Don't Just Play Barbie, Be Barbie!

Unique Barbie doll re-roots

2008-07-16T06:40:00.005-04:00

Some readers have asked about the Barbie dolls with dreadlocks. Those are dolls whose hair has been re-rooted. The fabulous doll artist is a woman named Loanne Hizo Ostlie of Tabloach Productions. Check out her site to see more of her work. Her creations are also available on eBay.

Here's a small sample of a few of my favorite creations by her.

Randall Craig Pooch Accessory

2008-07-16T00:00:00.000-04:00

Randall Craig will soon offer two versions of an adorable poodle accessory Barbie-sized fashion dolls. These pooches are way better than the plastic dogs sold with many fashion dolls.

Note to Mattel: This is the type of dog that should have accompanied the Kimora Lee Simmons doll. The pooch can be purchased soon at My Favourite Doll.

AKA Barbie sells fast at sorority convention

2008-07-15T06:55:00.003-04:00

Well, I will have to wait to get the Alpha Kappa Alpha Barbie. The small number of dolls on hand went very quickly at the price of $49.95 each. A portion of the sales of the doll will go the organization to continue its legacy of wonderful international programming and service.

If you're not familiar with Alpha Kappa Alpha, do check the website at http://www.aka1908.org/.

A little trivia, Michelle Obama has accepted honorary membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. When her husband, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, becomes President of the United States, she will become the second Alpha Kappa Alpha woman to represent this country as First Lady. Eleanor Roosevelt is the first AKA to serve as First Lady.

Don't Just Play Barbie, Be Barbie syndicated at ToyCollector.com

2008-07-14T05:06:00.001-04:00

I am still meeting very cool people through Barbie collecting and this blog. I am honored that this blog is now being syndicated over at ToyCollector.com. Check out the site and let me know what you think; it's a site for all toy collectors.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Centennial Barbie Doll Unveiled on The Early Show

2008-07-12T10:29:00.007-04:00

I am so excited to post this photo of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Centennial Barbie doll. I tuned into The Early Show this morning to watch my sorority sisters spread the word about AKA and share the history of international gathering in Washington, DC.

I did not expect my sorority's spokesperson to unveil the AKA Barbie doll on television; what a bonus! I can't explain how it felt to see our organization's shield and beautiful colors --- salmon pink and apple green on a Barbie.

The doll looked like the one pictured above except I think the hair was a tad lighter. There were several boxes on the display table and one out of the box. You know I wanted to jump through the screen to get one.

Anyhoo, one of my sisters (Thanks, Soror Shawna) will get one for me and you know I will order more. This was a smart move on Mattel's behalf because they will make a mint from the sorority members, family and friends who will purchase the doll as gifts and others who just love the doll.

For any of my family, friends and kind strangers that may read this; I can never have too many of this doll.

It goes without saying that I will write about the doll when I actually receive her. She'll be availalble at BarbieCollector.com in mid-August.

Until next time, Smooches...

Fashion Icon Yves Saint Laurent Passes

2008-06-01T20:21:00.001-04:00

News reports today that Yves Saint Laurent passed away today. He was 71. No other details were released as of this post. Stay tuned.

Official website: www.ysl.com

The Barbie-Bratz War Goes to Court

2008-05-25T10:00:00.004-04:00

Carter Bryant, designer and former employee of Mattel, is at the heart of the Barbie-Bratz lawsuit you may have heard about in recent weeks. In dispute is whether he was a Mattel employee when he came up with the Bratz concept and shopped it to MGA Entertainment, Inc. If that is the case, Mattel would claim ownership of Bratz and the gazillion dollars they rake in.

Lo and behold, Mattel has dropped its lawsuit against Bryant but will continue litigation against MGA. So this mess isn’t cleaned up yet. Stay tuned.

Mattel Commemorates 50th Anniversary of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater with Barbie Doll

2008-05-02T15:14:00.005-04:00

This Fall, Mattel is slated to release a Barbie doll to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The doll will be designed by artistic director Judith Jamison and is said to be based on the classic Ailey performance piece, 'Revelations'.

Modern dance enthusiasts will assure fabulous sales of this doll. I can already picture a doll based on the same mold as Princess of South Africa Barbie in that awesome white dress with the umbrella. I'm getting excited just thinking about it.

Principal dancer Renee Robinson is an awesome and performances the piece with brilliance but Judith Jamison will always be THE dancer that represents Alvin Ailey and his dreams. The Company used to perform in South Florida every year but I haven't seen them in ages.

