Barbie for big girls.

Barbie

A Glimmer of Inspiration

Many of you may remember the platinum edition BFC exclusive Glimmer of Gold™ Barbie® Doll.  I was lucky enough to be able to get this one.

 

source:  www.barbiecollector.com Glimmer of Gold

While engaging in my favorite pastime  {cough} obsession {cough}, I came across a photo on Pinterest (Thank you Ana Labato!! http://pinterest.com/anaquell/the-world-of-fashion/)that showed me a likely inspiration for this doll design.

sources:  Style.com and barbiecollector.com

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Cool!  And since I know a friend of mine is anticipating the arrival of the platinum edition AA Golden Gala into their collection, I took some photos with her in the Glimmer of Gold fashion.  And it’s in THE window. Smile

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Milan Boating Season is Open

The Italian Doll Convention was held in Milan this past month and the reports from this event spell out a most fantastic time.  The reports are so glowing that I am seriously considering a trip to Milan next year to experience some of the fun.  Like the Paris Fashion Doll Festival, a variation of one of the BFMC’s Silkstone Barbies was given as the convention doll.  She is being referred to as “Milan Boater” and is a honey blond version of the 2013 BFC club doll “Boater Ensemble”

Source: Dutch Barbie World

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Thanks to a very generous and lovely friend, I had the opportunity to obtain a “Milan Boater” and I love her. 

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A Lazy Afternoon and A Camera

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I love my studio.  Most days, I have more ideas than I know what to do with.  Some days,however, are for photos outside of  the studio.  Some days are just made for grabbing the camera, no tripod, no light boxes, just beautiful natural sunshine and something fun to photograph.  That is what this Saturday was for me.  I just finished a new diorama in the doll room and I needed some unstructured camera playtime before I brought the serious lights in to set up a shoot for the diorama.  I am a big advocate of the philosophy that you don’t need the best camera or the expensive professional lighting to take a really good photo.  I also have to admit that you don’t NEED a really good camera but…I can’t lie…it does help.   Case in point:  Here is a photo with my point and shoot Canon PowerShot SX130IS.

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It is a fine picture.  On macro mode it is a fairly crisp shot for a hand held “no tripod” photo.  The direct sunlight coming into the room made that possible.  Now…here is what I can get with my Canon 40D DSLR and an f/2.8 macro lens.

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Same light, no tripod.  This is the difference between a point and shoot and a DSLR.  You will just get more.

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It is also important to note that while a good camera gives you more, the most expensive camera does not necessarily give you the most.  My lovely husband surprised me this Mother’s Day with my dream camera.  I had that baby unpacked and in my camera bag ready for the next days photo shoot as fast as my little fingers could  manage it.  While it is amazing and works like a dream in low light performance and theater  shooting, it is not the best to use for doll photography.  I still prefer my tried and true Canon 40D for my doll photography and I really don’t see that changing any time soon.

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Silkstone and Fashion Royalty Repaints both done by Jon Copeland.  Silkstone is wearing A little Moonlight by Randall Craig.  Repainted FR Anja is wearing “Serenade in Satin” by Mattel.  The hat was made by me.


Malibu Barbie Gets a Trina Turk Makeover

There are plenty of new Mattel Barbie® offerings that I don’t talk about on the blog.  It doesn’t mean that I am not interested or excited about it.  Normally, my interest and therefore my blog entries are centered around Silkstones.  That is the primary focus of my collection.  There are, from time to time, some vinyl ladies that peak my interest and this is one of them.  This week Mattel released information on a new doll and I knew I had to write about it.     Since Mattel has decided that Barbie® is going to sell her old Malibu dream house and find a new fashionable living space, it only makes sense that the Malibu Barbie® herself would get a new makeover.  L.A. designer Trina Turk was invited to collaborate with Mattel on this one.   This particular makeover resonated with me because Malibu Barbie® was my first official Barbie.  I remember hours upon hours of playtime with this doll.  My dear friend Carole and I would devote whole afternoons to constructing elaborate dioramas and stories with the country camper, the pool and of course Malibu Barbie®.  If we traveled together on vacation, Carole and I would plan which Malibu Barbie® items would accompany us on the journey.  We were two little Midwestern brunette girls who knew next to nothing about California beaches, warm ocean breezes or surfing but for a few hours a day, we could imagine that we did.   Now, this iconic Barbie® of my beloved memories was getting a makeover.  I had to ask myself “How did I feel about it?”.

