Reproduction 1962 Barbie Dream House with Doll

I may have mentioned about a thousand times that I have never been a Barbie collector. (IMO Silkstones don't count.) Deciding to buy this reproduction Dream House was all about finding out what the big deal was.

Mine came directly from Mattel although they somehow lost my order and screwed up in a few other ways. This was a big box weighing about 10 pounds.

Like a child without supervision, I snapped all the pieces out of the five heavy coated cardboard sheets before reading directions or planning.

In any event, I managed to make it through the furniture except for the lamp. I couldn't get the lamp right and I think I lost or tossed two plastic comb-like pieces that hold the sides in place. The rest was all very easy to do and came out surprisingly sturdy.

A few other Mattel dolls were thrown in along with the furniture and here are the pictures.

So now that I have this gigantic thing, what am I going to do with it?

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If you plan to purchase one, you can get if for various prices other than list. Check your local Walmart, Target and other large stores. eBay has many for sale. Some are offering free shipping as does Mattel on orders of $39. plus.
http://barbie.mattel.com/shop/en-us/ba/barbie-dream-house-1962-reproduction-fnd44

Séduisante Elise W Club Exclusive

Approximately 7 months ago (July, 2017), members of the W Club were told that there would be a lottery for this 'basic' Elise who would have the interchangeable fashion to flat feet. Within a few days, we were told that there would be enough for all members to order - no lottery necessary.

Séduisante Elise has a simple palette with gold eyeshadow being the only highlight.
Her hair is straight with a center part.

She comes with her no-frills, cut-to-there bathing suit, a striped tote, sunglasses, earrings and a bracelet. To adorn her two sets of feet we have white sandals and blue strappy wedges.

Those of you who were around years ago, will recognize the coin-like jewelry from basic bathing beauties of the past. It's funny but I still have all that jewelry!

 I tried to pull one leg off and it finally came off after much careful tugging. Then I plugged in my heating pad and warmed the legs for about 10 minutes which made removal and replacement much easier.

I hope that many will have used that method or hot water instead of forcing the parts apart which would likely loosen or break the tabs.
Notice the placement of the connecting tab which is quite different from hand replacements we're used to.
I'm not a big fan of the flat feet as most people's feet aren't literally flat and totally flat feet look strange. They need an arch for a bit of realism.

This "beta" leg changing version doll was priced at $140. plus postage. That's pretty pricey for a bathing suit basic doll.We are paying for the new feature. They should have done this with Poppy Parker years ago.

Now I must decide what she'll be wearing and how to style her hair.

The Final 2017 W Club Exclusive: "Fame & Fortune" Vanessa Perrin Gift Set

My word...someone finally woke up and realized that this is the WClub, not the Poppy Parker Club. It feels as if they've pulled out the BIG guns for the last couple of dolls. The final club exclusive doll is actually a Vanessa with her original sculpt.

The gift set consists of a lovely doll, two complete fashions, luggage, lingerie, specially made full glove/hands that are interchangeable with her own hands, jewelry, a purse, sunglasses and hair sticks.
The retail price is $250. plus postage and will arrive some time during the summer of 2018. A deposit of $35. is required no later than January 19, 2018.

Head Sculpt:	Vanessa Perrin 1.0
Body:	FR 6.0
Foot Sculpt:	High-heeled
Skin Tone:	FR White
Hair Color:	Soft Ebony
Eyelashes:	Yes, Hand-applied