Congratulations on 50 years of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and here's to many more!

Judge paves way for Mattel to sue Bratz inventor

2008-04-29T05:17:00.000-04:00

Mon Apr 28, 2008 6:32pm EDT

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A federal judge in California has cleared the way for Barbie doll maker Mattel Inc (MAT.N: Quote, Profile, Research) to go forward with its lawsuit against ex-employee and Bratz dolls inventor Carter Bryant.

Mattel, the world's largest toy maker, had claimed it owns MGA Entertainment's Bratz dolls because Bryant conceived the big-headed, pouty-lipped toys while he worked as a Barbie designer.

In a ruling issued on Friday, U.S. District Judge Stephen Larson said "the undisputed facts establish that Bryant breached his fiduciary duty to communicate his inventions to Mattel when, rather than doing so, he secretly entered into a contract with Mattel's competitor, while still employed by Mattel."

Sales of Barbie dolls have waned in recent years amid fierce competition from Bratz dolls, which burst onto the market in 2001. Mattel said this month the Bratz litigation was a factor in its $46.6 million first-quarter loss.

"The facts are on our side and we are confident we will prevail at trial," MGA Chief Executive Isaac Larian said in a statement. " MGA ... built Bratz -- and no one else."

(Reporting by Justin Grant, with additional reporting by Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles; editing by Carol Bishopric and Braden Reddall)

For the Ultimate Doll Collector: NiniMomo Creations

2008-04-05T08:22:00.004-04:00

If you've not had the pleasure, you absolutely must check out NiniMomo.com. I was amazed the first time I saw the site a few years ago. It is mainly a site for doll pageants. Yes, doll pageants. Just like Miss Universe has delegates representing various countries, this company customizes fashion dolls to represent different countries or states. But my words don't do it justice, see for yourself.

When you know what the original doll looks like and compare it to their customized version, the transformation is mind-blowing. The hair, face painting and detailed workmanship on the gowns really make the dolls worth the price.

I'd love to add one of their dolls to my collection but by the ones I want are always sold by the time I get to the site. L Anyhoo, here is my latest favorite, Miss South Africa, and yes it's already sold.

Imagine the thrill of owning such a gorgeous a doll that is truly one-of-a-kind.

Meet the artists that make up NiniMomo Creations

Undergoing MyBlogLog Verification

I am guilty. My Barbie-sensitivity is showing.

2008-03-29T03:37:00.001-04:00

Ashley Miller and Heather Johnson of Atlanta, GA were recently sentenced for bank robbery. The two, with inside help from a bank teller, got away with $11,000 and went on a shopping spree.

Feel free to google 'Barbie bandits' to get the gory details, if you so choose. On the other hand, I am so ticked that Barbie's name has been associated with these two young women.

They're both blonde and attractive but they're also stupid. Barbie is not stupid.

OK, that was my rant for the day. Thanks.

Kimora Lee Simmons Barbie Arrived Today!

2008-03-19T21:36:00.002-04:00

Today was fabulous!!! My Kimora Lee Simmons Barbie finally arrived and, well, all the stress I've been dealing with at the office just went out the window. I must say she is fabulosity personified. I spent much of the afternoon showing her off to people in the office --- even complete strangers --- that probably think I'm certifiably crazy. Kimora was a Christmas gift from my boss and I'm just so appreciative that I could cry. My boss is so…there's no better word…fabulous.

Let me just say that the doll looks much better in person than she does in the Barbie Collector catalog. Quite frankly, I thought the photo made her look a tad hoochiefied.

Anyhoo, the floor-length faux fur chinchilla coat is to die for and the signature 'Kimora Lee Simmons' leopard print lining was not lost on me. I really wasn't feeling the thigh-high boots when I'd seen them in photos but the gold heels on the boots are just too fabulous with the fishnet hose. The gold 'KLS' appointments on the handbag and chiffon top are so Kimora. Let me not forget that she's wearing my favorite color --- pink!

I was a bit surprised that so many people at my job didn't know who she is; but they do now.

If there was one thing I'd change about her, it would be the sunglasses. They are positioned fabulously on the top of her head but there's not enough contrast between the color of her hair and the color of her sunglasses so they get lost until examining the doll closely.

If you like pink and fashion, you must add Kimora Lee Simmons Barbie to your collection. Now, it would be too fab of Mattel to make dolls in the likeness of her daughters Ming and Aoki. Think about it. It's fabulous!

How many different Barbies have been made?