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(source 1971 Sears Wishbook)

I feel just fine and dandy!  I like that Mattel chose a designer known for her love of California 1970’s style.  I like the accessories and different look options.  The hat is VERY boho chic as is the crocheted cover-up.  I love her multi honey toned and sunkissed hair .   I think the makeover turned out beautifully and I hope that many more little girls/boys( or big girls/boys) will get to make the lovely memories with friends that Carole and I have from so many years ago.  Ahhhh…the circle of life.  Enough with memory lane!  On with the pictures.

(pictures courtesy of Mattel, Inc.)

TT Malibu Barbie 5

   TT Malibu BarbieTT Malibu Barbie 2

   TT Malibu Barbie 3TT Malibu Barbie 4

Get the full story about the doll and this designer here. http://www.barbiecollector.com/news/making-fashion-waves-malibu-barbie-doll-by-trina-turk.

Now….where did I pack that country camper??  This girl needs a ride to the beach.  Smile


IDC Mattel Presentation Gives a Sneak Peak.

My dear friend and fellow blogger Rogier ( http://dutchbarbieworld.wordpress.com/) attended the Italian Doll Convention this past weekend in Milan.  He has some fabulous write-ups on the festivities so please visit his most wonderful blog for the full scoop. 

As is custom at the IDC, Mattel gave a presentation and included some sneaks.  What did we learn?

1.  J.Lo Barbie is in the works and sporting a replica of this Zuhair Murad gown.

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2.  There is a Herve Leger giftset doll in the works this year.

3.  Audrey Hepburn Sabrina and Roman Holiday dolls are coming this year ( but then we knew that already Smile)

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4.  Promo photos of a Coach Barbie were shared.  She kind of reminded me Burberry Barbie from a couple years ago.

5.  And…..they shared promo photos of the upcoming AA Silkstone!!  This one, in my opinion, is a STUNNER!  Okay, so I can’t share photos here but if you are a BFC member head over to the BFC forums and take a look at Rogier’s posts.  He put photos there.  For those of you who are not BFC members, we can see a sliver of the doll in the promotional shot of Mermaid Gown ( those sneaky, sneaky Mattel people!)

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6.  Lastly, Robert Best shared that next years Silkstone theme would be Italian Haute Couture also explained as The Grand Alta Moda .  Rogier has a nice description of what that means here http://dutchbarbieworld.wordpress.com/2013/05/27/italian-doll-convention-part-3/.  I can’t wait to see what Mr. Best has in store for us next year.  Count me in!


It’s Two for Tea at ITFDS

I really should have released this blog post at around 3 or 4 PMish for tea time right?  I have been saving these photos for a couple weeks to share here because I knew I would be tied up with dance recital photos  this week and too busy  to do anything in the doll studio.  I had WAY too much fun with the conservatory diorama and decided to set up afternoon tea for a couple of Silkies.  I hope you enjoy.

Models:  City Smart ( yes {gasp!} she is deboxed) and Showgirl Silkstone Barbies

Gowns: Luncheon Ensemble Silkstone – City Smart and Bogue’s Vogues (http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues) – Showgirl

Diorama:  Furniture is from MiniCHAIR(http://www.etsy.com/shop/miniCHAIR?ref=top_trail).   Pastries and little macarons are by Mio Designs (http://www.etsy.com/shop/MIOdesigns).  Both of the lovely hats brought to the tea were gifts from dear doll friends.  Many “Thanks!” .  Cake and tea set are Rement.

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I feel the need for some macarons now Smile


Get Your Valium Ready….

…There is a platinum release Barbie available for purchase to BFC members next week.

** Photo credit: Mattel Inc. **

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Her name is Beaded Gown Barbie® Doll and she is the first in a new series of black and white themed Barbies®.  Linda Kyaw is taking over the drivers seat for the platinum editions and I would say she did a beautiful job with her first in a series design.  This elegant lady was designed exclusively for the BFC and at $85 she will go on sale online Wednesday, May 22nd, at 9:00am Pacific Time.  BFC exclusive means you have to be a member of the BFC to purchase her and platinum edition means there will only be 999 available for purchase.  Typically these are extremely hot sellers and they have been known to sell out within minutes.

