the window of her box with wet lip paint.

And here are the previous two versions of Frankie. I prefer the more neutral face paint of Gloom beach Frankie. I would love all the Monster High dolls, but I don't have a money tree, so it's only Gloom Beach Frankie for now.

Twist & Dance Alexis and Katie

2011-07-03T12:54:00.000-07:00

I want to get Alexis when there's a good sale, at least for the clothes. I'm not to crazy about them, but at least they try to follow current fashion trends.

Info from the BC Designers Chat

2011-07-02T15:43:00.000-07:00

Basics 3.0 will probably be the final Basics line, and that's the biggest (and saddest) news to me. The 2.5 dolls will be much more limited than the others, and may be a Barbie Collector and dealer exclusive.

Dolls "in the works":

A followup to Goddess of the Galaxy
Holiday Hostess #3
Another precious metal doll, 4th in the series after Pinch of Platinum
Gold Label repros, with an exciting "new idea"
another fantasy doll by Linda Kyaw "Thought you guys might be tired of the goddesses?"
Possibly more landmark dolls
Traditional Silkstones for 2012

Dolls not "in the works":

more Farrah dolls
more Harley Davidson
more vintage-styled TV dolls
more Silkstones for 2011, everything has already been announced

I'm not very excited. I don't do Silkstones or $100 Barbies. The only really interesting tidbit to me was this line from Robert Best:

"We are currently in discussion with a new and exciting designer who will be designing a brand new series of AA designer high-end dolls. But I can't say anything more than that. "

Oh boy!

Reroot progress

2011-06-28T18:36:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to decided whether or not to add white stripes in this. Licca is there for no real reason.

Katsilk saran colors Tickled Pink and Circus Blue

2011-06-27T14:30:00.000-07:00

This is mostly for any Googler who searches for real pics of these colors. I know how hard it is to tell the exact color from any photo.

Tickled Pink has a peachy tone to it. It really is a coral pink. It isn't even slightly a purple or blue pink. Compare it to her lips and the dress. They look lavender next to it.

Circus Blue looks like a matte version of Aja's hair color in photos, but it's actually much darker. It's fairly close to the blue color of the Electropop Dynamite Girls boxes, only more yellow. The color is really dense and intense.

Barbie deal of the century at Wal-Mart

2011-06-23T04:17:00.000-07:00

Or not.

It bugs me that they won't stock more reasonably priced Collector dolls, but did stock this set. And somebody beat up the boxes immediately, so they won't sell. Which means the store will stock even fewer Collector dolls in the future.

"Streetwalker Top Model Barbie" for sale on Toysrus.com?

2011-06-13T20:24:00.000-07:00

After seeing the great Top Model photos on Sharon Zuckerman's portfolio, I wanted to see more Top Model stuff.

I ran a quick Google search for Top Model Barbie, no quotes. This is one of the first results.

I'm not joking, check for yourself. That's a real result Google pulled off TRU's website. The page gives a 404 error now. Revenge of a disgruntled employee?

Barbie Fabric

2011-06-07T23:55:00.000-07:00

I went to Wal-Mart for the first time in a few weeks. They remodeled, and dumped most of the fabric section.

I picked up a few yards of the first roll for $1/yard. I didn't buy the others, they aren't as cute, and were still full price. The second roll has a nice print, but was made of cheap flannel.

I have no idea what I will do with my Barbie heads fabric.

Disney Store Exclusive The Prince

2011-06-06T15:43:00.000-07:00

The Disney Store sent out a free shipping code last week, so I gambled on another Ursula, and added the Prince to the cart as well.

Poor the Prince doesn't even get a name. He's Snow White's boyfriend. In person, he's a bit wall-eyed. The eyes are really far apart. I'm not sure if I'll debox and keep him or not.

As far as a kid toy goes, I think he looks great.

For comparison, here are photos of a few other Disney Store Princes:

Real pics of the Barbie Museum Collection are on eBay.

2011-06-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

Klimt is the one I want the most, but I'll wait to see them in person. The Mona Lisa seems a bit iffy to me. There are so many dolls out there with the Mackie face. I really don't need another, unless it's stunning.

