Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Trench Setter




 
Aside from Robert Best's gorgeous drawings printed on the trench coat, this Trench Setter Silktone Barbie is really boring! I simply cringed when I typed "trench setter"! Her side parted shoulder length blonde hair is curled at the ends, and she wears silver earrings. She has a beauty spot above her pale pink lips (which matches her painted finger nails) and has dramatically lined eyes with blue eyeshadow. She looks lifeless (yes, I know she is a doll) and a little forlorn. Perhaps she is sad because she could have worn any outfit, yet Mattel decided to dress her in this utterly dull ensemble.

Front view of the trench coat


Back view of the trench coat
Barbie wears a plain white cotton blouse teamed with a super tiny black skirt. She carries a black handbag and wears black court shoes. If Mattel releases dolls wearing the outfits printed on the coat, I will scrimp and save every cent to buy them!

Release date: 1 February 2003
Mattel price: US$69.99
Label: Limited Collection
Ebay price as at August 2012: US$65 - $US90

Monday, August 27, 2012

Publicity Tour


Part of the Hollywood Movie Star Collection, this Publicity Tour Barbie's details are a collector's delight. Her auburn-brown hair is curled and perfected coiffed under her vibrant two-tone coral silk scarf which is secured with a gold leaf jewelled brooch. The scarf is long and one end is trimmed with faux mink.  Her black velvet hat appears rather odd when photographed, but is dramatic when displayed. Her blue eyes have a far away look, and her plum coloured lips are full.



Barbie wears a classic houndstooth check jacket with brass buttons down the front with coral trimmed cuffs; and her pleated pencil skirt creates a feminine silhouette. Barbie wears white gloves, carries a brown crocodile skin bag with gold handles and sunglasses. She wears hosiery and a pair of two toned ankle length buckle high heels. The official Mattel photos shows a doll wearing a beaded bracelet which was not included with my doll.

Release date: 1 March 2001
Mattel price: $49.98Label: Collector Edition
Ebay price as at September 2012: US$50 - US$90

Friday, August 24, 2012

I Dream of Jeannie


Not to be confused with the 2010 Pink Label I Dream of Jeannie Barbie, this is Barbie Doll as Jeannie from I Dream of Jeannie released in 2001 which I think is far superior in detail and quality compared to the former. This doll is an authentic reproduction of Barbara Eden's portrayal of the 1960s television series, but I seem to recall Jeannie wearing pink high heels rather than a pair of gold "Arabian" pointed shoes ~ which is way better!


Barbie's braided blonde hair is wrapped around the top of her long ponytail, and she has smokey eye makeup and lighted frosted pink lips. Barbie wears a tear shaped diamond pendant, pink bustier under a velvet bolero jacket adorned with braided trim and tiny tassels. I love her pink chiffon balloon pants and matching head scarf which is tucked under her chin. The doll would be incomplete without Jeannie's bottle. The TV character Jack McFarland from Will & Grace once said that his dream home was Jeannie's bottle, which would be lovely if it was a little more spacious!

Barbie's arms have been sculpted to attain Jeannie's signature pose so she can grant her "Master's" every desire. Well, it was the 1960s, and thank goodness for women's liberation a decade later. On further reflection, Jeannie's antics did give her the upper hand in the relationship, so "Master" was perhaps just a term of endearment! Fast forward to 2012 where everyone (yeah, yeah I've read all three books) is talking about E.L. James' Fifty Shades of Grey erotic trilogy, so perhaps Jeannie and her "Master" had a kinkier relationship than we though! Ah hem, enough said, I had intended this to be a G rated blog!

Release date: 1 February 2001
Mattel price: US$49.98
Label: Collector Edition
Ebay price as at August 2012: US$50 - US$150

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Maria Therese

Designed by Robert Best as a tribute to his sister, Maria Therese Barbie is a classic and sophisticated bride, and one of my favourite dolls in my collection.


Barbie's brunette hair is up swept in an elegant bun which complements her pearl tear drop earrings.  She wears a two layered tulle veil which is fastened to her head with a a satin bow. Barbie wears blue eye shadow and red lipstick, and a dewy bridal glow.

Maria Therese's bridal gown is simple yet elegant, with a fitted bodice under a sheer organza overlay. I love her v-shaped back which is fastened with pearl buttons and two satin bows - oh the details!


Beneath her billowing satin and organza gown, Barbie wears thigh high stockings with a blue ribbon garter and tulle petticoat. She wears white high heels and carries a simple bouquet of pink and white flowers.


Release date: 1 April 2002
Mattel price: US$99
Label: Limited Edition
Ebay price as at August 2012: US$120 - US$175

Friday, August 3, 2012

Barbie Tram


I'm afraid I've neglected my Barbie blog due to my busy schedule, but I will be up and running soon! Check out this Barbie tram that has been travelling around Melbourne to celebrate her 53rd birthday. I'm yet to travel on this route, but I should at least hop on for one stop for the Barbie experience!