I swore that Pinch of Platinum was my last platinum purchase because I needed a bucket o’ valium after fighting to purchase her online.  I am hoping that for those who are going to try for this beauty the phrase o’ the day won’t be “SERVER ERROR”. 

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Have the tums and the valium ready for this one folks…it’s going to be crazy at 9AM on May 22nd.

Hope everyone’s experience is this…

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rather than this….

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New Barbies for Mid to Late 2013 Release

It looks like some of the Toy Fair sneaks we saw back in February are starting to show up on retailer websites so it’s okay to share promotional shots here.  

**Photo credit – Mattel, Inc.**

The Barbie Look™  City Shopper™  Blonde Doll 

Anticipated June Release

Retail:  $29.95

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The Barbie Look™  City Shopper™  Brunette Doll 

Anticipated June Release

Retail:  $29.95

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The Barbie Look™  Winter Weekend™ Fashion 

Anticipated June Release

Retail:  $24.95

Photographer Paul Jordan
Stylist Mary Jordan

The Barbie Look™  Party Perfect™ Fashion

Anticipated June Release

Retail:  $24.95

Photographer Paul Jordan
Stylist Mary Jordan

                                         Photographer Paul Jordan
Stylist Mary Jordan
  Photographer Paul Jordan
Stylist Mary Jordan

Ballet Wishes™ Barbie® Doll 

Anticipated June Release

Retail:  $34.9913-X8276

2013 Holiday Barbie® Doll

Anticipated August Release

Retail:  $45.95 each Holiday Barbie 2013

I adore the Brunette city Shopper and both outfits for fall!


Italian Doll Convention Auction!

The Italian Doll Convention is a little over a week away and they are auctioning off some stunning OOAK’s to help support a local charity.  100% of the profits from these auctions will go to Casa Oz, a non profit organization that helps provide care to seriously ill children and their families.  Here are just a few of the amazing items up for auction. 

** photos are courtesy of the Italian Doll Convention**

OOAK DOLL “SPARKLING SATINE” by MAGIA 2000

$T2eC16d,!ygE9s7HKK5lBRjl(5Kcyg~~60_12

$T2eC16dHJIYE9qUcO4I7BRjlYWMI,!~~60_12

$T2eC16dHJGQFFhwB4fJKBRjlYwQB7w~~60_12

OOAK BARBIE “MASQUERADE BEAUTY” by MATTEL, DESIGNED BY LINDA KYAW , EXCLUSIVE

$(KGrHqVHJFIFEyMOiquIBRjTC8lL6w~~60_12

$T2eC16RHJGkFFmz0BMnBBRjTDUr6sg~~60_12

OOAK DOLL “MADIVA” by ARTIST CREATIONS

$T2eC16RHJH8E9qSEVn2BBRjR6jEK6g~~60_12

$(KGrHqRHJEkFGJV03H82BRjR6i2EU!~~60_12

$(KGrHqNHJEgFGH2Ggbm)BRjR6lJb3Q~~60_12

OOAK DOLL “ELPHABA” BY NINIMOMO + CASE

$T2eC16R,!)UE9s3wCMf2BRjUPeys0w~~60_12

$(KGrHqN,!rcFF0nz-S)9BRjUQ!Sfrg~~60_12

$T2eC16J,!)UE9s3wBnBoBRjUQVUSm!~~60_12

OOAK DOLL “SHADOW AND LIGHT” BY MATTHEW SUTTON

$T2eC16h,!)!E9s2fDwrYBRjT-BGJQw~~60_12

$T2eC16N,!yME9s5qF8ggBRjT9us2s!~~60_12

$T2eC16N,!zQE9s3srYw1BRjT-L(vqg~~60_12

 

For the whole list of auction items available, go to Italian Doll Convention Ebay auctions.  Also, for a much more comprehensive write-up on these auction items, head on over to Rogier’s blog at http://dutchbarbieworld.wordpress.com/2013/05/13/charity-auction-italian-doll-convention/

Holy Cow!! 


High Toned Hankie Chic

I stumbled upon another fantastic Etsy site the other day and just received my first item.  The very talented Sylvia Bittner of Hankie Chic makes these wonderful ensembles out of vintage handkerchiefs. http://www.etsy.com/shop/HankieChic?ref=seller_info_count

Hankie Chic

(Photo credit: Sylvia Bittner)

How cute and inventive is this?!!  I was so intrigued by this product, I had to ask Sylvia a few questions.