I think the really nice box pictures might be Mattel-supplied.

ETA 6/6/11
Somebody on Pink Parlor has great pics of all three.

Barbie Dream House Competition

2011-05-30T19:35:00.000-07:00

This kind of went under the radar. Mattel is having a design competition for Barbie's Dream House.

It will be interesting to see what this leads to. The Barbie career contest resulted in real, purchasable dolls. The Genuine Ken competition, on the other hand, seems to have gone nowhere.

I hope the designers are creative, and avoid the glitter-encrusted, all-pink junk the in-house designers have been so fixated on since 2009.

Jem dolls have the best hair fiber.

2011-05-25T13:00:00.000-07:00

As long as nobody has ever ripped at the hair, a comb and boiling water will make it as good as new.

Here's a very played-with Aja I bought.

A surprise found while cleaning Jem.

2011-05-25T11:54:00.000-07:00

I hope this works...

Found under my sewing machine table

2011-05-23T17:47:00.000-07:00

A whole box of dolls! I wondered where these got off to. I stacked them under some boxes of books, for some reason. these are mostly dirty and secondhand dolls I never got around to cleaning up.

Angelic Dreamz has real pics of S.I.S. "Locks of Looks" doll sets.

2011-05-21T00:49:00.000-07:00

From Flickr

These seem more like regular Barbie line to me. I think I can pass on all of them. The dolls are so identical, and not even articulated any more.

ETA 05/29/11
The 2nd wave Pastry dolls.
They're a bit better, but I'm not a sweatpants person.

Rain, rain, go away...

2011-05-19T13:58:00.000-07:00

I'm so tired of this rainy, cloudy weather. I can't take a good picture of anything, it's dark and dreary all the time.

Taishan Barbie Museum and Meining

2011-05-16T00:14:00.000-07:00

This just popped up on YouTube a few days ago.

Remember the Taishan Barbie Museum?

Former Mattel factory workers now have their own original doll to dress, Meining. It looks like her promotion started in late 2010, and the dolls are all OOAK.

There are other video reports.
2011-04-23-民視異言堂-3-台灣芭比美寧娃娃.avi
2011-04-23-民視異言堂-4-台灣芭比美寧娃娃.avi
They have their own YouTube channel.

Articles with pictures.
泰山美寧娃娃嘉年華
台灣版芭比“美寧娃娃”
為什麼是C CUP的美寧姑娘
泰山美寧工坊台灣娃娃故鄉

Meining Workshop is the official website.

Jenny News

2011-05-15T00:57:00.000-07:00

This is old news, but it's new to me.

Takaratomy did a collaboration with idol pop group SUPER☆GiRLS. At least one of the March release Jenny fashions is the result of this. Check out pics in two articles.
Article 1
Article 2
That fashion always bugged me, because it's so off-style compared to the others. Now I know why.

There's a music video with the fashion in it. It's on the covers of the single, released in five variations. 1 2 3 4 5

Wait, there's more!

SUPER☆GiRLS did the ending theme for a cartoon spawned from a Takaratomy arcade game, card game, and comic. Takaratomy has partnered with Sonokong to release a flood of girl toys.

I hope there will be dolls.

Barbie A Fairy Secret Deja Vu

2011-05-14T19:38:00.000-07:00

It's even more deja vu than normal. I think the boxed versions were meant to be cheap Easter basket stuffers.

Jenny in the garden

2011-05-13T18:50:00.000-07:00

More on Bratz

2011-05-12T04:00:00.000-07:00

Here are two more Bratz I resisted the urge to buy. The first is Tyla. I don't care for the fashion, but the doll has a nice color combination.

The second, Yasmin, I love the fashion, don't really care for the doll.

Fashionistas Fashion Packs Artsy and Cutie.

2011-05-06T19:41:00.000-07:00

I don't know if these are 2010 or 2011 releases. They never showed up near me, so I ordered them from the Mattel shop. Most of Artsy's pack is headed for eBay, but I really love those boots.

