The New Barbie Doll Bodies

While I think it's a good thing that Mattel recognizes the fact that women come in different shapes and sizes, I still think they have a long way to go if their intention is to represent a cross section of the population. These new dolls offer 4 body types, 7 skin tones, 18 eye colors and 18 hairstyles. The body types are the new additions. There will also be clothes that come in specific sizes to fit each doll.  Good luck with keeping that organized.

Mattel wants their Barbies to reflect "real-life girls and women." Does anyone who plays with these dolls wonder why they don't have vaginas? There's not the slightest indication that there might be something down there.

She looks pregnant.

Individual dressed dolls are $9.99 which is very reasonable IMO. Dressed dolls with two additional fashions will cost $19.99. Not all the variations are available; some are pre-order at

http://shop.mattel.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=45063936&utm_source=barbie-brand-site&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=dawn-launch


This is a step in the right direction...a very tiny step.

More good photos: http://www.barbie.com/en-us

Tonner Doll Company...Gradually Slipping Away?

The well-known and admired Doll Dr. from the Tonner Doll Company, Noreen Morris, let me know today that she was let go due to company consolidation.

Many businesses cut back in hard times but when a very popular representative is let go, it affects customers' feelings towards the company.

No one can replace her cheerful demeanor and swift attention to detail.

I feel a personal loss as I met Noreen at the beginning of my collecting. I've written about it previously. The event was at an outdoor Tonner trunk sale. I only had Tiny Kitty dolls at that time. When I saw Tyler, I fell in love with her and bought several. Noreen predicted that it was "over" for me. If you don't get what "over" means...she meant the beginning of a joyous collecting adventure, which it was.
I still have many beloved Tonner dolls in my collection. I really wonder if I'll ever add more. Is Tonner done?

Waiting to see.

You can send Noreen a message on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nightdobes

http://www.the-doll-hospital.com/

Dr. Noreen's Doll Hospital

I know that she would love to hear from all the collectors she's met over the years.

Brunel: A Most Versatile Kingdom Doll

Brunel is the most photographed Kingdom Doll in my collection. The first photo presents her as she was originally dressed.
Photos show her dressed in fashions by Ficon, Integrity Toys, Tonner, Superdoll and, of course, Kingdom Doll. There is one dress in there by a collector. Wigs by Cheryl Wood and Ilaria.

You can click on individual photos to enlarge them.