1.  Where did you get the idea to do this?

I got the idea for making Barbie dresses from a book, Hankie Couture, by Marsha Greenberg. I found the book while I was trolling JoAnn Fabrics a year ago. It was love at first sight. I bought the book for inspiration and then directed my husband to the nearest antique mall to stock up on hankies. Since then, I’ve made close to 100 dresses, some from patterns I’ve drafted myself (such as the outfit you purchased) and some from patterns by others or commercial vintage patterns.

2.  Are you a fashion doll collector and if so, what do you collect?

I didn’t own a Barbie at the time I bought the book, but I’ve made up for it since then. I started by collecting most of the Barbie Basics dolls, and then moved on to vintage reproductions, and now Silkstones. I currently have 70 or so, but I’m thinking about downsizing and selling some of the model muse dolls on eBay and just concentrating on Silkstones, since most people seem to want to purchase clothes that fit Silkstones.

3.  Where do you find these glorious handkerchiefs that you use?

I look for hankies everywhere … Antique shops, EBay, Etsy … I travel frequently instate for my job, and out of state on vacations, so I’m always looking for antique shops wherever I go. All the hankies I use are vintage and I’ve been blessed to find some really beautiful ones. You can see my entire hankie collection on my Pinterest board, pinterest.com/sylviabittner/ on the board, my vintage hankies.

I want to extend a huge “Thank You!”  to Sylvia for being willing to be interviewed for the blog and for doing such amazing and creative work.  I love it!  And folks…these beauties aren’t just for Silkstones .

Smile

Model:  High Toned Rayna

Purse:  Redefined Accessory Kit by Integrity Toys

Shoes:  Gift from a friend ( love ya!)

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Derby Days

Today is the Kentucky Derby(a big horse race in the US).   I don’t really follow horse racing even though I live in the middle of the Pacific Northwest’s horse country.  I do, however, follow this event….for the hats.  It is one of the few events that American’s will break out the fancy millinery.  I always admire the European fashion sense and flair for wearing hats.  In the States, we just don’t wear hats like woman do in Europe.  I am constantly lamenting with a Monty Python line “ People just don’t wear enough hats these days.”  So…it was a complete pleasure to receive a fellow bloggers post in which she pointed her readers to the most amazing website for custom hats http://bvisayc556.wordpress.com/2013/05/03/hat-love/.  I was immediately inspired.  I had a few completely uninspired Barbie beach hats lying around so I decided to try my hand at “enhancing” them and am happy with how they turned out.

Given that the Kentucky Derby will be run today, I decided to show off the new hats on some girls I imagined were on there way to the race.  Hope you enjoy.

Model:  2012 Integrity Workshop Poppy

Dress:  Cynthia Rowley Barbie

Shoes:  Mattel

Hat:  Mattel enhanced by ITFDS

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Model:  Natalia Fatalé “Ready To Dare

Dress, Shoes, Jewelry: Natalia Fatalé “Ready To Dare

Belt:  Mattel

Hat:  Mattel enhanced by ITFDS

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Mermaid Gown Silkstone…

…is now available at BarbieCollector.com.  She has been available at dealers for about a month now but finally BFC members can collect on that quarterly reward and order this baby at a discount.

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A  new promo photo showed up on the Barbie Collector sight as well.  I am always amazed by Lars Auvinen’s work.  He is the model and set builder for the BFMC ( Barbie Fashion Model Collection or in another word…Silkstones) promotional photos.  I had the pleasure of hearing him speak and chatting personally with him at the last National Barbie Convention.  He puts 100% into his craft and it never fails to inspire me.  The detail he goes into on these sets just boggles the mind.   My dream would be to sit in the corner and just watch while he creates.  My other dream is to sit in the corner and watch the photographer , Paul Jordan, as he photographs the set. 

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(Photo credit:  Mattel, Inc.)

Mermaid Gown headshot

(Photo credit:  Mattel, Inc.)