2008-03-18T05:10:00.005-04:00

Let's think about this. Barbie has been around since 1959. Since then she has changed in hair color and ethnicity. She's been pregnant, a paraplegic, several celebrities and almost every occupation known to mankind. She's even been president.

So what's your guess? 500? 750? 1,000? I'll save you the trouble ---I still don't know. According to doll enthusiast, Mary Wernke, there were 2,386 made between Barbie's beginning in 1959 through 1999. That's a lot of dolls and 9 years are remaining to make Wernke's list current. I must keep that in mind when my familly complains about the number of dolls I've collected.

Check Mary's site for her exhaustive lists! Happy collecting!

Happy Birthday! Barbie is 49 and she looks fabulous!

2008-03-09T08:28:00.004-04:00

This Day in History

March 9, 1959

Ruth Mosko Handler Unveils Barbie Doll

At the International American Toy Fair in New York on March 9, 1959, inventor Ruth Mosko Handler unveiled one of the most loved, emulated, and criticized toys of the 20^th century. The Barbie Doll, named after Handler's 15-year-old daughter, rocketed the Mattel company to nearly overnight success and became an icon of American culture.

Although Barbie has been roundly condemned by feminists as promoting an unrealistic body shape to young girls, Handler originally conceived the doll as a way for girls to imagine their futures as adult women. "I believed it was important to a little girl's self-esteem," she later said, "to play with a doll that has breasts." The development of the doll was also influenced by Handler's daughter's preference for adult paper dolls over the baby dolls that then dominated the toy market.

Although it was Mattel's first big success, the Barbie Doll was not the beginning of Handler's career as an inventor. While working at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, Handler first went into business with her husband producing picture frames. Mattel, named for Handler's husband and a business partner, was incorporated in 1945. In its early years, the company produced a toy ukulele and toy guns; it was among the first to market toys directly to children, sponsoring a year's run of the Mickey Mouse Club television show. After the runaway success of Barbie, the company added Ken, named after Handler's son, and later additional dolls named for Handler's grandchildren.

After losing a breast to cancer in 1970, and leaving Mattel in 1975, Handler turned her attention to helping other breast cancer survivors. Unhappy with the available breast prostheses, she invented her own, which she sold through a new company called Nearly Me.

Handler received numerous awards for her accomplishments. The Los Angeles Times named her Woman of the Year in Business in 1967, the United Jewish Appeal named her its first "Woman of Distinction," and the Toy Industry Hall of Fame inducted her in 1985.

Ruth Mosko Handler died in 2002. Although often a subject of satire and social criticism, Barbie lives on, with more than 100 million sold annually. Professional outfits and ethnic Barbies have updated the original, but the grown-up doll continues to entrance both young girls and older collectors.

Sources: Ruth Mosko Handler, Dream Doll: The Ruth Handler Story (Stamford, CT, 1994); http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventors/handler.htm; Jewish Women in America: An Historical Encyclopedia, pp. 591-592; M.G. Lord, Forever Barbie: The Unauthorized Biography of a Real Doll (New York, 1994); Los Angeles Times, December 12, 1967, December 15, 1967; New York Times, April 29, 2002.

Jewish Women's Archive. "JWA Presents 'This Day in History' - March 9, 1959, Ruth Mosko Handler Unveils Barbie Doll." <http://www.jwa.org/this_week/03/09/Ruth_Mosko_Handler/index.html> (March 9, 2008).

Take Me Away: Pomegranate & Mango

2008-02-11T22:14:00.001-05:00

After a long day dealing with grunge of the world or maybe just too many nutbags trying to ruin your day, try a super soak in the tub or a long relaxing hot shower with Softsoap's Pomegranate & Mango Moisturizing Body Wash.

The fragrance is to die for. It's light, citrusy and long-lasting without being overwhelming. I'm not usually a fruity fragrance person but I love this. Did I mention the price is right also? Pomegranate & Mango should be on every diva's shopping list. You can buy it at your local drugstore. Try it and let me know what you think.

Note to Mattel: Where's my KLS Barbie?

2008-02-09T06:37:00.000-05:00

OK, it's February. I've been waiting patiently for the official release of the Kimora Lee Simmons Barbie and now I find that she won't be released until mid-March? Oh, no! What's up with that Mattel?

Do whatever has to be done to make her fabulous. If that means I'm forced to wait another month, oh well. I'll just go back into Barbie rehab. I want my KLS Barbie and I want it now! LOL

Have a great weekend!

Smooches...