It feels really good to have some new doll clothes that didn't come off of a full price doll.

Fashionistas Sassy dress

2011-05-04T16:53:00.000-07:00

I bought it for the accessories, especially the belt. The dress itself is kind of underwhelming to me.

A repainter who works magic on playline.

2011-05-02T19:49:00.000-07:00

John Nguyen on Flickr does great repaints, everybody should see them.

Draculaura with Licca eyes.
Lagoona Blue with pose doll eyes.
Even a Ghoulia.
America's Next Top Model

There are so many and they're all great.
Momoko My Scene
A Momoko Ken!
Even a Steffie with Licca eyes.

K-Mart sales and stuff

2011-04-28T17:25:00.000-07:00

About two weeks ago, I went to K-Mart, and they had the 2.0 Denim Basics display up, but stocked with old dolls.

I went back today, and they had re-stocked, but sold everything except a few accessory packs.

Ugh! But they did have some Liv play sets on clearance. I grabbed the last drum set, and left the rest.

It looks like K-Mart got a deluxe version of the 2010 Holiday doll with a necklace. Cute.

Some X-press It Bratz

2011-04-25T13:47:00.000-07:00

Here are two girls I've been resisting to urge to purchase.

First is Sasha. I don't care for the fashion, but check out that hair style.

And last is Cloe. This doll is so perfectly styled. It's like she just stepped out of a magazine.

Bratz rock the courthouse.

2011-04-21T19:45:00.000-07:00

The never-ending Bratz legal saga goes on and on. Things are looking up for Bratz, at least for the moment.

I don't think Bratz are necessarily done for. The $10 dolls seem to be selling very well.

Here are Bratz Rock Cloe, Yasmin, and Jade rocking out.

Delicious Little Mermaids

2011-04-16T18:12:00.000-07:00

While killing some time at Wal-Mart, I noticed this variation in face paint.

This gimmick doll has an extra-happy eye print, compared to all the cheaper edition dolls with apparently the same face mold.

Clone Roundup

2011-04-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

My doll shopping today was a total bust. I checked out the clones, so I at least feel accomplished in some way.

I started at K-Mart with their Just Kidz line.

Oh, no. Mardi Gras was last month, girls.

A "Mustang" and clone. They only had an opened one left.

These My Scene clones aren't remarkable in any way, except that official My Scene is long dead.

Then I went to Big Lots.

These Fashion Corner sets by Lucky are nothing to get worked up over, but the AA doll is a cutie. I will buy her if individual dolls show up.

Teacher set.

Pet's Vet set

She really does have a huge forehead, but I can forgive that.

Fashion Corner deserves kudos for having their own AA headmold. Most clones re-use everything to keep costs low. Here's the Caucasian version, a standard cheap clone.

The Chic Boutique dolls get cheaper every year, poor things.

Now they're down to only one pet friend.

I liked the colors of this one. She's less garish than the others.

And there are Kari Michell play sets on the top shelf.

The baby has a cute open-mouth mold.

And the "Vet Doctor" set.

Year of the horse?

2011-04-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

I was out shopping today, and it seems that every doll line now has a horse.

Other than the Livs and Disney Princesses, the Barbie fairies have a horse. I know these have been around for a few years.

The K-Mart Just Kidz clones have their own Derby Stable.

An Easter basket at Big Lots

His eye is fuzzy.

Fashion Corner has a nameless horse buddy. It has articulation, but the eyes aren't as big and pretty as the others, poor thing.

And from Wal-Mart, Barbie and Tangled horses by Mattel.

Barbie Basics Collection 2.0 Look 01

2011-04-11T13:55:00.000-07:00

I grabbed the "looks" I wanted from the sale last month. I mostly wanted the bag. The purple shoes and bracelet have a faint pearly blue shimmer. The spikey shoes are exactly the same as Hard Rock Cafe 2010's shoes.

I got busy and forgot the best part of the Sparkling Princess line.

2011-04-06T05:50:00.000-07:00

The shoe pack. There are also jewelry and purse packs as well. Wal-Mart has them for $2.99, at that price I could not pass them up.