If you want to know more about her story, visit www.Barbiecollector.com


Platinum Violette

Okay…this one is for the Silkstone lovers.   I could not let this diorama go without putting one of my favorite Silkstones within its shabby chic yumminess.  Robert Best’s “Violette”, in my opinion, is one of the most feminine doll designs of his career at Mattel.  She embodies gentility and spring to me.  Perhaps it’s the lilac print on her gown, the large flowing design or the flowers in her hair…I don’t know…but put it all together and I feel the pull of springtime.  It’s just so girly!  She is also a platinum edition Silkstone which means she is not photographed often.

I have to give credit to my daughter Megan for this one.  She took one look at the diorama I was working on and said “ Mom, you should put the doll in the purple gown in this one”.  She was right!

 

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What the set up looks like when I have to pull the big lights out.  It’s a much more involved shoot…which is why you may see this diorama for a while. Smile

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The Iconography of Fashion Dolls

Iconography by definition is: (source Bing Dictionary)

i·co·nog·ra·phy

[ kə nóggrəfee ]  

  1. set of recognized images: the set of symbols or images used in a particular field of activity such as music or the movies and recognized by people as having a particular meaning
  2. symbols in painting: the symbols and images used conventionally in a genre of painting, or the study and interpretation of these symbols and images
  3. images of somebody or something specific: the collection, description, or study of images of somebody or something specific

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For many of us, the last time we heard or thought about the word iconography was while studying for that art history final in college.  Since man invented the paintbrush, and more currently since the camera entered the scene, we as a society have been adding more and more data points to an ever expanding “iconography” on a variety of different subjects.  In todays culture, with the rise of social media and the resulting wave of images we are bathed in every day, iconography is perhaps entering our daily lives more often than one may think.   The fashion doll iconography time line, one can argue, began in March of 1959 when Ms. Barbie entered our cultural consciousness… and lets face it….she has owned the fashion doll genre since.  As a blogger, I wonder, “What data points am I adding to that time line?”.   My hope is that the images I contribute give a positive and supportive view of the community I enjoy being a part of.  

As many of you know, I enjoy doing slideshows set to music of my photos so I used this idea of iconography to present my next YouTube installment.  Enjoy!

Iconograhy–slideshow of fashion doll photos set to music

It’s a Nice Day for a Picnic in Paris

I am still feeling the inspiration from my recent trip to Paris ( hope that sticks around for a while too).  That coupled with the recent sunshine and Spring temperatures had me  feeling like a Picnic….and here it is.

Model:  OOAK Debut Silkstone ( no she isn’t the Paris doll festival Debut but doesn’t she look like one!!)  I rerooted a caucasian Debut and repainted the eyebrows.

Dress:  Bellissima Couture ( http://bellissimacouturefashions.wordpress.com/)

Hat:  Bogue’s Vogues ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues)

Shoes, Gloves and Jewelry: Mattel

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**The photos above were made possible by the following talented artists who were willing to share their amazing photoshop brushes on deviantart: Blazter(JavierZhx) and deseratedeceit.  **

Miss Debut here represents my one and ONLY attempt at rerooting a Silkstone.  That process is not for a first timer folks.  I was lucky to have fingers when I was done and it took about a month LOL!  I now have a completely new level of respect for anyone who reroots these Silkies. 


Mermaid Gown Arrives..and Bewitches ITFDS!

When news and promotional photos were shared of this one, I was beside myself with excitement.  I mean come on…she was all in pink!  I have been waiting patiently for this one to arrive and my lovely Barbie Collector dealer Claudia of Pink Ponytail made sure my Ms. Mermaid Gown was shipped promptly to me.   Typically, I will photograph a doll upon receipt in what’s come to be known as ( yes, Rogier…you have named it) putting her in THE WINDOW.  I like to take photos of a new doll in natural light without enhancing anything ( no Photoshop!) up against a soft white window sill so people can get a good idea of the actual coloring of a doll.  These are the photos I took of Ms. Mermaid Gown just after she came in the door.

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Her gown is the softest crepe de chine in a dusty pink.  Her skin tone is “Silkstone peace”  which means she is very, very pale.  I am not sure what the back of her hairdo was “supposed” to look like but I had to do some reconstructive surgery to get mine to look something other than a hot mess.  It wasn’t difficult but it did take some work and some hair gel….just sayin’. 

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I am very, very happy with her though.  She is a beautiful addition to the 2013 Silkstone Atelier line.  And now…the studio shots!