Mattel makes special Barbie to commemorate America's first black sorority

2008-01-16T19:13:00.000-05:00

This year is the 100th anniversary of my sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA). To commemorate such an auspcious milestone, Mattel will produce a special edition AKA Barbie.

No doubt the doll will wear the organization's colors --- pink and green. Hopefully the box will document the sorority's rich heritage. I can hardly wait for the release of this doll. If you have any phtos of the prototype, please let me know!

Click here to learn more about AKA.

History of the Barbie Doll

2007-12-20T20:54:00.001-05:00

As I've gotten back into my Barbie collecting mode, I've been afforded opportunities to share the Barbie message with many people who were not aware of the depth of the Barbie phenomenon.

I'll start with a little Barbie history. Now at the outset let me make it clear that I am not an expert. I do know a lot about Barbie but I've not enjoyed attending a Barbie Convention or meeting in of the Barbie designers. I'll get to that in future posts.

Let's begin with an abbreviated history of Barbie.

Barbie: History of a Living Doll

Author: Sherril Steele-Carlin

Did you know the original Barbie was named for a real young lady from California named Barbara Handler? It's true! Barbie, the teen fashion doll that debuted in 1959 was created by Barbara's mom, Ruth Handler, who named the doll after her daughter and the rest is doll history.

It all started in the late 1950s, when Ruth Handler noticed that her young daughter, Barbara, and her friends really liked to play with adult dolls rather than the common baby dolls that were common at the time. These adult dolls weren't three-dimensional, they were all made out of cardboard or paper, so Ruth began to design a three-dimensional adult doll that would make her daughter and her friends happy.

Handler and her husband Elliot had created the Mattel Toy Company in their garage, but by the late 50s it had grown to include a group of ad executives who quickly vetoed Ruth's initial idea and design. They thought the doll would be too expensive to produce and had little long-term appeal. Now we know how wrong they were!

Undaunted, Ruth continued with her idea. She traveled to Europe and when she returned she brought a German doll named "Lilli" with her. Redesigned, Lilli became Barbie, and Ruth continued to pester the Mattel executives until they agreed to produce the doll. The original patent date is 1958. Ruth even hired a fashion designer, Charlotte Johnson, to create a fashionable wardrobe for the doll.

Barbie, with her distinctive blonde ponytail and black and white striped stretch bathing suit made her debut at the 1959 American Toy Fair in New York City, and took the toy world by storm. The dolls literally flew off the shelves. Mattel set a toy selling record the first year Barbie debuted, selling 351, 000 dolls the first year. In ten short years, parents would spend $500 million on Barbie products for their clamoring youngsters.

Barbie was the first fashion doll, and she spawned many spin-offs, but she and her "family" of dolls are simply the most popular in history. Barbie gets at least 100 new clothing designs every year, and because they produce so many Barbie outfits each year, Mattel has become the biggest garment manufacturer in the world.

Today, Barbie has come a long way from that fashion doll who debuted in 1959. She has sisters, a boyfriend, and represents nearly 100 different nationalities. However, collectors prize the original Barbie and her 50s wardrobe above all else. Barbie and her clothing are one of the most popular collectibles in the world today, and a mint-condition original Barbie can sell as high as $10,000. So, check the attic, the basement, and the storage boxes for your old Barbie treasures. They could be more valuable than you think, and even if they aren't, they'll bring back lots of fond fashion memories!

Downsizing my Barbie collection

2007-12-19T14:49:00.001-05:00

I received the Hollywood Hostess Barbie in the mail last week. Because of the packaging of the Silkstone dolls, I was able to remove the top of the display box to get a better look at it. I like the doll's hairstyle and much of the outfit. I'm not feeling the white sandals but I guess Mattel's options were limited. I would have preferred a similar style sandal but perhaps in a bronze color.

I want to keep the doll in the box but I'd love to redress the Lingerie No. 5 Barbie or the Sunday Best Barbie in these outfits. I popped online to the Barbie collector site and voila', it's sold out. I did find the doll on the My Favourite Doll site. I'd love to buy it now but I don't want to pay the $100 plus shipping.

I'm going to try to resist the urge. There was a time I'd have purchased it without a thought but I'm trying to be a better steward of my finances. As a matter of fact, I'm going to start selling some of my collection again.

I'm focusing my collection on Silkstone and Byron Lars dolls. I may keep a few of the Bob Mackies but for the most part, they must go. Be sure to visit this site again or e-mail me if you're interested in a particular Barbie.