Still "the" face of W Cosmetics after all these years, the eternally youthful Vanessa Perrin has brought much "Fame and Fortune" to her old sister and has always been there through thick or thin. Now more than ever, everyone's fashionista brings her own brand of gorgeousness to the table and shows everyone how it's done!
Vanessa Perrin is a 12.5-inch fully articulated fashion doll with luscious rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes. In this exquisite gift set, Vanessa Perrin redefines what it means to be a fashionista by including three complete looks that will take her from day-to-night faster than a roll of the dice! First, she starts her day in a lovely Asian inspired lingerie set that includes a custom printed kimono with high-contrast details, then she sets the tone as she runs to catch a train in a high-fashion two-piece ensemble composed of a sheer blouse, black pants and custom embroidered gloves that are sure to become an instant conversation starter as she travels to her next appearance. Then, she quickly switches to a soft, bright pink asymmetrical evening gown with delicate embroidery and beading details to attend one of the most highly-anticipated galas of the year! Vanessa comes complete with two pairs of shoes, a set of regular hands and a set of gloved hands, two jewelry sets, two fully functional (i.e. you can put her favorite accessories inside) monogrammed pieces of luggage, a clutch purse and sunglasses. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only. This doll cannot stand alone; a doll stand is included. A W Club members-only exclusive.

I was a little surprised by the pink dress as there was another pink Vanessa issued at Fashion Fairytale this past summer. 

I love pink gowns. I would love to have the one shown above but it's not going to happen. I do have this one.

 In fact, I have more than one shelf in one of my cabinets devoted to Vanessa dressed in some sort of pink fashion.

Regarding the black slacks, blouse and glove ensemble...the gloves are TDF and that was a no-brainer; however, now that we see how it's done, it shouldn't be difficult to reproduce in any color.
I like the tailored, fitted semi-sheer blouse. I'm not a fan of the way the hems look on the pants. They probably need to be ironed. We have seen the shoes previously. Meh.
Hopefully the luggage will be the same quality as it was in the past. I'm not a fan of the pink stripe down the front.

Superdoll December 2017: Three Dressed Dolls, One Crown and Sceptre

KUMALO SYB/DD_0135

Inque is thrilled to be joining her sisters this year for the Holidays.
Like an exotic Africa princess she chose to wear chocolate satin and furs.
EARTH
From the top. Her gorgeous wig of blended black and brunettes formed into a multitude of topknots ...fabulous!
Her eyeshadows in the spectrum of turquoise and smoke surround her eyes of translucent chocolate with lids of muted sepia, eyes those of golden amber. Lips of dark rich red.
Her multi piece ensemble; a confection of chocolate satin hot pants and a corset dripping in beads is the foundation of her 'look'. Accompanied by a matching satin bolero trimmed in metallic matte gold rice beads and seeds and spectacular guipure finds.
Inque loves drama and for this she selected a fur wrap inset with feathers; just to get her silhouette going!
Always accessorised to the point of envy, Inque has an indiscreet set of fabulous faux fur condiments; consisting ankle & knee pads, fur balls to her foot and totally uncomfortable stiletto heeled courts in a chocolate brown with broad ankle ribbons!
Bringing exotic Africa with her; a final accessory is her monarch staff adorned in her tribal colours.
Inque is excited to pose along with her sisters all night long.
Happy Holidays from the d'Royces.

 Clone: 1603 Inque d'Royce

Skintone: TRUFFLE
Of course she comes with the following standard accessories:
-manic_cure hands (see booklet for hand change instructions)
-booklet
-stand
PRODUCTION MAY VARY FROM PROTOTYPE SHOWN.
In stock and ready to be delivered

In stock and ready to be delivered
Price: £279.20 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

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RIO SYB/DD_0137

Voltaire is thrilled to be joining her sisters this year for the Holidays.
Like a titian Latin princess she chose to wear blazing pink, orange and purple.
FIRE
From the top. Her gorgeous wig of natural vibrant reds set with fringe and an up do we call bun - bun - bow. ...fabulous!
Her eyeshadows in the spectrum of violets and smoke surround her eyes of translucent charcoal and ginger with lids of muted white, eyes those of green flame. Lips of gorgeous coral.
Her 2 piece ensemble; a confection of embroidery and satin trimmed in gold and sequin. A matador suit hitting all the right curves, with epaulettes and a stand collar.
Voltaire loves drama and this suit of lights has just her favourite kind.... the glamourous kind.
Always accessorised to the point of envy, Venus has an discreet white lace jabot at he neck, and totally uncomfortable stiletto heeled courts in a hot pink with broad ankle ribbons!
Bringing south America with her; a final accessory is her pair of banderillas and a red tulle veil.
Voltaire is excited to pose along with her sisters all night long.
Happy Holidays from the d'Royces.