 

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And…because Rebecca was having WAY too much fun with Photoshop today…. Kind of had a Bewitched moment didn’t I?!  I almost looked for a witch on a broomstick outline to put in the sky…

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…almost .Smile

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In Her Easter Bonnet

With all the frills upon it.  Easter is upon us so I thought I would showcase a couple of favorites from the Paris trip. 

Model:  Paris Luncheon Ensemble

Dress:  Spring Bouquet: Grass by Bellissima Couture( http://bellissimacouturefashions.wordpress.com/2013/03/26/more-spring-fashions/)

Hat:  Market Day Silkstone ( modified with new hat band and flowers)

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She’ll be the grandest lady in the Easter parade.


Paris Fashion Doll Festival 2013

Paris sightseeing aside…it was time to attend the event that brought us all to Paris…The Paris Fashion Doll Festival.  This year, the Barbie event was held on a boat so we needed to make our way from the convention hotel over to the Seine River and the lovely Eiffel Tower that stood in majestic splendor over our point of departure.  It was a frigid morning at the Tour Eiffel but we still managed to take some photos and enjoy our time…and enjoyed stopping at a café for some chaud chocolate or thé au citron afterwards.

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Our intrepid group…Dan, Carole, me and Hilda.  Many thanks to the lovely Spanish couple who took this photo for us.IMG_2437

After a quick stroll through the Eiffel Tower’s surrounding grounds and neighborhood….

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We arrived at the Bateaux Parisiens for our most fabulous Barbie luncheon on the Seine.

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The weather albeit cold was not rainy so it was possible to enjoy the sights of Paris as we cruised down the Seine River sipping Kir au vin blanc and eating foie gras…heaven!  We all had the opportunity to see these sights.  I, however, was having way too much fun talking to new Barbie friends so I did not pay attention to the beautiful sights passing by me.  I had the extreme pleasure of sitting with not only my Barbie buds pictured above but also the lovely Rebecca from Paris.  Folks, if you liked the “updo” tutorial I did on this blog, you should be thanking this woman.  She was the one who inspired me to do it.  When I grow up, I want to be as chic and lovely as Rebecca from Paris…that’s my goal.

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Photo credit:  Photo generously taken and shared by the fabulous Carole (Yes,  I am still lusting after your phone camera )

One of my best buddies ever…the person I played endless hours of Barbie with as a girl..my sister from another mother…Carole.  This trip was so much more than another Barbie experience.  It was a trip to celebrate life and the living of that life to the fullest.  So happy to have this experience with you my sister.  { Sniff, Sniff …okay on with the program}

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Photo credit: taken by my new Barbie buddy Rogier

I also had the opportunity to meet and visit with a fellow blogger and new collector Rogier.  Meeting Rogier and his partner Ruben was one of the highlights of my trip.  We had conversed about various Barbie things via email for the past couple of months so it was an extreme pleasure to meet him and get to know him and Ruben better. 

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Ruben and Rogier

Rogier also writes a fabulous blog with a fresh and very interesting look into Barbie..particularly Silkstone..collecting.  If you love Silkstone, I highly encourage you to visit his blog.  I simply love how he shows us his love of this hobby through his photos and words.  It’s infectious… in a very, very good way. http://dutchbarbieworld.wordpress.com/

I also want to say a big “Thank You!!” “ Un Grand Merci!” to all my readers who came up to say hello.  It was so very lovely to hear that people are enjoying the blog and I very much appreciate you taking the time and making the effort to come and tell me that.  I am humbled and completely honored.  These wonderful French collectors also get extra credit for standing there and listening while I butchered their beautiful language with my pitiful attempts at it.  I have decided that I simply need to come to France more often so I can practice and get better at it….yes, that is my plan.

I was having so much fun, I almost…almost forgot that we were going to get a doll at this event.  A special Silkstone Barbie was given to all attendees and she is a beauty.  Her name is “Paris Luncheon Ensemble”

Paris luncheon ensemble

Photo credit: Mattel

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Ahhhh!!  She is in pink!!!  Happy

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Photo credit:  The lovely Carole again…with the lust inducing phone camera..I’m not bitter..really.

It was another great day in Paris.


Paris or Bust!