Look-a-Like: Alice in Wonderland Barbie

2007-12-08T06:00:00.001-05:00

I don't particularly care for some of the characters in the Alice in Wonderland Barbie line I am particularly intrigued with the Alice in Wonderland doll. Is it just me or does she not resemble Charo? I'd like to see the actual doll rather than the prototype.

What's your fashion style?

2007-12-03T07:04:00.000-05:00

I am so feeling these Stuart Weitzman shoes. The list price is $270 but rhey're on sale for $130. Unfortunately, they're only available in 8.5 or 10 and I wear 9. Arrrgh!

My friends call my taste boring but I like what I like. A pair of tastefully ripped jeans are cool as long as they're paired with a crisp white shirt. Too short. too tight tight and too much skin doesn't work for me. A sexy split? Definitely, yes. But hoochification? I think not.

That discussion of my choice in shoes led me to the quiz below on fashion style. I think it is a rather accurate description of my taste. Classic clothing doesn't go out of style so my purchases are more like investments.

I can totally picture those shoes with khakis, a white blouse, brown belt, my brown Coach hobo purse, pink scarf to pull my locks in a ponytail and tortoise shell Ray-Bans.

Take the quiz and see what your fashion style is.

Your Fashion Style is Classic

You like what's stood the test of time...

Simple, well styled clothes that don't scream trendy

You stay updated and modern, but your clothes stay in style for a while

You wouldn't be caught in animal prints, fake fur, or super bright colors

What Kind of Fashionable Woman Are You?

World AIDS Day 2007

2007-12-01T22:00:00.001-05:00

Today is World AIDS Day. More than 30 million people have this condition. Will it ever end?

Too many children throughout the world have been orphaned because of HIV/AIDS. Millions of children growing up without parents is definitely not a healthy mental environment for the world's citizens. There are consequences for all of us.

HIV can be spread through sexual contact, through blood transfusion, through contaminated needles and the breast milk of an infected mother. HIV/AIDS does not discriminate against ethnicity, gender or sexual preference.

In memory of those who have passed away because of AIDS, I say I am sorry for the pain you had to endure. I apologize for my fellow humans who may have subjected you to physical and emotional pain, especially through isolation and stigmatization.

Let us continue to support efforts to find a cure for AIDS and to support organizations that help to bring comfort to the victims of HIV/AIDS.

Re-Launch of My Barbie and Fashion Blog

2007-11-30T20:05:00.001-05:00

Welcome to my new blog! I have a new domain name: http://www.bebarbie.net/ and a fabulous new blog design by my new best friend, seven of Blogs Gone Wild.

Both dolls showcased in the header are designed by Byron Lars. They are from his first Barbie series: The Runway Collection. On the left is Indigo Obsession with Plum Royale on the right. There are two more dolls in the series: In the Limelight and Cinnabar Sensation. Cinnabar Sensation was released in a black version and a white version --- my collection includes both.

Photographs don't do these dolls justice; you really have to see them in person to appreciate their beauty and intricate workmanship. I'll introduce you each of them as well as more of my collection. I'll also share some Barbie background information, talk about fashion and introduce you to some women that I think are real-life Barbies.

I hope you enjoy it here and will visit often. In the meantime, have a beautiful pink day.

Smooches!...

Remembering Fashionista Dr. Donda West

2007-11-17T07:31:00.000-05:00

The world mourns the lost of Dr. Donda West, mother of superstar Kanye. Let's keep him lifted in prayer. Personally, I liked her style. It's easy to fall prey to our society so enthralled with youth, thinness and beauty. But whose standards should we follow anyway? I could go on and on about diverse beauty.

Dr. West and I shared the same tastes in handbags, I love this photo of her rocking the Louis Vuitton Multipli-Cite'. She looks so young and vibrant. Rest in Peace, Sister Queen. Job well done.

Mattell adds Black Silkstone Barbie for 2008 --- Toujours Couture

2007-11-16T17:04:00.001-05:00

I must add at least two dolls to my collection over the next six months. One is the Hollywood Hostess Barbie that I already have on order and the other is the Toujours Couture Barbie.

The Toujors Couture is a Black Silkstone Barbie --- one of the very few black Silkstones. I'm going to reserve my final opinion when it's released in February 2008. Right now, I'm not feeling the color of the outfit or those boots. She would have looked so much better in the La Vie Rose wardrobe.

I'll likely sacrifice and buy more than one of her. For sure I'm going to opt for black pumps or slingbacks. Look for the photos in February.