 Clone: 1000 Voltaire d'Royce

Skintone: CORALO
Of course she comes with the following standard accessories:
-manic_cure hands (see booklet for hand change instructions)
-booklet
-stand

PRODUCTION MAY VARY FROM PROTOTYPE SHOWN.

In stock and ready to be delivered
Price: £275.79 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

_____________________________________________

VUSHKA SYB/DD_0136

Venus is thrilled to be joining her sisters this year for the Holidays.
Like a blonde Siberian princess she chose to wear sky blue and gold.
AIR
From the top. Her gorgeous wig of baby blonde set with a centre part cascades in voluptuous curls to her waist. Huge glorious hair ...fabulous!
Her eyeshadows in the spectrum of muted browns and smoke surround her eyes of translucent charcoal and mud with lids of muted nude, eyes those of sky blue. Lips of pale rose outlined in rose.
Her 1 piece frock; a confection of gold lace and tulle trimmed in matching rhinestone bearing an empire line front and a long slim torso in back. All this over a multi layer tulle and glitter attached petticoat. Mid calf length front trains toward the back.
Venus loves drama and this gown has just her favourite kind.... the glamourous kind.
Always accessorised to the point of envy, Venus has an indiscreet fabulous faux fur wrap in dark blush fur, opera length gloves in almost not there glistening gold tulle, and totally uncomfortable stiletto heeled courts in a pale gold with broad ankle ribbons!
Bringing fairy tale Siberia with her; a final accessory is her gorgeous 'coach' purse in gild 'gold' and a matching blue velvet strap.
Venus is excited to pose along with her sisters all night long.
Happy Holidays from the d'Royces.

 Clone: 1000 Venus d'Royce

Skintone: COSMETIQUE
Of course she comes with the following standard accessories:
-manic_cure hands (see booklet for hand change instructions)
-booklet
-stand

PRODUCTION MAY VARY FROM PROTOTYPE SHOWN.

OUT OF STOCK
Price: £269.75 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

______________________________________________________

Glorious Crown and Sceptre Set

Custom made for your Princess 

In stock and ready to be delivered

Price: £35.00 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

_______________________

Collectors have been asking for more varied sculpts and Superdoll has heard them. In this offering we have Inque, Voltaire and Venus. Certainly something for every Sybarite lover and all three for many.

As happens so often, the princess-type dolls are the first to sell out. Vushka is sold out. What I like best about her is her wig. While her gown is lovely, it's just not special enough. I can see that the crown and sceptre belong to her.

Kumalo is my personal favorite and I was lucky to get one. She is quite different from the faces on the dolls currently in my collection. When I saw her close-up three days ago, I was hooked. I tried to resist but it was futile. I'm glad I didn't wait too long. I think she will look amazing posed along with Forest.

There are some aspects about Rio that I do not like at all. Sorry to say that includes her face and costume. It does not come across as fashion at all but rather as unfinished toreador glitz. I'm sure that she will look lovely once redressed and rewigged; however, she's just not my cup of tea.

When will we see pierced ears on the GenX dolls? C'mon Superdoll, give us some openings for our own earrings!

"Drizzle" Sweater Set for Gen-X

On the Superdoll Collectables site today.

Knitwear and bling....what more can a girl ask for?Pack of 6 SweatersMade to fit Gen-XPrice: £160.00

(£160. = $214.25 US)

These would be very cute paired with the skirts that are on sale but I wish they would have shown some on on a doll.

I don't understand why Baronne is still available. I look at mine very often and think she's a delight. Her face is beautiful and her wig is adorable. She is much prettier in person than in the photos.

http://www.superdollonline.co.uk/acatalog/REVOLVER.html

Integrity Toys "Dolly Days"

W Club members were offered five opportunities to spend money beginning on 11/27 and ending on 12/1.  This week long event was called "Dolly Days."  