The phrase “or bust” means to do something or collapse from the effort; – used in phrases expressing determination to do something; as, Oregon or bust, meaning “We will get to Oregon or die trying.” …source www.thefreedictionary.com

Paris or bust 2

By this time tomorrow, two dear friends and I will be living this phrase as we journey to Paris for a week of sightseeing ending with attending the Paris Fashion Doll Festival.   This year, the festival doll will be a Silkstone Barbie and current speculation is it will be a variation of the “Luncheon Ensemble” Silkie.  I agree with this guess and interestingly enough… the doll will be given at a luncheon.  I am hoping for a brunette version myself but would not turn down a blond either.  I am also hoping for a color of outfit change…like a blue or spring green..yummy. 

luncheon Barbie Paris Doll Expo guess 1

Or…..

luncheon Barbie Paris Doll Expo guess 2

I will try to blog from Paris but may have trouble locating reliable free WIFI so if there are no updates…it’s because 1) I am having too much fun in Paris to do the updates or 2) I can’t connect to upload or 3) I am sleeping off the bottle of wine I had with lunch/dinner  {SNORT!}

… don’t laugh….it could definitely happen. 

 


The Oscars Gala

With the Oscars this weekend, I couldn’t resist another award themed photo shoot.  I always enjoy watching the red carpet and I am looking forward to this years festivities.

Model:  Gala Gown Barbie® Doll

Gown, belt and fur: Randall Craig RTW

Earrings: Regal Solstice Anja Fashion Royalty 2011

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Gala Dior

I almost always love a redhead in a green dress.  Most people do and there are aesthetic  and photography reasons for this…see upcoming blog post this next week.  I recently took receipt of the most exquisite green dress  from my dear friend Hilda of Bellissima Couture.  She patterned it off of a Dior gown from the 1950’s as seen here in this iconic 1957 Life magazine photo

The models of Christian Dior 2

(Photo credit: Loomis Dean – 1957 LIFE)

I had to find the perfect model for it and who better than my muse o’ the moment…Gala Gown.

Model:  Gala Gown Barbie® Doll

Gown and hat:  Bellissima Couture

Necklace and gloves: Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s

 

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Coming Soon to ITFDS!

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Barbie News from 2013 Toy Fair!!

The American International Toy fair kicked off in New York on Sunday and we have some pictures.  It looks like Mattel will be giving us…drum roll please….Audrey Hepburn!    None of these have been confirmed by Mattel as of yet but if they are showing up at Toy Fair ( even as paper dolls LOL!), they are being produced.

** Photo by Michael Williams/MyLifeInPlastic.com.  These photos are protected under copyright and being used on ITFDS with permission from Michael Williams.  Any unauthorized reproduction of these photos is a violation of copyright**  –That means don’t copy these photos people

You can find additional photos from Toy Fair and more of Michael’s amazing work at

www.mylifeinplastic.com

First up is Barbie as Sabrina

Toy Fair 2013 2

Wow!!!  I can’t wait to see the face in real life!  The picture of her looks good though.  She doesn’t look like she is Silkstone but I could be wrong.  I have no idea what the price point is or when she is coming out.  Some dealer sites have descriptions up and are saying summer.  Will know more when Mattel actually announces these.

Audrey in Roman Holiday

Toy Fair 2013 1

How adorable!!!  All she needs is the Vespa ( and articulation to sit on it LOL!).  I am dying to see the shoes on this one.  No doubt here folks…she is vinyl.  That means the price point should be reasonable. 

New Barbie Look dolls for 2013

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And it looks like Barbie is going skiing next year too with “Winter Weekend”

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How cute is this??!!  It even has a ski pass attached to the zipper.  Bill Greening…you rock!!!


Holy Hand Grenades Batman!!

Yes, I am mixing a bit of Monty Python in there.  Mattel comes through with another set of upcoming dolls from NY Toy Fair.

Ahhhhhhhhhh!  How cute are these??!!!

** photos are courtesy of Mattel, Inc.**

Batman Ken® Doll

Retail: $34.95

Available: 6/7/2013

Batman 1

Batman 2Batman 3

Batman 4Batman 5

OH MY WORD!

Catwoman Barbie® Doll

Retail: $34.95

Available: 6/7/2013

Cat woman

Cat woman 1

Cat woman 3 Cat woman 4

Ummmm….LOOOOOOOVE!!!!    faint