On Monday, which was also Cyber Monday in the real world, they held a sale of all in-stock items which consisted of replacement doll bodies, older Style Lab dolls and fashions, ITBE dolls, Color Infusion, Katy Keene and AHS: Coven dolls, < MLP, Victoire Roux and select The Industry Dolls. Included as well were select Fashion Royalty and IFDC  2016 dolls,  Jem and The Holograms and a few warehouse finds.
There is still a load of stuff in the Integrity on-line store which is available to the public here:
http://www.integritytoys.com/shop20/home.php

The Second Day was all about Poppy Parker.
There were three dolls to pre-order from doll dealers and one IT direct via right-to-buy lottery which will take place next March. (Positively Plaid.) This last one is going to be available to 2018 members only so why show it to 2017 members? That is a rhetorical question.

Here are the dolls:

$130 Friday Night Frug

$160 Where It's At

$130 Hold That Tiger

$130  Positively Plaid

I decided a bit too late that I like Hold That Tiger. It's completely sold out everywhere. If anyone who has a pre-order for her and is willing to transfer it to me, please let me know.

Wednesday was the last Jem and The Holograms collection offering. I won't miss them.

Shana Elmsford  On-Stage Mini-Giftset 

$150 AJA Leith On-Stage Mini-Giftset

$130 Jem  This is Farewell 

Thursday New bodies were revealed. All were priced at $35. plus shipping.

I know some collectors are not happy that the low torso joint has been eliminated. That is not an issue for me as I lost a lot underwear as a result of said underwear getting caught in that joint.  

It's too bad they waited so long to upgrade the Poppy Parker body so she could have a no-ankle-joint look. This is the body I wanted all along as I felt the ankle joint interfered with her overall pretty looks.


On Friday they finally released an interesting Fashion Royalty offering. This set consists of three heads with busts. Each head is an Adele sculpt from the first through the third.
I'm tempted but I only like the original head from this set. I am a big fan of the Adele 2.0 (the blonde) but I think this particular one is not as attractive as she could be.
The Faces of Adele is $200. plus postage. You get one full body and to additional busts with heads and all the clothing and accessories seen below. For an additional $30. you get two sets of body parts seen by scrolling down.

Of course, the more I look at it, the more I want it. Sigh. I suppose I could just keep Adele 1.0 and sell everything else...unless they look better in person. I wish 2.0 and 3.0 were wearing wigs.


From the offering:

At the W Club, we always try to think about what the collectors' feedback might be on each offering and anticipate as many needs as we can, as well as create solutions when we are able to. While "The Faces of Adèle" is meant to be a quick switch set & while each of the busts/portraits included with the set can be easily switched on the included body by simply disconnecting the arms and lower torso, we know that many collectors will still want 3 separate dolls. So, we spoke to Integrity and got approval to offer you an optional "Body Completer" pack sold separately that includes two sets of arms (with hands attached) and two lower torsos with legs attached, that will allow you to assemble all three dolls in this gift set into complete dolls for the added low price of only $30 + S & H per set!
Again, this is an optional offering. If you complete the dolls, they will no longer be able to use the Museum Podium Stand, which is designed specifically to display one doll and 2 busts, not 3 complete dolls. This extra offer is not directly part of the initial gift set and is only being offered as courtesy.
A deposit of $15 is required now to pre-order this body completer pack (these are not full replacement bodies) and 1 optional body completer pack per membership is allowed. You will be contacted to pay the remaining $15 balance closer to their arrival at the warehouse. Otherwise, the same timing and procedures as listed above apply. 

$30. for both.

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This has been a great year for Adele Makeda in my collection. I like the styling and the beautiful fashions of the first two dolls below and I like the innovation of the giftset. 

Exquisite Adele - Coming soon, I  hope.

"Frosted Glamour" Adele Makeda    Gala Dinner Event Centerpiece Doll

 2017 4th W Club Doll  Adele Makeda Gift Set